I walked through the guest area of The White Boa, taking in the relaxing atmosphere the garden created. We hadn't had a chance to experience it the last time we were here, seeing as how we were escaping the brig. I leaned over the railing of the upper walkway as Cooke and Mack entered, about to call out to them when the sounds of Cooke's rant reached my ears.
"She's the queen of Numara! She could have anyone! So why pick that idiot?!" The young girl demanded rhetorically, throwing her hands up in the air in disgust. Mack shrugged his shoulders, scratching his head.
"You just don't like him because the Captain doesn't," Mack said quietly, already preparing to flinch for his sister's response.
"No! I don't like him because he's a lazy creep!" She shouted, her already loud voice increasing in volume. She stomped her foot in an outburst of annoyance.
"At least Aunt Ming seems to be happy," Mack offered, trying to placate his irate, older sibling.
"Maybe so…but I refuse to call him 'Uncle Jansen'!"
The roaring in my ears drowned out the rest of Cooke's tirade. Ming with Jansen? Of all people? It was inconceivable. The irritatingly realistic part of my brain said a triumphant "I told you so" as my heart felt like it was shattering. I bit my lip to contain a sob that threatened to escape and brought a hand up to my face, surprised to find it wet with tears. Since when did pirates cry? Especially the Great Pirate Seth? I wiped at my eyes, dismayed to hear myself sniffling.
When I looked back down at the first floor, Cooke and Mack were gone. My sigh of relief at no one being there to witness my breakdown was cut short when I heard rich, achingly familiar laughter ring out down below. Ming and Jansen walked in, hand in hand. Ming's head was thrown back in a fit of mirth. A painful twinge manifested in my chest at the sight of their intertwined fingers. More tears threatened at the look of unadulterated affection she gave him.
I had to get out of here before they spotted me. I moved as soundlessly as possible to the alcove exactly above where the exit was. When they were halfway to Ming's chamber, I swung over the railing, landing silently on the grass near the doorway. Once safely inside the small hallway, I turned to look back at them. My eyes met Ming's and I held her gaze until the door hissed shut, blocking them from view.
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A/N: I haven't decided if I should end it like this or continue it. Thoughts and opinions would be appreciated.