AN: In which there is a lot of silliness, and even more blushing, but you've come to expect that by now.
Chapter VIII
Three months had passed since their last departure, when the Red-Haired pirates made their return to Fuschia.
By now most people had begun to expect it, and so their arrival didn't cause quite the same uproar as it had the first two times. And although some still harboured suspicions about the pirates and their business in their little town, others had long since given in to the belief that if they hadn't done anything yet, whatever raid or massacre they'd been expecting just wasn't going to happen.
Well, that, and most of the villagers had fallen for the charm of the easygoing crew, though few were willing to admit it.
Makino smiled at the thought as she made her way up the steep slope, leaving the excited village chatter in her wake as she walked the path she knew by heart. Winter was slowly relenting its grip on the island, and the snow had all but melted; the cold winter sun now warmed her back pleasantly, and here and there tufts of grass had begun peeking forth. Light-hearted at the sight and with hope of what awaited her, she picked up her pace, a surge of expectation pushing her forward and up the sloping hill.
She hadn't been at the docks for the pirates' arrival earlier, like Luffy and some of the more curious villagers. Instead Makino had chosen to remain at the bar, busying herself with preparations for the night. It wasn't that she hadn't wanted to be there – quite the opposite, in fact, and she'd had to go to great lengths to occupy her mind in order to keep herself from running down to the wharf and all but throwing herself at a certain someone.
She shook her head at her own thoughts. Despite the near overwhelming urge to do just that, she knew that if there was one thing she most certainly did not need, it was to give Fuschia more to gossip about than they already had. Suzume had been putting ideas in their heads for weeks – honestly, it was nothing short of a miracle Garp hadn't caught whiff of things during his last visit.
And really, Makino's reputation and sense of common propriety aside, Shanks didn't need more evidence of her young age, which such an action would surely be a blatant testimony of. Yes, let's keep the girlishness to a minimum, shall we?
The top of the hill was within reach, and – anticipation brimming in her chest, and a nervous shiver racing up her spine – Makino picked up her skirts and ran the remaining distance. She felt light as a feather despite the heavy shawl wrapped around her shoulders, and by the time she reached the top her cheeks were flushed from the exercise. Pushing her fringe out of her eyes, her eyes searched the expanse of the hilltop, smile stretching wide at the sight of the head of bright red hair some paces away. She'd hoped she wouldn't have to come down to the ship to see him. Facing the crew after her downright embarrassing display on the docks three months ago wasn't exactly something she was looking forward to. And so seeing him there on her hill sent a wave of relief and elation surging through her. Shanks seeking her out first silenced the little voice in her head that had been nagging at her for weeks, asking if he was even coming back at all.
Turning to face her, no doubt having heard her coming long before she'd begun ascending the slope, a smile tugged at one corner of his mouth, and whatever was left of her anxiety dissipated entirely, leaving in its wake a pleasant fluttering in her stomach.
"Enjoying the view, Captain?" she surprised herself by initiating conversation, as she came to stand beside him on the ledge overlooking the sea.
Shanks grinned, and Makino knew what was coming before he even opened his mouth. "Quite. Though I believe it just got better."
That she had to stop herself from giggling like an idiot was proof of just how infatuated she truly was, and out of sheer stubbornness, if nothing else, Makino fought to keep her smile contained. Young or not, she wouldn't be reduced to a simpering fool that couldn't keep her head level around a man. No matter how roguishly handsome or charming. "Such a flatterer."
"Are you, then?"
She blinked, incomprehension pulling her face into a frown of bemusement. "Am I what?"
His eyes twinkled merrily. "Flattered?"
Makino laughed. "You have to make a bigger effort than that, Captain. But it was a nice try, I'll give you that."
He grinned again, and her heart did another somersault in her chest. "So hard to please. Good. I like a challenge."
Her joy mirrored his, and she could only marvel at the ease with which they interacted, even after three months apart, and despite not having known each other for very long before that. They were practically strangers – she certainly didn't know much about him despite the obvious, but the fact still remained that she hadn't felt such a connection to another human being aside from the woman who'd raised her. And even that was different – she'd never felt anything quite like this, all light-hearted anticipation and surprisingly deep-rooted affection, and the still-staggering knowledge that he looked at her and saw something worth admiring.
"So, did you like it?"
The quiet query broke through her reverie, and she looked up, confused for a moment before it dawned on her. The book. "It was quite the adventure," she said at length, lips pursing with a smile.
Shanks hummed thoughtfully, expression revealing nothing. "It was pretty popular when I was a kid, if I remember right."
She couldn't help herself. "Hmm. Long time ago, then?"
His neutral expression gave way to a smirk. "A gentleman never reveals his true age," he retorted, not missing a beat.
That remark earned him a daintily raised brow. "I though that only counted for ladies."
"Ah, details, my dear. Why the sudden interest in my age, hmm?"
Makino looked down, averting her eyes from his as a faint blush dusted her cheeks. "No particular reason," she lied, smoothing her hands down her skirt. "I'm just curious." A moment of silence passed, and she didn't think he was going to respond when he surprised her by opening his mouth,
"Twenty-seven."
She blinked, and a wry grin pulled at his mouth. "What? Is this the moment where you break my heart by announcing you only go for younger men?"
Quite despite herself, Makino couldn't help but smile. "No, it's – I could ask you the same thing," she said then.
The grin never left his lips, although at her reply, it had turned undeniably mischievous. "Ah. You'll be pleased to hear that I don't go for younger men either, then."
Makino snorted. "That – you know what I meant!"
"Afraid I don't, love. You might have to spell it out for me."
She sighed. "You're enjoying this."
"Oh, immensely."
She rolled her eyes. "I'm nearly a decade younger than you – you do realize that?"
"Yes, I've managed to deduce that much, believe it or not." He raised a brow. "Is this a problem?"
Makino sighed. "No. Yes. I mean, not for me, but – I don't know."
A chuckle, and his look softened perceptibly. "My dear, you're not making much sense."
Her sigh was a ragged thing. "I know I'm not. I'm sorry, I'm just being foolish. Please ignore me."
Shanks cocked his head, dark eyes suddenly bright and earnest. "Afraid that's going to be difficult, seeing as I haven't managed to do so during these past few months. And there have been attempts, just ask Ben."
She blushed, again – so much for not acting like a simpering fool – and his grin widened. "Ah! Did my second attempt at flattery succeed?"
Makino expelled a breath. "You're incorrigible."
"And you're beautiful," he retorted. Her blush deepened, damn her, and she averted her eyes. "And he does it again!" Shanks laughed.
She slapped his arm lightly. "Stop that!" But the smile on her face betrayed her anger.
A hand to his chest, "And here I thought girls loved to be praised," he said, feigning shock.
"Perhaps in your days, Captain," the remark slipped smoothly from her lips. "But I'm afraid things have changed a bit since then."
"You wound this old man, Makino. And while we're at it, I'd prefer if you referred to me with the proper respect. I am your elder, after all."
A laugh bubbled up from her throat. "How could I forget? Would you like me to help you back down the hill, too? Need to watch those old bones lest they break."
He grinned, but his expression suddenly turned serious. "Does it really bother you, though? And honestly, now. You're not a very good liar."
She shook her head. "I just...you've seen so much. You've, well – you've lived. Age itself isn't the problem. It's more...experience." She wrung her hands with a short, dry laugh. "I feel like a child compared to you sometimes."
Shanks merely arched a brow at that. "You should say that to Ben. Or, don't, now that I think about it. The irony might actually kill him."
She sighed at his attempt to lighten the mood. "Just...forget I ever said anything. It doesn't matter."
The tilt of his head was a staggeringly perceptive gesture. "Funny, because I think it does. If it didn't, you wouldn't have brought it up."
Makino cut him a look. "You're not going to let this go, are you?"
"Not until I'm sure it doesn't bother you."
Now it was her turn to raise a brow. "And how do you plan on achieving that, exactly?"
The wicked grin was back, and a shiver shot up her spine. And his hand was on her chin before she could think, calloused fingers tracing her jawline, and her breath caught in her throat, along with her heart, it seemed.
Shanks smiled, brushing a stray lock of hair out of her eyes with his free hand, and she wondered briefly if releasing the breath she'd been holding would ruin the moment, or if she should just keep holding it. And pass out where you stand? Brilliant idea, Makino.
"A sight for sore eyes," he murmured then, expression achingly fond, and her heart slammed against her ribcage so violently she thought the entire village must have caught it.
She didn't know what gave her the courage – looking back on it, she would blame it on her momentary lack of oxygen, but as though pushed forward by some invisible force, Makino closed the gap between them, balancing on the balls of her feet and covering his mouth with hers. And this time there was no misjudged distance, no clashing of teeth or following awkwardness, only a simple touch of the lips, one she'd yearned for for the better part of three months, and that had her sinking against him now. The hand grasping her chin tilted her head gently to deepen the kiss, and there was no denying the surge of want coursing through her – the feeling so profound it both encouraged her and scared her witless in a single breath.
When he pulled back, his eyes were searching hers, and there was a smile on his face. "And?"
She couldn't help but laugh at that, and for a split second she wondered what she'd been so worried about. Had she been worried at all? It was hard knowing for sure, but if she was certain of anything, it was that his way of making her forget her worries, seemingly without any effort, would always remain a mystery to her.
Closing her eyes, Makino rested her forehead against his chest, hiding her smile in his shirt. "You kiss well," she said, and then, "For an old man." And she was certain they could hear his laughter all across the island, but she found that she didn't care who heard.
Because it was the best sound she'd heard in months.
"So, how have things been while we we've been away?"
The question was asked sometime late in the afternoon as they sat beneath the tree, their backs to the trunk as they watched the sun climb across the sky. Makino's smile was decidedly wry. "Oh, wild as usual. Every day is an adventure in this place. It just doesn't get more exciting than windmills and endless farmland."
Shanks laughed. "I can only imagine. Perhaps our return was in due time, then. This place could use a good party."
She hummed in reply, fingers fiddling with the hem of her shawl. Her brows pulled down in a frown as she tried to redirect her thoughts from the path they were currently taking. A dangerous path, with dangerous thoughts. Thoughts that would only give her headaches, surely.
"I fixed your cloak," she said suddenly, in an attempt at distracting herself, although his talk of their return was undoubtedly what had brought it to mind. "There was a large tear in it. I hope you don't mind."
He didn't reply, and when she turned her head towards him, there was a thoughtful look on his face, and his eyes were regarding her closely. Makino squirmed slightly under his gaze, fingers tightening around the fabric in her grip. "What?" she asked, when he didn't seem inclined to share his thoughts.
She could almost feel the frown as it pulled on his brows. "Something is still bothering you."
Makino remained silent, fidgeting further with her shawl. "It's just – Fuschia is...it's requires a detour, no matter where you're coming from or going. So–" she stopped, teeth clamping down on her lower lip, and turning her eyes away. They were both silent for a moment, before she sighed, letting out the breath she'd been holding.
"I guess I don't really understand why you keep coming back. And don't say it's because of the cloak, I know that was just something to stop me from going mad with doubt. But I'm doing it anyway, aren't I? I can't help but...doubt. Everything, because I don't...I honestly don't understand you," she huffed, her breath leaving her in a great, heaving gust. "And I'm making very little sense. I'm sorry, Captain, I–"
"Having a base is a good thing."
She blinked at the interruption, before snapping her mouth shut. Shanks smiled, never taking his eyes off her. "When voyaging as we do, it's good to have somewhere familiar to take a break, and if needed, recuperate."
Makino frowned. "But it could be a much better located port – somewhere central, so you wouldn't have to take these detours every time," she said. He raised a brow at her words, and she stared back, for once, unflinching. "What?"
He rolled his eyes. "And Ben calls me dense. I had thought I'd made my intentions clear."
Makino swallowed thickly. "Yes, but that doesn't mean I understand the reason behind them."
He smirked. "With all the novels you've read, I would have thought you'd be quick to accept such things."
It was her turn to roll her eyes. "I'm romantic, not naïve. And I'm actually finding this whole situation a bit unrealistic. It just doesn't happen in real life."
"So we're in a novel, then? Fictional characters – creations of an over-imaginative mind somewhere, acting only on someone's whim, living lives that have already been decided for us?" He waggled his brows. "Creepy thoughts, Makino. Enough to deprive a man of his sleep."
"You're mocking me."
There was a grin in his voice, "A little."
She sighed. "Handsome pirate captains don't come visiting silly barmaids in backwater ports."
"I'm handsome, am I? Always knew it, no matter what Ben says. He's just jealous his hair is greying and not mine – why are you looking at me like that?"
She crossed her arms over her chest. "You're not taking this seriously."
He gave her a look. "I hardly ever take anything seriously. Except drinking contests."
A groan. "It's like talking to a tree."
"Wow. Okay, but Ben said the exact same thing last week, except I believe he used 'mast' instead of the wood from whence it came. Is he teaching you these things?"
Makino said nothing, and Shanks fell silent as well, seated beneath the old oak as the sun warmed the ground beneath them. It was a laden quiet, not exactly uncomfortable, but carrying a hundred unspoken subjects, and for the briefest of moments, it was suddenly all too much to bear, all the things still left between them. The things he'd never speak of, but that she so desperately wanted answers to.
To Makino's surprise, it was Shanks who finally broke the silence.
"You intrigue me," he said simply.
She blinked, turning her eyes to him. There was a wistful smile on his face. "You have trouble understanding my reasons for returning, but I don't know how to make them more understandable. I can't stop thinking about you, although it would probably be for the best, for you probably more than for myself. And as of late I seem to find myself...drawn to this place. As though I have some unfinished business here. I can't quite explain it."
He met her eyes then. "You intrigue me, as you are – and I believe I've said this before – quite unlike any woman I have ever met."
Makino held his gaze, fighting the blush that didn't seem to want to go away, before she finally relented, and he laughed. "Ah, and there you go, turning your head away. That was a compliment, you know."
She didn't bother trying to hide her smile. "I know, I just have a hard time believing it."
He shook his head. "Impossible, aren't you? I'd have an easier time getting Ben to acknowledge my superior intellect."
Makino's smile widened. "A feat if I ever knew one." She sighed then, biting down on her bottom lip. "I just...can't fathom why, Captain. The only time girls like me intrigue men like you is in novels, and those novels are usually written by women who were girls like me, and who are trying to compensate for their lack of men like you. And...other things." Gods above, Makino, stop talking.
When she turned towards him next, she was greeted with an expression of unabashed amusement. "Been carrying that one around a long while?"
Makino huffed, throwing her arms up. "Why am I even trying?"
Shanks breathed a laugh. "Look at me. Makino."
She turned her head back with lingering reluctance, and he poked her forehead, making her blink in surprise. "First of all, a profession does not a person make. At least not completely. If that was the case and all pirates were alike, you should be the one running. And secondly," he smirked. The finger that had poked her forehead traced a gentle path down the bridge of her nose. "I believe we've established that I am quite fond of you, regardless of whatever foolish ideas you have stored inside that head of yours."
A grin touched his mouth when she shyly averted her eyes. "You're a closet adventurer, yet satisfied with your life here, in this 'backwater port' as you call it. You are very much a mother, and the sole owner of an establishment. And yet," his hand drifted down to graze her jaw again, and she shivered. "And yet you're young. Which is a sign of strength, I believe. A lesser person would bear signs of such a life."
Her heart skipped a full beat at that, and she was sure her cheeks were glowing red by now. "Planning on flattering me into submission, Captain?" she murmured.
Shanks grinned. "Wasn't planning on it, no. If I were, I'd mention how gorgeous you – ah, and here I thought that blush couldn't get any deeper," he laughed.
She slapped at his arm, before catching his wrist where his hand now held her chin, curling her fingers around it and tracing the scar running along his thumb. "I'm being silly," she sighed.
"Don't forget endearingly difficult."
She squeezed his wrist in playful warning. "Watch it, Captain, or I'm closing the bar early tonight."
He smiled charmingly, before letting his hand drop, twisting it to catch her own and intertwining their fingers. Makino watched, mesmerized at the simple gesture that spoke volumes.
"I shouldn't have to tell you to stop doubting yourself. I know you will regardless, stubborn as you are." But he said it with an almost desperate fondness, and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I am here though, believe it or not. And," He flashed her a smile, dark eyes grinning with mischief, but also a good measure of truth. "I never go places I don't want to go."
And for the first time since meeting him, Makino managed to keep her gaze firmly locked on his, rooted in place by the sincerity she found in them, and for a moment she was rendered absolutely speechless.
He smirked. "Flattered into submission yet?"
She laughed – really laughed, before leaning forward to kiss him. It was chaste, careful at first – the memories of the fiasco from three months ago still present at the back of her mind – but more than anything, it felt strangely natural.
"Yes, Captain, I believe you've finally succeeded," she murmured with a small smile, touching tender fingers to the scars across his eye.
His answering grin was positively contagious, and her heart skipped yet another beat in her chest (was that entirely healthy?) as her stomach fluttered with warmth, and she wondered briefly how she'd lived without this feeling all her life.
Shanks chuckled. "And they say flattery will get you nowhere."
She smacked his chest. "Don't go getting ideas now."
The feral glint in his eyes was there for less than a second, but she caught it, and suddenly the flutter in her stomach was replaced by something else – a different feeling, but...not unpleasant. A shot of warmth dropping deep into her stomach, all the way down to–
She pushed the thought away before it had had time to settle, hoping he couldn't tell just how mortified it left her feeling. Mortified, and something else entirely.
Mistaking her trembling for the cold, Shanks began to rise, pulling her with him effortlessly. "Time to get you inside before you catch a cold."
She raised a brow at that. "The man who wears sandals and capris in winter suggests I might get sick," she quipped.
"Are you going to gloat over the irony, or are you going to take my suggestion to heart?"
She clucked her tongue. "Such a mother-hen."
He actually looked aghast, palm pressed flat to his chest. "And thus my compliments are rewarded."
Her laugh was an earnest thing, giving his hand a squeeze before she released it, and began the trek down towards the village, a light spring in her step. "Coming, Captain?" she called over her shoulder, eyes alight in the afternoon sun as she regarded him from further down the slope.
Shanks smiled then, and the feeling from before came rushing back, leaving her weak-kneed and reeling. And she could feel her insecurities curl their unforgiving grip around the roots of her heart under the weight of that gaze, and not for the first time – nor would it be the last, she suspected – did Makino find herself craving her late Mistress' advice. Because these were truly uncharted waters – dangerous, undoubtedly thrilling, but also terrifying with all their promises and their dark, damning depths.
And she hadn't the faintest idea how to proceed.
AN: Whoever does though, in situations like these?
