Chapter 7
Before any celebration started, the Red Hair Pirates set course to another island that, according to Shanks and Benn, it was a winter island. The idea left Alexis extremely happy since she never actually seen snow while, on the other hand, the rest of the crew seemed rather annoyed at the whole winter and cold idea.
Once their course was made, the crew hurried to the mess deck, celebrating Joshua's entry to the Red Hair Pirates. As the gluttonous pirates stuffed their faces with food and ale, Alexis noticed Joshua escaping the mess deck, towards the ship's deck. Alexis sneaked out, following Joshua to the exterior. She was suddenly bathed by the comforting light of the moon that was raised up high in the sky.
She spotted Joshua leaning against a barrel, looking down at his mug of ale, lost in deep thought.
-Yoh. – She called, capturing the young pirate's attention.
-Hi. – He shyly responded at the red haired woman before him and returned his gaze to his alcohol.
-What's wrong? Not enjoying yourself? – Alexis questioned as she sat on the ship's rail, swinging her legs in a child-like manner that she always did.
-It's not that… - He answered truthfully. – I just feel like I will slow you down or cause more damage.
-Why so?
His gaze rose to the night sky.
-I don't know how to fight. I can't do anything that can help out the crew…
-You know how to fight.
-No I don't. – He laughed lightly in a mocking state.
-You know how to fight. – Her voice sounded harsh but she didn't attempt to disguise it at all. – You just need a bit more practice, that's all. – She returned her gaze to the moon, sighing in relief as she felt the cold warmth of its light. – How old are you?
-Eighteen.
-It's never too late to learn, Joshua-boy. – She chuckled at her new habit towards his name.
-Teach me then. – He got up from the barrel and positioned his figure in front of Alexis. – I want to get better. Teach me please.
-We'll start tomorrow, then. – She smiled at him kindly. – Now off you go back inside. This is your party.
-It's not my birthday so why party so much?
-Think of this as… an unbirthday party. – Memories of her childhood flashed in her mind as she remembered the hours she would spend watching the movie of Alice in Wonderland. – Besides, the Red Hair Pirates love to party. We'll always find an excuse to drink alcohol and cheer. It's a moment where we can just be happy and carefree.
Joshua nodded, a big smile bathing his features and headed back inside. Alexis remained on the rail, gazing at the marvelous night sky.
Somehow, she would always find comfort on the darkness unlike most people. While other preferred the light she preferred to stay drowned in darkness where the only light was given to her by the moon. That shimmering and weak light that would caress her pale skin so kindly and she enjoyed that comfort that it gave her.
Her mind wondered under its own will to the image of a red haired man that she learned how to appreciate and love more by each passing second. Sure she was a fan of him back in her world but she never grew too attached to him since he barely made an appearance in the anime. Yet, now that she was side by side with him, she was surely falling for him and his charms so easily. Then again, it was very easy for someone to like Shanks. He had such a gentle aura that surrounded him constantly.
Not only his personality but his looks went along so well. He was as gentle, kind and cheerful as he was handsome, charming and incredibly sexy.
Alexis sighed deeply as a rush of reality hit her. Did he actually have something for her as well? She was fully aware she was never the greatest example of desire towards a man but, deep in her heart, she felt like there was something in her that boost her confidence a bit, never letting her break down.
Why would Shanks flirt with her in the first place, if he didn't feel anything for her? Then again… some people liked to do that just for a small tease.
She crossed her legs over the rail, rested her elbows on her knees and placed her head on her hands, as she began to hum the song "Just be Friends" from Luka (Vocaloid). The figure that emerged from the door that led to the deck went unnoticed by her.
It was Shanks and, just like the last time she had sung under the moonlight, he leaned against the door frame and just listened to her melody. Her voice always managed to soothe whatever storm was occurring in his heart. Her company always distracted him from whatever was troubling his mind and for that he was so thankful for meeting that woman.
Unlike the other women he had met throughout his adventures, she was different. Usually they would just like to get laid for the night and that was it. Not that he was fully bothered about this: sometimes it was better to keep distance between people that weren't going to travel along side you and that you'll never meet again. The other women he had met weren't much into actually knowing him and his personality.
Alexis, on the other hand, wanted and worked hard to know him, she took her time to know him well. And that gave him time to know her as well figuring out that she was someone that always searched what was good in someone, ignoring any obscure past. That was shown to him when she quickly forgave Joshua for what he had done, greeting him with arms wide open to the crew.
She was so different and he loved that about her.
The song came to an end with a deep sigh that escaped Alexis' lips.
-Is this a habit of yours? – Shanks finally spoke, startling Alexis. Her hair caress her pale skin as she turned her head to look at him, her grey eyes shining under the moonlight.
-What?
-Singing.
-Well… Kind of… yes. – She chuckled lightly, making him smile as well.
-You should put up your own show here. – He announced as he walked up to her. He leaned his sculpted back against the rail, his arm resting on it, only a few inches away from her thigh.
-And break half the windows? I'll pass. – She chuckled once again and returned her gaze to the stars high and mighty on the night sky.
-You sing like an angel. – He stated causing a blush to creep up on her cheeks.
-Isn't that an exaggeration? – She questioned, trying to avoid her need to look at the handsome pirate next to her.
-Not really. – His eyes rested on her profile, taking in her image. Her soft scent of alcohol and strawberries aroused his nostrils and he gathered supernatural power to contain a groan of pleasure that almost escaped his throat. – You sing magnificently.
-Well… Thank you Shanks. – She smiled and finally looked at him, only to gasp lightly at the image before her: his white blouse was completely unbuttoned, revealing his sculpted chest to her eyes' delight; his trousers here somewhat pulled down, giving him a more relaxed look than usual. Despite being barefoot, his height always overcomes hers: he was really tall when compared to her 1,74 meters of height. Her eyes finally fell upon his onyx orbs that were filled with desire and the kind and gentle promise of a loving man.
-Alexis… - He called her name only once, making her body shiver in delight over her name being spoken by him and his attractive voice.
-Hm…
-Remember what I told you before?
-What? – Her face was filled with slight confusion trying to remember what he had said to her that was supposed to be remembered, although she had a small hint of what it might be.
-About taking care of you after the mission… - He tried to avoid the word "virgin" in his sentence. He knew it bothered her to listen to that word and he couldn't bring himself to tease her at this moment.
-Oh, that… - She chuckled nervously. – It was only a joke, right? I mean… - Her sentence was interrupted by his intensive stare: he wasn't joking at all.
-Like I said, I'm a man to my word. It was a silent promise that I made and I will only accomplish it if you want it. – He purred those words out, filling Alexis' mind with images she would love so much to come true.
-Shanks… - Her face turned a bright red as the image of a certain pirate completely naked popped to her mind. She shook her head harshly, trying to clear that image out of her thoughts. With a sigh she added, finally. – Don't tease me to that extent please.
-I'm not. You think I'm joking around.
-Every other man I've met so far only teased me and left me hanging at the end. – She smiled sadly at him before returning her gaze to the moon. – They never really wanted me, only wanted to use me to get to someone else. I was only a temporary amusement until they got what they wanted.
-What makes you think I'm like all those other men? – He placed himself in front of her, his gaze piercing her soul with a harsh intensity but they still held a hidden kindness and compassion.
She was speechless. What on earth crossed her mind to judge Shanks to be like all those other men that she met throughout her life!?
She nodded her head negatively.
-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say that. – She returned her, now sad and guilty gaze at her captain. – It was my mistake to judge you to be like all those other men. You're so different from them and that makes me so happy. – She smiled kindly and looked at the ground beneath her, finding Shanks' bronze feet resting on it.
-What do you mean? – He seemed somewhat confused yet glad she thought so.
-Unlike all the other men that only wanted to get a pity fuck – That statement made Shanks laugh softly. Alexis smiled at her jolly captain - or get laid by friends that I knew, you actually want to know me better. You want to understand how my personality is and how I function and… I'm thankful for you being like this. – She couldn't contain a small tear drop that managed to escape her eyes. She did get her heart broken once before because of her stupidity and ignorance towards the man she was with. Even though years had passed, it still hurt a bit.
Some scars hurt more than others…
Shanks noticed the small drop that was flowing down her cheek. Reaching out his hand he wiped away the tear, earning a thankful smile from his red haired crew mate.
-I'm not like them Alexis. – He stated, giving her a comforting smile of his own. – Like you said, I am different and so are you. – His hand slid down her arm and took hold of her hand. Her soft and pure skin caressed his calloused hand so kindly. He could only imagine falling asleep with the gentle caress of the woman before him. – You are such a kind hearted woman, always searching for the best in people. You're forgiving and I adore that in you. – Her eyes were shining in contentment at his kind words and Shanks couldn't help but smile at her cute expression. – You are everything I search for.
-Is that a proposal? – She managed to speak out, somewhat amused yet happy that he was admitting that to her.
-Take it as what you want it to be. – He answered truthfully. – For me I am sure that what I feel for you is real Alexis.
-Shanks…
His hand returned to her cheek and gently caressed the side of her face. He leaned closer to her as he brushed away some locks of hair that had fallen in front of her face. His breath warmed her features and she found a hint of mint in the middle of the alcoholic scent.
She enjoyed his natural scent so much.
It was so attractive and inviting to her.
As he leaned closer to her, each of their hearts were beating at a quick pace, deafening their hearing to the point they couldn't figure out any sounds around them. Yet a presence was made, making Shanks pull back from Alexis and look at the figure that soon after emerged from the door.
Joshua.
-Aren't you coming? – Joshua's cheeks were red from the insane amounts of alcohol he had drunk so far.
-Yeah. – Shanks said, making Joshua turn his back to them and return to the mess deck. The red haired captain sighed and began to walk to the mess deck. All of the sudden he was pulled backwards by a hand that took hold of his wrist. Turning around, he didn't have time to process what happened next. Alexis stood on her tip toes and crashed her lips into his, making him gasp in surprise. His eyes were wide open in shock, staring into her closed ones. He noticed the blush that crept to her cheeks at each second that passed with their lips connected.
Just as quick as the kiss began, it came to an end. Alexis looked at him from under her long eyelashes and began to nervously play with her fingers.
-I am sure about what I feel for you captain. – She managed to mumble before she rushed pass him and entered the mess deck, leaving the red haired captain behind her in pure surprise and amusement.
She really was one of a kind.
A/N:
My god! Two chapters in one day... I'm on a roll! :D
I'm sorry but it had to happen this chapter! I had a feeling that something of this level needed to happen on this chapter. Do not worry there is still no certainty in between the two. I will continue develop their relationship slowly.
The following island they will reach is, as mentioned a winter island. This story is following the development in the anime that corresponds to the events BEFORE the Marineford arc took place.
Anyways the song mentioned is the cover made by LeeandLie (check out her youtube channel she does amazing covers) "Just be Friends" - Vocaloid
I do not own One Piece, nor Vocaloid and LeeandLie (that would be weird) xD
I only own Joshua, Alexis and the Plushie Pirates
