hiding

Just want a dang sammich

She felt utterly exhausted. So exhausted she couldn't open her eyes or move the limbs on her body. Alexia was vaguely aware of prodding sensations against her skin, the light mumbling of people near her and the constant sound of a door opening and closing. For the longest time she found she couldn't understand the people who were mumbling around her, which frustrated her, wishing she could tell them to speak up. Occasionally something warm would wrap itself around her hand, most often after she had woken up from another nightmare. It was a strange sensation; falling asleep while in a way, being asleep. She was well aware of everything around her, but she couldn't react to any of the stimuli in her environment. What frustrated Alexia was the fact she had no idea what day or time it was.

The crew was finding it frustrating as well. For them, it had been two weeks since Alexia had almost died, and she showed no sign of waking. Besides the occasional whimper and downturned lips, Alexia was absolutely still.

At first Marco had banned everyone beside anyone medical from his quarters. But as the days dragged on he found himself giving in, finding himself in the company of Thatch, Rakuyo, Haruta and many of the others; as they stared at her, waiting for her to wake. Marco discovered he could no longer focus on paperwork, finding plates of food left outside his quarters as he no longer joined his brothers for meals. It took a very stern lecture and a handful of threats from Izo to finally convince him to start showering.

Meals down in the dining hall were quiet. There was no small girl to sneak sweets off of everyone's plate or replacing their sake with saltwater behind their backs. There was no girlish giggling or laughter that resulted in her snorting. There was no annoyed Marco grumbling under his breath at her antics, or Haruta chasing her out of the hall to reclaim his plate of food.

Doc himself was personally pleased with Alexia's movements. Granted how long she was asleep did concern him; but the girl had a habit of getting herself hurt and not allowing herself the proper time to heal. With her remaining in her unconscious state, her body had some much-needed time to recover. He found himself annoyed with how often someone asked about her condition. He could barely turn the corner on the Moby without being approached. He found himself reassuring Marco and Thatch several times a day. The only thing he could continue to say was as long as her vitals were stable, she should be fine.

Marco sighed as he stood up from his desk, deciding to finally go down to the dining hall for a meal. He had lost hope that she would wake up any time soon. He looked as exhausted as he felt. Vista gave him a nod as he grabbed a plate, sitting next to Haruta.

"Oh look he is alive." Izo grumbled, stabbing a piece of salmon with his fork.

"I am, what seems to be your problem today yoi?"

"You."

"And what did I do exactly?" Marco was confused, already regretting eating with his brothers.

"It's what you didn't do idiot." Izo growled.

"I don't follow." Thatch butted in, confused as well.

"Look at yourself Marco. You're a slob. Everyone here is a slob. It's shameful." Izo spat, "Alexia would think we were acting foolish. We are pirates and we aren't even acting like it. We are acting as if we are grieving, as if she's dead."

"You're being a little harsh..." Marco was cut off.

"Izo is right, Alexia would be disappointed with us, probably smack us on the head if she knew." Jozu hummed.

"All of you need to get off your asses and pull it together. Such a pathetic miserable bunch!" Izo snapped, loudly for everyone in the hall to hear before he stalked out of the dining hall.

Doc quickly entered, taking his place glaring at Marco.

"For the lowest levels of Impel Down, what did I do now?" He grumbled at Doc.

"What did you do with her?"

"Is this supposed to be a trick question? I left her in the room of course."

"She isn't in your room; she isn't anywhere that I can seem to find on the damn Moby." Doc hissed.

"Wait she's awake?" Thatch jumped up from the table excitedly.

"Why does she always wander away every single time we need her to stay put?" Marco sighed, "We need to find her now."

"She shouldn't be up and moving yet, especially not until I can evaluate her. If she is found I need to be notified immediately." Everyone from the table got up and joined in the search for her.

They couldn't find her easily. It was quickly reminding them of the first time she woke up aboard the Moby; a time when they couldn't find her either. The crew had spent a good six hours into the night looking for her. Thatch found himself retreating into the kitchen to make a quick snack, hunger over taking him.

He paused, noticing that the kitchen light was on. He could have sworn he had turned the light off. Thatch jumped as he felt a hand on his shoulder, glancing over it to see Marco behind him. He motioned for Marco to follow him quietly. They both slowly peered around the corner, a huge grin spreading across Thatch's face. Marco shook his head in amusement.

Alexia was sitting on the end of the kitchen island in her hospital gown, shoving handfuls of rice balls into her mouth. Wrappers of other food items were littered around her.

"And just what do you think your doing to my kitchen girlie?" Thatch asked, attempting to sound serious.

"Stealing your food, duh." Alexia stuck her tongue out at them.

"What do you think your doing out of bed?" Marco chuckled lightly.

"Again, stealing food."

"Okay smart ass, how are you feeling?" Marco rolled his eyes.

"Hungry obviously." Alexia laughed.

"Yea your fine." Marco sighed, helping her off of the counter, carefully attempting to drag her out the door, "Doc never cleared you to eat anything solid."

"That's why I ate before I saw him." Alexia looked proud of the statement.

"Girlie, your trouble." Thatch burst out laughing.

"Where are we going?" Alexia asked wearily.

"To see Doc of course." Marco shot her a look, "You gave him quite a scare."

"Can we wait just a moment? He'll just demand I stay in bed." Alexia pouted.

"And that's a bad thing?" Thatch scratched his head as he followed the two, "I hate to admit it girlie, but Doc would be right, you've been out for two weeks, you almost died. You've lost a lot of weight and strength. As much as I like your spunk, you probably should take it easy."

"Thatch! Not you too!" Alexia groaned, following Marco to the medical bay.