Chapter 53
'That didn't go as planned.'
'Yupp…'
Benn was standing by the door watching his captain. Shanks sat on a chair, leaned back to a point where something as small as the rocking of the sea might have tipped it over. The first mate waited patiently for more than one worded responses but eventually he grew tired of it.
'So what now? No need to be stealthy anymore.'
Shanks still didn't talk but was considering his options. His gaze fell to the board with eternal poses. They have always been his secret weapon. Using those he was able to show up at unexpected places at unexpected times, get through the Grand Line via unguarded routes, meet up with his fleet at uncharted islands and, most importantly right now, provide a safe haven for his family.
Only trouble that remained was that now Garp would check on Fusha sooner than he had hoped. He would find the three of them gone and since he was dense yet not stupid would know they were with him. He finally looked up at Benn.
'You are right. No need for stealth anymore.' His grin was back. 'You know where to set course to.' Benn knew. And he would tell the navigator but first he had to do his job.
'That is… You know how I think about that idea…don't. Just don't do it. There is a difference in not hiding and walking up to the marines face.'
Shanks' grin didn't flicker. 'You are right; I know you don't like it. But I made up my mind.' Benn sighed, but he left to see the navigator nonetheless.
'Tell them others to meet us there, too!' Shanks called after him. The hesitation in closing the door told him Benn had heard. He leaned back just a bit more, a self satisfied grin on his face. This situation wasn't all that bad anymore.
It did however get a bit worse when the chair finally gave way and Shanks ungracefully met the floor.
Some days later Sirja was sitting back on a cushioned chair enjoying a morning break. She was very pleased on how she managed the kitchen staff. Just a few more hard days and she would have them running the kitchen on their own which would cut her job to deciding what there would be cooking.
Would leave more time to be bored, she thought with a sarcastic smile.
At least she would be able to spend more time outside. She got less sick there for once. Also napping cuddled close to her boyfriend while the wind played with her hair had become one of her favourite things to do aboard. But usually those moments of peace wouldn't last long since Ace and Luffy already showed signs of boredom. Shanks could keep them entertained for a while, but left alone Sirja would get bored too.
She would need to come up with a more productive solution for her excessive energy soon.
Maybe having a baby wasn't such a bad idea after all. Not that Sirja was careless enough to tell Shanks that, else she would probably not get out of their bed for weeks. But she wouldn't bite his head off if she were to be with child now.
'Something on your mind, Sirja?'
'Huh? Oh, Benn... I didn't see you coming. Everything's fine!' She gave him a genuine smile.
'Shanks' competition dropped by, he is waiting for you.'
She rose, laughing. 'That joke was never funny to begin with. You should drop it already.'
'It winds up Shanks, so it's still plenty funny.' Sirja just shook her head, still grinning. Yes, only her boyfriend would be jealous of a bird. Maybe he did deserve the mocking after all.
She stepped outside, some nuts in her hand. Sirja really liked the bird that delivered the newspaper, it was even tame enough to allow her to pet its head. Recognizing her it flew towards her, eagerly picking the nuts from her hands. It croaked in panic when Ace and Luffy approached. They always tried to chase the bird and so far Sirja hadn't succeeded in preventing this kind of behaviour. But she was more than capable of stopping it.
'Portgas D. Ace, Monkey D. Luffy. There are plenty of potatoes downstairs for you to peel. Allow me to show you the way.'
Taking one on each hand she led them into the kitchen. After showing them their penalty, ignoring their whining and tasting some food she made her way back to the dining hall.
The newspaper was already occupied by soneone else but she would battle him for it. This kind of fight would always end in her favor.
'If you let me have this kind of entertainment now, I will give you plenty of your favourite kind this night.' Her voice was no more than a whisper but it carried all the right promises in just the right way.
Or so Sirja thought. But Shanks didn't even flinch, let alone hand over the papers. Annoyed Sirja walked to his side to see what had drawn his attention from the prospect of having his favourite position tonight.
Oh... Now she understood. That was more interesting than a single night of fun. 'Warlord claims his bride'.
