Blue Feather
Introduction: For AWL fans of the series, I decided to try something a little different. Tell me what you think of it, as it is a one shot. If a lot of people are interested, I might even continue it or something…
I stared up at the sky, twirling the pretty feather between my index and middle fingers. Slowly I whipped it around and around, careful not to dislodge any of the beautiful blue fibers. A friend of mine had given me the feather, mentioning something about it being a proposal item. I didn't quite understand what to make of it really. There was no one in this village that I would want to propose to… well… almost no one.
I turned over on my stomach in the sand, shaking my tussled hair in order to disperse the numerous grains of sand from it. The waves crashed behind me, and the sparse green hill lie before me. Atop it stood the Blue Bar, which had been my choice of comfort for the past year or so. I twirled the feather again, holding it up to the bar where she worked. The feather took up the whole bar from this angle, and when I spun it again it gave the bar a bluish tint, which is something you would've expected a bar called Blue to have. My thoughts wandered from the feather however, and on toward the pretty bartender at the Blue Bar: Muffy.
Golden locks and a pair of emerald eyes flashed through my mind. Sometimes at night when I pressed my mind hard enough I could see her perfectly, from her black headband to her ruby red dress, all the way down to her pretty black heels. I loved to idle the hours away sitting at the bar watching her move about in those heels as I sipped my drink. Sometimes on the nice nights she'd even pay for me, and then reward my confused expression to her kindness with one of her shining smiles. I felt so childish sometimes, considering most of the time I spent at the bar was purely to watch her.
Rock had noticed my sudden interest from the moment I stepped in. He had begun to follow me from dawn till dusk, making sure I didn't do anything stupid or go anywhere near Muffy. I gave in to his antic immediately, just so that I wouldn't raise any suspicion in Muffy. Rock liked Muffy a great deal, and usually whenever I popped into the bar he was there, conversing with her in the back room or bugging her while she worked. Usually I'd just stalk to my seat in my usual sulky fashion, pretending I was brooding over something else. But when Muffy caught my eye all the petty jealously washed away, replacing my general moodiness with enough lighthearted energy that I almost beam. Instead I'd incline my head, a wry smile on my face and a relatively glazed look in my eye. Behind her, Rock would give me the dirtiest look. I didn't understand why I was such a threat though; I mean sure, I knew where her diary was and he didn't, but there was no way she'd ever go for me. Not in a million years.
For the umpteenth time in the last year or so a pang of guilt and pain echoed in my lonely interior. She was never to be had. I would never learn what it felt like to hold her in my arms, or to kiss those beautiful lips she so beautifully adorns with ruby red lipstick. I sighed and let the feather droop a little, wondering if I should give the feather back kindly. He had told me to give it to someone I loved dearly and see what happened, and I was willing to trust him. The only question was did I trust myself around such a powerful gift and such a lovely, fragile creature?
I got to my feet and dusted my clothes off, making sure the feather still stayed to its sleek shine. My mind wandered as I walked, and instinctively I ended up at the Blue Bar instead of my usual destination, the mansion. I liked to listen to the piano music almost as much as I liked Griffin's music, although lately I found myself more and more drawn to the guitar tunes Griffin crooned than to Lumina's elegant classical. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that most all Griffin played were love songs.
I pushed open the heavy door into the musky dark interior of the bar. The air was heavy with the perfume of wine and other assorted mixtures Griffin came up with, and from the looks of the place it was a pretty big workday. Not a single customer in sight, not even Rock. I walked in slowly anyway, careful to keep a low profile. I could hear Muffy rummaging around in the back room, probably fixing her hair or re-applying her make-up. At the counter stood Griffin, shining a pretty gold goblet. He noticed me almost immediately, and set the goblet down on the counter, ready for whatever it was I desired, "Well hello there, how's life been going for ya?"
I nodded, muttering a quick 'okay' and sat down at the bar. "What's Muffy doing?"
Griffin smiled down at me with those twinkling eyes of his in an almost knowing look. "The usual, just making sure she looks pretty enough for the customers. She's been a little skittish lately. I can't get her to eat all that much, and she worries like you wouldn't believe…" He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I'm wondering if it has to do with that damned Marlin. He mentioned last night that she was getting fat, which as you and I know is-
"… a crock of shit," I finished with a low growl. Griffin laughed and went back to cleaning the rest of the cups. "But hey, go on back. Maybe you can cheer her up."
I didn't even wait for the rest of whatever he was saying. I was about ready to kill Marlin for calling her fat. She's the skinniest woman in the village, far surpassing Marlin's precious Celia. Honestly, Marlin could be such a dolt at times. Luckily my rage hadn't shown on the outside, and I managed to calmly knock on the door instead of barging in like I wanted to. See? I can control my temper just fine…
Bastard.
"Come in," Muffy's voice rung through my ears, sweet as bells. My mood turned up a little, and I clicked the door open and walked in. She turned from the counter she was sitting at and smiled up at me, "Hello! I was wondering if anyone was going to come today. You're the first."
I opened my mouth, but nothing really came out, except maybe something between a grunt and a squeak. I don't think I've ever squeaked before. It's an awkward position to be in when you squeak. Muffy giggled at my response, "Did Griffin have trouble making one of his concoctions or something? What's the matter?"
My mind sort of froze, and the most I knew was happening was that the heat was rising in the room. I closed my mouth abruptly, figuring I looked like a complete fool, the blush creeping up my cheeks. My red appearance only made Muffy giggle harder, "You're so cute when you get drunk! Pretty soon your cheeks are going to match your hair!"
She thought I was drunk. Good lord. I relaxed a little, the air around me beginning to cool. I slid my hands in my pockets, returning to my usual stance. Suddenly my hand brushed against something. The feather.
My heart raced. Could I give it to her and say it was an early birthday present? There was no way I was going to say anything regarding my feelings. I mean sure, I trust Muffy with my life, and we're fairly close friendship wise. I know all about her little mishap with the friend that betrayed her, and after I found out about it I wanted to buy a gun and shoot the guy. But unfortunately Forget-Me-Not Valley is a pretty peaceful place, hence my hippie friend Gustafa's presence. If there were any firearms in the valley Gustafa would burn them, or give them to the fireworks twins for some new firework. People were that way in this village. I doubt anyone except for maybe Galen has ever been or seen a war.
Still, I couldn't say anything. I didn't want to hurt her, and I most certainly didn't want to betray her trust like that other guy did. The most I wanted to do was to protect her from those idiots who played with her skirts and catcalled or whatever. Some men in this town have some serious issues. Rock was the worst of the lot. I tend to think maybe he was dropped on his head when he was kid. The boy is insane.
I began to strike up a conversation with Muffy while my mind reeled, trying to buy some time with her before the mob of sweaty men raced into the bar and she'd have to get back to work. It worked, and soon we were talking about our desire to leave the valley. The place may be peaceful and all, but Muffy desired the city, see the sights, like I do. Maybe I really should tell her, we could even run away together… what am I thinking?!
But… there was a nagging in my mind, telling me my feelings were much more than they appeared. I used to deny it in my head, say that there was nothing there, only friendship. It was just a deep friendship I had with her, nothing more. Maybe if I just… no! I could never tell her! I could never begin to explain, let alone give her this godforsaken feather! Why did he give this stupid thing to me anyway? What would I need it for? He sure has a weird way of-
It hit me. He knew. HE KNEW!
"Are you okay?" her emerald eyes were filled with concern. Concern for me. I'd let my mind run away with me and made her worry for nothing. Geez. Still… he knew all along didn't he? He's been watching me from day one… I knew it was weird that he kept following me and giving me stuff, but…
I ran my fingers through my hair. "I'm fine."
"Are you sure? Your face has paled some…" she stood up and walked over to me. Suddenly we were standing face to face, and she was watching me with those beautiful eyes. The blush crept back to my face, and I knew. I couldn't take it anymore. I wanted to trust her fully… I wanted to love her for her without any worries about if she saw whatever the heck was going through my mind about her. I love her.
Those three words rang in my head like chimes. It felt so nice to say them, even if it was in my head. I love her. I love Muffy. Before I knew what I was doing, I had pulled out the feather.
Her eyes caught it almost instantaneously, and they widened a little. "Oh? Where'd you get that?"
I raised it a little so she could see, although it was still firmly clenched in both my hand. Jack had given me the feather for a purpose, something he knew I could do better than him. He never wanted marriage, ever since he understood that he could never have me. She was all I wanted, to be with her, to protect her, to love her. He understood, and in one last attempt to make me happy, he gave me this little feather. For just a moment, I was happy I had a friend like him. Instead of wanting me for himself, he let me go, and hopefully if this works, gave me to Muffy.
With new confidence I held the feather out to her. "Muffy… this… t-this is for you."
She looked positively enchanted by it, which made my spirits soar. "Oh, Nami! It's beautiful! Thank you!" And yet her smiled faded as she took it from my hand, "But… what is it for?"
I swallowed hard, trying to keep my emotions balanced. I inhaled slowly and smiled weakly at her. This was the woman I trusted, my best friend. She is the woman I have loved ever since I came to this valley. I only wanted to be with her. Always.
"I love you Muffy."