hiding

Have you ever flown a human?

Alexia groaned. It had been four weeks since she had been released from the medical bay. Her wounds had healed up nicely, surprising her. She would always have a scar though, which usually wouldn't have bothered her, but because they were self-inflicted, she knew she would always feel guilt when she looked at them. For now, she would keep her wrist wrapped, the wound on her chest hidden well enough from her shirt.

Izo, some how in his fashionable glory, had managed to save all of the clothing they had bought. Alexia's jaw almost dropped, looking at the massive amount that now overtook Marco's closet. She had settled on a lose black tank top and ripped jean shorts. She felt for some strange reason, that she had more mobility with these clothes. She felt exposed though, without sleeves. She frowned looking at her closet, absolutely nothing Izo had bought her; had long sleeves and there weren't even any jackets.

She gave up, grabbing Marco's purple button up jacket. He would just have to suck it up until she got her own jacket on the approaching island. He appeared to be changing it up with his white dress shirt today anyways, if he would ever decide to button it. It seemed Thatch, Jozu, and Haruta were the only men on this ship that bothered to keep their top halves covered. Even Izo resorted to showing his chest quite often. Alexia rolled her eyes, knowing if she went topless everyone would most likely resort to nosebleeds and die as the bunch of perverts that they were.

She opened the door, squinting as the sun blinded her. She was too tired for this scouting crap. Marco had persisted that she join him, Jozu agreeing. Normally she could argue with Marco, and occasionally win. But Jozu was normally always right, and when he agreed to something, she knew she should probably listen. Marco was normally right too, but she found it far more entertaining to argue with him. It was still early morning, and almost everyone was still asleep, sleeping off their hangovers from the sake the night before. The Whitebeard Pirates, she discovered; enjoyed their alcohol very much.

"What on earth could you possibly be wearing?" Izo asked in slight disgust, Marco raising an eyebrow at her in confusion.

"Awe! But Izo isn't it adorable?" Thatch laughed, teasing Alexia.

"Thatch, I will destroy every kitchen utensil you hold dear to you, if you ever call anything remotely about this; adorable." Alexia grumbled, giving him a daring look, "For your information Izo, we just so happened to fail to get me anything with sleeves."

"Don't be ridiculous, you don't need sleeves sweetie." Izo dismissed.

"Sleeves just happen to be very critical in my life." Alexia pretended to be offended, "I have lost my mask, so long sleeves are my only comfort now. Jackets, hoodies, sweaters, are very much a necessity. I feel naked without sleeves."

"So you hijacked my jacket?" Marco asked, amused at her little rant.

"Suck it up birdy, it's not like you were wearing it anyways. I'll just have to steal myself a jacket when we reach the island, until then your jacket is mine." Alexia stuck her tongue out at him. He was glad to see her attitude was quickly returning to her in the last few weeks, although he sweat dropped at his nickname.

"Are you ready then yoi?" Marco asked, impatient to get this over with. This would be the first time he took someone scouting with him personally, and not something he was sure he would enjoy.

"I barely even see the island, how are we supposed to get there?" Thatch stifled a laugh, a look of horror filled her face as realization set it, "No way in hell. I'm out, have fun, let me know how it goes."

"Nice try, you're not going to die." Marco grabbed her arm, prevent her from walking away.

"I just might!" Alexia exclaimed, "How do I know you won't drop me in the sea or something?"

"Do you really think so little of me yoi?" Marco asked seriously, "Don't you trust me, not just as a division commander but as a friend?"

"Of course... of course I trust you." Alexia muttered, looking down at her feet.

"Then let's get going, you'll be fine." Marco motioned for her to join him.

Alexia groaned in frustration before hoping up on his back, wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his torso. Marco's arms burst into blue flames, as he launched them off of the deck. Alexia let out a squeak in surprise, tightening her hold around his neck, almost choking him.

Instead of the fear, she thought she would feel, she felt awestruck. The sea far below them was beautiful as it glistened in the morning sun. The wind felt soft and light against her skin, blowing through her hair. And of all things she never considered before, Marco's wings were absolutely stunning. She had never seen them like this up close, and she had concluded that they were absolutely marvelous. Hints of gold flecks appearing within the flames that were many different tints of blue.

Marco could see her grinning out of the corner of his eye as he smirked. She had after a few moments, released her arms from around his neck, stretching her arms out just as his wings were, enjoying the wind blowing passed her. Alexia enjoyed the light sensation of adrenaline flowing through her veins as they flew thru the air. She had decided that nothing could compare to how breathtaking flying was.

Alexia leaned back down, return her arms to a secure hold around Marco's neck. Her face was one of content, as she let out a light laugh.

"Marco," Alexia admitted, "You absolutely suck ass."

"What do you mean?" Marco asked confused.

"I can't believe you didn't make me do this sooner. This is absolutely amazing. And you are such a lucky, selfish asshole for keeping this to yourself." Marco burst out laughing at her remark, as they continued towards the island ahead of them. He was starting to think that maybe, he wouldn't mind bringing her along to scout future islands.