Coracias woke with a start, her dreams were a blur again… all she could remember was fire and screaming but nothing else. She looked over beside her, Law fell asleep reading a book again. She smiled as she took it from him, and slipped from the bed to get dressed. They were sharing the bed but it wasn't like it was anything new, it started on the sub. He had given her a room of her own on his sub but she didn't like being alone and would slip into his room in the middle of the night, he finally gave up trying to keep her out after a week and let her sleep in the bed with him.
She found it funny that he usually passed out wearing all his clothes right down to his boots and he never moved in his sleep like she did... he worked so hard right up until he fell asleep…
With a little smile she got changed into her regular kimono, it was still dark outside. The sun wouldn't be up for another few hours and then Law would get up and be back into his books and studying, the least she could do was make sure he had something to eat and coffee… She slipped out of the room quietly and walked into the common area but… someone was awake? That was a first...
There was a man sitting on the couch, his back was turned and all she could see was black hair with a high colored black coat… If he was sitting there could that mean he was another Warlord? Oh! There was a marine here too, that was odd. He looked to be serving food, there wasn't any marine people doing that this early on the first two days…
The marine, a younger man with blonde hair, looked up as he was pouring a cup of coffee for the Shichibukai. "Ah, Miss Kuren." He said with a smile. "Admiral Akainu ordered us to have food prepared early so you don't go trying to find the kitchen on your own again." He let out a little chuckle, they still didn't know what to do with this woman but it seemed their best option was to thwart her wandering attempts. "I brought plenty of food so you can have what you like." He motioned to the large cart beside him that was stocked with fresh fruit and a hot plate were he could make eggs or pancakes.
She gave a little pout as she went to look at the cart, she enjoyed cooking and making the coffee for Law but now it seemed like she wouldn't be able to… Unless she woke up even earlier! She smiled a little at that prospect as she picked up a bowl of cherries to munch on.
"Ah..." The Marine blinked a few times. "Is… that all you want?"
She shook her head and signed the words 'Pancakes please.' Before she sat down next to the other man, he looked interesting… he had well-groomed facial hair and his eyes… reminded her of a birds… not just any bird but one of the predator type, a hawk perhaps.
The marine gave an apologetic look. "I'm sorry Miss, I don't understand sign language."
She frowned a little, she had forgotten again… With a silent sigh she set down the cherries and reached for her notebook…
"The girl asked for Pancakes." The man said without looking up from the book he was reading.
The other two exchanged a look of shock, the younger man gave a nod and began to make her order while the girl tapped the shoulder to the one sitting beside her before signing 'can you understand me?'
He looked at her, rumors were floating around the headquarters about the young woman Law had brought along with him. To be honest he didn't fully believe them but obviously he had been mistaken. "Yes." He simply said before returning his attention to novel he was currently engaged in, he had no interest in knowing more about her. She was a mild curiosity at best but even that would bore him before too long considering she seemed to hold no real value to him. She was not an aspiring swords master nor did she seem to have the intellect to entice his interest further.
She chewed on her lip a little, this man was a bit scary but… 'Would you talk with me a little while? Nobody else here knows how to sign. I miss being able to talk like this.'
He finished his coffee and set down the mug, closing the book as he did. "I have nothing to say." With that he stood and returned to his room, he had his fill with chatty young girls considering that ghost girl that had decided to take up residence in his castle. He did not need another one growing attached and hanging about.
The marine gave a sympathetic look to the girl. "Don't mind him too much Miss Kuren, he's not very friendly with anyone." He plated up the food and handed it to her, she really seemed upset now.
She stared at the food, she had been hungry a moment ago but now… not so much. She started to sign again but stopped when she saw the young man's confused face and reached for her notebook. 'Who was that?'
"You don't know?!" He said with a little shock as he poured her a glass of orange juice. "That was one of the Seven Warlords, Dracule Mihawk. He's the greatest swordsman in the world."
So he was a warlord… so far that means three of seven were here… but she thought Law had mentioned that there weren't seven of them anymore… She frowned again, it was all so confusing. Why would they be called the seven warlords if there weren't seven of them?
He sat down next to her and handed her the glass, he couldn't go anywhere until all the Shichibukai were fed so he might be here for a while. "So Miss Kuren, what kind of things do you like?" He figured it would be alright to get to know her, the Admiral did want to find out more about her because nobody really knew for sure if she was a pirate or not so he might as well take the opportunity to talk to her now while they were alone.
She nibbled a piece of the pancake, it really was pretty good. Her free hand writing her responses as she ate. 'Call me Cora, and I'm still finding that out.' She thought for a moment, she really didn't know how to answer. There were a lot of things she wanted to try because they sounded like something she would like but she never had the chance… 'I enjoy drawing, that's a start.'
"Ah, right. You lost your memory huh." He remembered that now, he wondered what that would be like… forgetting everything about yourself. "Ah! I know!" He dug into his pocket and pulled out a harmonica he always carried. "Do you like music? I'm not very good but I can play this."
She blinked a few times as she looked at the instrument, she took it from him and turned it over in her hand. It didn't seem familiar to her… 'What is it?'
He smiled as he took it back. "It's called a harmonica, here I'll play a song for you." He brought it to his lips and began playing a little tune with a blues sound to it.
She smiled as he played, it was an interesting sound and she kind of liked it. It… made her feel a little better to watch him play and gave her her appetite back and she happily ate the fruit and pancakes he made. She didn't think she'd mind having him coming in the mornings after all.
"What's that racket?"
A growly voice came up behind them and caused the man to stop his playing as they both turned to see a very groggy Law emerging from his room with a very unpleasant look on his face.
Coracias held up her notepad quickly. 'Don't be mad, I asked him to.'
Law grumbled as he grabbed her notebook and tossed it behind him. "It's too early for that noise."
The Marine winced at the tone in his voice and couldn't help but feel sorry for her, Law scared a lot of them and she had to live with him… and it didn't seem like he treated her very nice at all. He stood up and tucked his harmonica away so not to cause her anymore trouble, especially after she went and took the blame for him when it was him who offered to play… "What would you like for breakfast Mr. Law?"
She stomped her foot as she stood up, he didn't have to be so rude by throwing her notebook. She signed angrily. 'Why do you have to be so mean to everyone!'
"Can't understand you." He said with a yawn as he sat down, it was a half-truth. He was slowly starting to understand her sign language and got the gist of what she was saying but she didn't need to know that. He was being cruel for a reason, he had to keep her at arm's length. The last thing he, or she, needed was to become attached to one another. She wasn't meant to live the life of a pirate and especially not a life with him involved. "Eggs, over medium with some rice." He responded to the Marine before grabbing the paper he had brought; they must have gotten the news earlier here… "Coffee as well. Are you done eating Cora-ya."
She crossed her arms and turned away, not giving him an answer.
"Then go back to the room and stay out of trouble today." He responded to her tantrum, she could be as mad as she liked… he didn't mind… really.
'You're horrible!' She signed before storming off, grabbing her notepad that was open on the floor from him tossing it before retreating back to her room with the slamming of the door to announce how upset she was.
Law sighed, he knew what that sign meant… she really was mad at him this time… but this was how it needed to be… "Marine."
The other man jumped at the stern tone and nearly dropped the eggs he had made. "Ah, y… yes?"
He took the plate of food before it ended up on the floor. "I'm assuming Fleet Admiral Akainu is having you watch her." He took a bite and eyed the other man carefully, he didn't seem like much. Most likely just some random grunt that got picked on a whim.
His face went pale, was it really that noticeable? "Well, you see… sir… I… aaaaah…."
"Relax." Law gave him a calm look and slight grin. "I know you'd never do anything to hurt her, right?"
That smile actually terrified him more. "Of… of course not!" He said that a little more forcefully than intended. "He just wants to make sure she doesn't wander around on her own anymore."
He took a few more bites, that seemed reasonable considering the last few days. As long as they weren't planning anything else then he could let their nosiness slide… for now. "Tell me, is there a place around here where a lot of birds gather?"
It was well into the afternoon before Coracias finally came out of the room, she had locked herself in and more frustrating she locked Law out. The Marine from earlier was there for the spectacle, he had to wait till Buggy finally emerged before he could leave and in that time he got to witness Law backing down from the girl who had apparently decided she wanted nothing to do with the Shichibukai for the rest of the morning.
The Marine couldn't help but smile, he never thought he'd ever see a Warlord like the 'Surgeon of Death' avoiding flying projectiles from a very upset woman.
"What are you doing here?"
A stern voice made the young man jump, he turned to see the Fleet Admiral with Admiral Kizaru beside him. "Ah! Go… Good afternoon sirs!" He gave a salute, his back stiff as he maintained his stance. He wasn't expecting to see them at all, especially here. "I'm escorting the young lady as you requested."
"Oooooooh?" Borsalino asked with a crooked smile. "And where is little Hana-neeeeee?"
"Ah… uh…" The Marine pointed towards a tree where her sandals were laying at the base. "She climbed up that tree a little while ago."
Sakazuki arched a brow. "Since when did the Arboretum become a playground?"
The young man shied away, it wouldn't take much for the Admiral to lose his temper. "I'm sorry sir, I was asked to bring her to a place where there would be a lot of birds. It seems she really likes them."
"Asked by who?"
"Ah, the Warlord Law. He made her upset this morning and wanted to cheer her up… without her knowing it was him." He scratched his head a little, he seemed really mean to her but he did seem to care… a little bit.
The Admiral made a grunt, he still wasn't sure what his connection to the girl was. "Get her down from there." She needed to understand this place had rules damn it.
"Oye oye, I'll get her." Borsalino stepped forward as he waved the boy aside, he stood at the base of the tree and looked up. She was sitting on a branch above him with her legs running along the limb, he was certain if he reached up he could touch her but he wouldn't want to startle her. It almost looked like she had fallen asleep... With a smile he waved his old friend over. "She looks rather peaceful Sakazuki-kun, should we really bother her?"
The other man looked up, she was sleeping alright. How lazy to be doing such a thing in the middle of the day. "Wake up!" He yelled as he slammed his fist against the trunk which shook the tree sending leaves to flit to the ground and birds to fly from their hiding spots.
Coracias jumped, startled by the branch moving. Her heart was racing, what in the world?... She looked over and below to see the two large men with the young marine. Her momentary terror at thinking she was falling passed as she smiled brightly down below.
"Ooooooh, there's that wonderful smile! Hello Hana-neeeee." He held up his arms to help her down.
She gave a silent laugh as she fell into his outstretched arms, it was so nice to see them again. She hugged him happily before being set down in the grass gently, her hand going to her notepad. 'Lunch?'
Sakazuki growled, she was as informal as ever. "We don't have time to indulge your whims."
She pouted a little. 'You promised!'
"Tch!" The Admiral looked away with a grumble. "I have things to do now." Damn her, she was acting spoiled bringing up the fickle little promise he made.
"Ooooooh? Can't you put them off for a little while Sakazuki-kun, you did promise." He teased the other man, he was surprised he even did such a thing to be honest. When would they have had a moment even? He would have to press his old friend for details on this, it almost sounded as if they had a date.
"Bring her back to the… where the hell did she go?" He went to look back down but she wasn't there.
"Over there sir." The young marine pointed a little way off were she had stopped by a bird bath, a few small little finches were bathing and she was smiling softly at them.
The Admirals watched her, one scowling and the other smiling that lazy smile. She had managed to coax one of the little birds onto her hand. The other finches slowly started to perch on her shoulders, taking cue from the little one that was now receiving soft pets on her hand that it was safe to be around this girl. "Oooooh, will you look at that." He took out a cigarette and lit it with a grin.
"Hmph." Sakazuki's stern expression did not leave as they watched her interacting with the birds, she seemed… gentle. Too gentle to be a pirate… He sighed and turned away. "She can have five more minutes, then take her back."
Borsalino smirked a little. "And what about your promise Sakazuki-kun?"
He replied with a growl. "I'm busy now…" He continued walking away. "Bring her to me for dinner."
"Ah." The young marine was a little taken aback by that. "You mean to your personal quarters, sir?"
He only gave a grunt for a reply and left.
"Oooooh, be careful not to let anyone know." He warned the young lad. "You know how private Sakazuki-kun can be." He gave a grin and followed after the other man, they walked for a bit before he said anything else. "You seem to like her."
He merely gave a growl as he lit a fresh cigar. "I'm keeping my word, that's all."
That made him chuckle. "The fact that you made such a promise is interesting enough, neeee."
"Shut up."
Coracias smiled as she walked beside the young man, a part of her was a little sad that the other men disappeared without saying goodbye buy the Marine said that he'd take her to see… what was it… Akainu, for dinner later. Now that she thought on it… 'What's your name?'
The young marine eyed the notebook. "Ah, I suppose I never did introduce myself. My name is Tucker."
She smiled, it was a good name. She was trying to do her best to remember people but there were so many to remember, that's why she started drawing their faces to show people in case she forgot their names. Something caught her attention as they walked passed a hallway… a bunch of marines were pulling things out of a room. She grabbed Tucker's sleeve and gave it a tug then pointed to the others.
"Hm?" He took a step back and looked down the hall. "Oh, it looks like they are cleaning out one of the old storage rooms." Once Admiral Akainu took over he had ordered to have a lot of this old junk removed, they had been finding a lot of random things lately.
She watched them for a little longer till something really got her attention, two of the marines were struggling to move something large with a cloth draped over it. Before she realized it her feet where moving her forward.
"Hey!" He called out to her but it was too late, now what was she doing?
She ran up to the thing they were still moving and ripped off the cover, it was…
Tucker jogged to a stop beside her and eyed the thing. "An upright piano?" What the heck were they doing with something like this? "Ah, sorry guys." He apologized and explained who she was but he could tell she was zoned in on that piano. "Ah, Miss Cora… Do you like pianos?" He remembered their conversation at breakfast, maybe seeing this brought something back to her.
She chewed on her lip as she touched the old ivory keys… it felt… familiar. She pushed down on one… the sound resonated and echoed along the hallway… She knew… this sound…
"What is that." Law asked in a bland tone as he eyed the thing against the wall of the common area, he hoped when she got back from the Arboretum she'd be in a better mood but she was… nervous almost.
Tucker wiped the sweat from his brow, this thing was unbelievably heavy. "Miss… ah… Miss Cora wanted us to bring the piano… here." He tried to catch his breath and waved the other guys off so they could leave, he was gonna owe them lunch after this.
He sighed as he messaged his temple, please don't let this turn into another headache. "Cora-ya."
She looked over to Law with a bit of a frown, he wasn't going to scold her again…. Was he? She crossed her arms and turned her attention back to the piano, it was old and dusty but… touching it made her feel better somehow.
Law sighed, looks like she was still mad at him… maybe he took it too far this morning. "Cora-ya…" He walked up next to her and put a hand on her head. "Can you play this?" She hadn't had any developments in remembering things since the day she discovered she could draw; he had tried introducing her to different things but nothing struck a chord. He never had access to instruments though… so this could be good for her.
She chewed on her lip, it was nice to feel his hand again… maybe she could forgive him… she was having a good day after all. The trip to the garden with all those birds really relaxed her and later she'd be having dinner with the nice Admiral… She took a deep breath and grabbed her notepad. 'I forgive you.'
He blushed a little at that. "Baka, I wasn't apologizing." He stuck his hands in his pockets with a sigh. "And you didn't answer me, can you play that? Have you remembered something?"
She gave a little shrug; she didn't recall anything specific but… it felt familiar to her. She sat down on the bench, listening to it creak under her weight as she adjusted herself. Her fingers attentively touched the ivory… she felt like there was a memory just below the surface… and if she could play then maybe… it would come to her…
The young marine and Law watched her, the first tone rang out in the area and then another. She blended the sounds into a haunting melody that combined sorrow with peace of mind… Law's widened eyes couldn't hide the shock. She was playing well… extremely well. This wasn't the music of someone who just played around with the keys, she might not have remembered what she could do but her body was fully aware. This talent and her art… she had to have been from a family that was well schooled… so why the hell couldn't he find anything on her? Even after they discovered her name on that picture she carried he couldn't find anything…. Cora-ya… Who are you?
One of the room doors opened behind them, Tucker turned and saw the warlord Mihawk standing in the doorway with a glass of wine being held casually. He must have been curious about the music, oh? He didn't watch for long… maybe he wasn't that curious… He thought he heard another door open but didn't see anyone else… has any other Shichibukai showed up yet?
Coracias smiled to herself, it felt… wonderful. Touching each of the heavy keys to create a sound, stringing those sounds into a song. She didn't want to stop but her hands slowed and finally rested, her heart was racing… she really did it. She turned in her seat and smiled brightly to the two watching her, it was amazing! Her hands went into a flurry. 'Did you see! I did this! I can play the piano!'
Law grinned as he walked up to her, she got so excited she forgot to use her notebook but he could piece together what she said. He put a hand on her head and ruffled her hair a little. "Notebook… Baka." He said it softly as he continued to smile, it was good seeing her like this and to think he considered not trying to get her memory back. "Come on, you can play that later." He turned away and waved her to follow. "It's lunch time."
"Fufufufufu…" Behind a closed door a tall man laughed to himself, how interesting. How very interesting… He was told about Law bringing a girl but he didn't believe it and to think she was such a cute little thing… what are you doing with a girl like that, Law… "Fufufufufu…" He was going to surprise his dear Law but he'd hide his presence for a little longer, he wanted to see if this girl would be any fun first… and just how important was she to Law…
Before she knew it evening had snuck up on them, after lunch she had busied herself with cleaning the piano with supplies that Tucker had brought her. He offered to help but she refused it, doing this was filling her with so many familiar feelings. She knew that this piano would help her to remember who she was… she wondered if Law would let her take it with her when they left… Do they even let things like this on a sub?
"Ah, Miss Cora."
She turned and gave the young marine a few blinks, what was he doing back? She thought somebody else was supposed to be bringing dinner tonight.
He gave her a smile, that look on her face told him she had completely forgotten. "I came to get you for your dinner date."
"What's this about a date?"
The young man jumped and turned to see Law standing there with a very unpleasant look on his face. "Ah, you see… I'm supposed to being her… Ah, to Admiral Akainu… for Dinner."
She stepped in front of the marine, holding up her notepad before Law could start yelling at him. 'He promised me lunch.'
Law gave a bit of a grumble. "But it's not lunch time anymore, baka!" He gave her a solid whack to the top of her head. "When did you talk to him to make this promise anyways!" What the hell! It must have been on the second day when she was wandering all afternoon on her own… but how did she meet up with Akainu of all people! He thought he'd have to worry about that shady Admiral Kizaru not that damn stick in the mud! He gripped his face with a growl, what should he do about this… "No! You can't go!" He stood up straighter with a stern look on his face, no way he was gonna let her… where the hell did she go?!
She was pulling the young marine out into the hall as she waved happily with a big grin. They had to get going before it got much later.
"Ah, don't worry Mr. Law." He gave the Shichibukai a nervous wave. "I'll make sure to bring her back after dinner." With that he left the common area quickly before the other man could retaliate. That guy really scared the crap out of him.
Law clenched his fists till his knuckles cracked, what the hell… what the hell should he do about this. He can't let the marine's try to weasel their fingers into her, they'd just use her like they did Cora-san... and leave her… He let out a little growl and turned away to go to his room. There was no stopping this whole dinner fiasco now but he'd keep a closer eye on her from now on.
"Should you be letting your ward go so easily, Trafalgar Law."
"Hm?" He paused to see the reclusive warlord standing in his doorway. "I didn't know you to be interested in other people's business Dracule-ya." He wasn't sure what to say to this person, in fact it was the first time they ever exchanged words. "And she's not my ward, she's free to do as she pleases."
"Then why did you try to stop her just now?" He watched the boy's expression, he refused to admit he was protective over the girl.
"Tch." Law continued to walk to his room, so he saw that did he… "I don't know what you mean." He left the other warlord in his door way and retreated to his own room. Until all the other Shichibukai showed up and they could be done with this meeting he didn't want to spend much time talking to any of them.
Mihawk watched the boy walk away… stubborn and ultimately would be problematic. He held a mild curiosity for him when he saved the Straw Hat during the war of the best, he did not doubt that he knew where he was as well but the boy was acting as if he played no part at all… Ah curiosity that will become tiring soon. He'd find out more on the mugiwara boy on his own, considering the straw hat's swordsman was currently residing on his island in secret. So he'd let Law have his mysteries, everyone was entitled to a few…
Sakazuki eyed his bonsai, it calmed him to trim it. Although he usually reserved this for a day he had off, a task he enjoyed doing during the afternoon hours… he found he needed to clear his head. That girl would be here shortly and they will share another meal… a fact that bothered him. He did not need to fulfil her childish little promise… perhaps it was Borsalino's teasing that got him to do it…
A knock at his door drew his attention, his eyes darting to the clock… It was time. "Come in." He stood from the cross-legged position he had been in sitting on the floor, it would be best to put a shirt back on. He did not like the confining feeling of the fabric as he trimmed but it would not be appropriate to remain so during this dinner.
Tucker opened the door and stepped aside so she could walk in. "Here you go."
Coracias looked around, so this was the nice Admirals home. It had such a traditional feel to it… it made her feel… comfortable.
"I'll come back when you're done." The young marine said with a smile. "So you don't get lost again."
She nodded with a smile and held up her notepad. 'Thank you.'
"Anytime." He said as he gave a wave before shutting the door, he was enjoying his time with her. It was brief but she was a nice person, it will be a shame when this gathering is over and she leaves.
She walked farther into the home, it was so big… ah! She stopped and slipped out of her sandals, you weren't supposed to where shoes in a traditional home… right? She wasn't sure but it seemed right… oh, now where was the Admiral… She walked further in and paused, there he was. She Stopped as she watched him, he was slipping into a shirt and had his back to her. It was brief but she saw his left side was heavily tattooed… who would've thought?
"Hm?" He sensed her behind him and turned halfway as he buttoned his shirt up, she was wearing the same short kimono again. Didn't she have anything else to wear? "Follow me, the table has been set already." He turned away and led her to the dining area, he did not have a large space for eating. Typically, he ate alone unless Borsalino decided to intrude, so his table was a simple zataku with two zaisu chairs. "Have a seat."
Ah! It looked so nice! The table was filled with different types of food; grilled fish, miso soup, rice… oooh and pot stickers! She smiled happily as she took her seat, this was a wonderful meal.
Sakazuki sat down across from her, she seemed delighted for this… how odd. Was something this trivial really worth expending the energy she was… hm? "What are you doing?" She had gotten up and moved her seat adjacent to his.
She repositioned and smoothed out her kimono before grabbing her note book. 'I was too far away before; I can't fill your cup.' She smiled as she took the tea pot and poured it into the ceramic cup for him, it looked like he had prepared green tea to go with dinner tonight.
He sighed a bit. "It's not necessary, I can fill my own cup." What's with this girl, she was like this when they had lunch as well. No high bred woman would be so subservient…
'I know but I want to.'
That response combined with that blasted smile caught him off guard, what was she doing looking at him like that… "Do you as you please." He stated simply before picking up his chopsticks to begin eating.
She followed suit and started nibbling little bits of each food, she wanted to try them all to see which she liked best. She didn't remember having a meal like this before but it was going to be a memory she hung on to from now on. Ah, that reminded her! 'I found something out today!'
"Hm?" He eyed her writing, seemed she wished to engage in small talk. He sighed a little, he'd continue to indulge her for the time being. Besides, her past was still a mystery and he was still undecided on how to handle her. Would he remove her from Law's care for her protection or… hmmm, the options weren't really clear for him at this point. "What is it?"
'I can play the piano! It's wonderful!'
He arched a brow at that, how did she manage to find this out?
'I'd like to play for you.'
Once again he was taken back by that smile of hers, what was she thinking looking at him like that. That soft look in her eyes and sweet smile implied too much, he had to be careful… keep her at arm's length… what?! He looked down to see her hand on his arm. "What are you doing?!" He moved away, she was too close… to open. She had no right to be touching him like that.
She frowned a little, he pulled away. She was only trying to get his attention, he seemed to be distracted by something. 'Are you alright?'
He grumbled a little, how dare she… how dare she continue to look at him like that. No one looked at him so gently… Fear, rebellion, outright hatred or even respect. Those were the eyes of the people that looked at him but her… those brown eyes of hers… they didn't hold any of those emotions. She always looked at him was a gentle aura… her eyes… her lips… even the touch to his arm just now… was gentle. "It's nothing, continue eating."
Why was this man so closed off? She pouted a little as she took a sip of her tea, he was even more stand offish than Law. Maybe it was a 'man' thing… but still, he kept his promise to her and that made her very happy.
Sakazuki watched her from the corner of his eye, she was smiling again. Why was it she was never scared or tense around him… why…
Law fumed to himself, he hadn't eaten much of the dinner that was provided. It had been an hour… shouldn't she be back by now? He rolled to his side on the bed… it was odd not seeing her there. He had hated it when she started sneaking into his bed at night but somewhere along the way he had gotten used to it. It's not like it was anything more than that, he never tried anything with her and at most he would pet her hair to calm her when the nightmares would cause her to stir but she never cried out…
He sighed as he sat up, perhaps a shower would make him feel better. He was tense as all hell, to be honest he wouldn't mind one of her back massages right now. She got pretty good at them from reading his medical books and seemed to have a natural talent for pressure points… which didn't help him in trying to figure these things out. Was this natural talent an unknown thing to her or was it her body remembering things her mind had forgotten? So far her talents were with art and apparently music… and she knew about the human body well enough but that could have been from her reading his books since she seemed to be a quick learner… it wasn't like she was a prodigy in everything she did though. He found that out when she tried to cook… and set his kitchen on fire. At best she can make rice balls but that's the extent of her culinary ability…. Another sigh as he shed his shirt and went to the bath… "Coracias… Cora-ya… Cora-chan…" He mumbled the different names he could call her, none of them set right with him but he wasn't the type to give cute little nicknames to people so he'd have to deal with this cruel coincidence. He stopped in front of the mirror, his eyes going to the grinning face tattooed on his chest. He touched it with yet another sigh… "Cora-san… what should I do…" What would you do about this girl?... He smiled a little, that was an easy question… "You'd take her with you and protect her… Just like what you did for me."
Coracias walked happily, her stomach was full and her evening was enjoyable. Akainu didn't say much but she didn't mind that, he was the type that didn't need to talk.
"Here you are." Tucker gave a yawn, it was late and he had been up early making their breakfast. In the morning he'd have to do it again but hopefully he wouldn't have to stay up so late with her tomorrow.
'Thank you.' She wrote with a smile, he looked so tired but she was grateful he was here to bring her back. She knew she'd have gotten lost again without him. She waved him off and gave a little stretch, she should go to bed herself… Her eyes wandered over to the piano, she wanted to play it again but it was so late she had better not. The last thing she needed was to wake up everyone by being selfish. With a sigh she put the piano behind her, she'd play some more tomorrow, Law was most likely going to be mad at her for being out so late. She opened the door to her room and shut it gently just in case he was already asleep…
"What are you doing girl?"
She practically jumped out of her skin at the unfamiliar voice, she turned to see the man from breakfast standing beside the bed in nothing but slacks. She blushed and looked away. 'What are you doing in here!' She signed hurriedly.
He arched a brow. "It's rude to ignore a person's question." He spoke in a calm tone as he eyed her, she must have just been getting back from her dinner with the Admiral… a situation that was still curious to him. "Just as it's rude to enter a man's room, uninvited, in the middle of the night."
She blinked a few times as she looked around… oh no. 'I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!' She signed as she bowed her head, she didn't realize she went to the wrong door. 'I'll leave, I'm sorry, have a goodnight.'
"Wait." He ordered as he saw her turning to leave, he went and took a seat in a chair he had arranged by the singular window these rooms provided. "Come here, girl." He poured himself a glass of wine that he kept beside him on an end table, waiting for her to do as she was told.
She shifted her weight nervously, this man… she wasn't sure what to think of him. He had such an emotionless aura about him… but she walked forward anyways, she did want to talk to him because he understood her sign language but he brushed her off this morning…
He continued to watch her as she walked over, she was cautious and rightly so. At least she wasn't completely naïve. "You can either sit or stand, I don't care which." He took a sip from the glass and leaned back. He was curious about this girl and more so curious as to why people such as Law and the Admiral took interest in her.
Coracias knelt beside him, she felt awkward standing while he sat. 'I can't be long, Law will get mad.'
He gave a nod as he took another sip. "I will not keep you, girl. I only have a few question."
She gave a nod as she watched him drink, she didn't recall seeing anyone drink wine before… he made it look so… dignified.
"Why do you not speak?" He could tell she did so because she chose not to, her hearing was perfect. If it wasn't she would not be able to string the melodies of the piano together as she did.
That question actually shocked her, she had never actually been asked that. She had been asked 'Can you' and 'Will you' but never 'Why?'… She chewed on her lip a little and took a deep breath… then smiled. How silly, to think something like wanting to know 'why' could make her so happy. She brought up her hands and began to sign. 'When I use my voice, people get hurt. So I decided it would be better to be silent.'
He did not say anything as he continued to drink, she kept staring at him as if she expected a reaction. "You may think what your doing is well meaning but you have forgotten a fundamental fact of life, girl."
She blinked a few times, what did he mean by that?
"You cannot stop people from being hurt." He finished his wine and stared into the glass, it glinted a little as it caught the light of the moon in it. "If you restrict yourself in an attempt to 'save' others then you are helping no one, not even yourself. If your words can hurt then use them. If you do not have a reason to hurt others then find one, the world is over flowing with reasons. All you have to do is pick one." He placed his elbow on the armrest and touched his chin as he continued to watch her, she was a woman but acted so childish.
She looked away, that was such a harsh thing to say… 'Why would anyone want to hurt someone else?'
"Because one cannot grow stronger if all they do is exist, strength comes from adversity. In those hardships people get hurt and in turn you may be hurt, that's when you strike back. Then you grow and become stronger."
Stronger… She touched her lips in thought. No matter how much she thought on it… she couldn't find the appeal. She was enjoying the life she had now… and even if what he said about hurting herself was true… she didn't mind. 'I don't want to hurt anyone… I don't want to see people crying anymore.'
He closed his eyes with a sigh. "You are beginning to bore me girl."
She pouted a little, his words were just as mean as Law's… it really must be a man thing. She sat up a little and picked up the bottle of wine, he had not moved to refill his glass at all.
One eye opened as he looked down at her, her eyes did not gleam with that innocent luster as before when she talked to him this morning or when she played the piano… This childish girl really did not understand what he was trying to say. "Tomorrow night, after your Master has fallen asleep, come to me with an answer." He held out his glass, allowing her to fill it for him.
That confused her even more. Setting down the bottle she signed with a puzzled expression. 'An answer for what?' and when he said 'Master' did he mean Law? Is that how people viewed them?
He took a sip then began to swirl the glass so the wine circled to the rim but did not spill. "Who are you willing to protect, who will you hurt others for?"
Her eyes grew wide… who would she… protect? She set down the bottle and stood up, smoothing out her kimono with a sigh. She never thought about that before… 'I will think about it.' She bowed a little, her mind now filled with what he had said. 'Goodnight.'
"Rest well, girl." He stared into his glass, now half full… the redness of the wine would remind him of her hair… how troublesome.
She shut his door quietly, she had wanted to talk to him… but she never expected the conversation to be like that. Hm? It was dark in the common area but it looked like someone was standing at the piano…
The other person grinned widely. "Did you get lost, little dove?"
The voice was deep and she didn't recognize it, there was no light so she doubted this person would see her sign let alone her note pad… She'd apologize tomorrow, if he was here then he must be another of the Warlords… 'I'm sorry.' Her hands signed the words regardless of the lack of light and slipped into her room, after making sure there was a sign with her name on it first. It was dark in here too; Law must have fallen asleep which was fine since she was certain he'd yell at her for being gone for so long. She went to the bed and slipped beneath the covers, her eyes adjusting and slowly his features could be seen easier… Looking at him sleeping reminded her of what the other man, Dracule, said… Someone… she wanted to protect…
In the common area the man simply smiled, his fingertips grazing the piano keys before turning to go back to his room. What a curious girl to have dinner with the Admiral and a night cap with Mihawk… curious indeed but what amused him the most was her name. Plastered along the wall with those silly little signs. "Cora…" What cruel fate you had Law, to find someone with that name… His grin grew even wider. This would make stealing her away, all the sweeter.
To Be Continued…
A/N: Three days in, how are you guys liking the progression and prospective partner interactions? Is there anyone standing out right off the bat that you think would be good for her? Reviews are always appreciated and thanks for sticking with this story J
