The Heart of the Bounty
A fanfiction
Chapter 9: Recovery (Almost) Complete
Aah! I awake from a relaxing sleep. I'm trying to gather my thoughts when it hits me. Was it me or did I see…
I wriggle my body to awaken my senses. My legs… I can move my legs more easily. I bend at my knees and extend several times. Slowly, first, then quickly. Yes! I think I can finally fully move. Without further hesitation I leap out of bed, landing on my feet gracefully. I take a step; no pain. Aah… I am recovered… agh! My chest still hurts.
Thankfully, though, I can walk. Which only means I can go after another bountyhead real soon. Real real soon, thank God. I don't care what time it is, I'm gonna tell Jet. He has to know. I'm pretty sure we're almost out of stock of food. I wouldn't know, since all I'm getting is broth. If that's what it is.
I turn to go to the cockpit when I see an elegant silhouette in the hallway. Huh? I shoot a confused look toward the doorway. Those curves, they remind me of … before I even think the name, I know it's not her. But I'm allured by this body. My mind is numb to the obvious answer for this body's identification. I feel like time slows down as I watch her walk past. She's going the same way I am, so I might as well follow her. I want to. I have to know who it is.
I tiptoe, so as not to draw attention from her. I stealthily follow her. The ship is still dark all over; either it's really early or she and I are the only ones awake. Somewhere in the back of my head I know where she's going, yet the mystery of her beautiful body clouds my logic. I watch her legs, her long, what I think are bare legs, take each step with grace. I follow the swaying of her petite hips. Her slender fingers sweeping the air, her short, frazzled hair…
Suddenly, the lights turn on. I almost don't notice because the difference is so slim. But it's enough… enough so that I can see her in her underwear. Or is it lingerie? God, how this teases. She probably isn't aware that anyone else would be awake at this hour, or else she would've covered herself up. Thankfully she isn't aware that someone is watching her, because this is a real-life fantasy I cannot give up. Her dark, lacy panties hugging every curve, her thin straps holding everything in. I smirk that usual smirk of a guy scoping out a girl, only without the trademark guy attitude. All I can think is, "Wow."
She turns toward a door. She's going to take a shower. That's when I notice the small towel at her hand. As she makes the turn, I hide in an empty doorway right before the bathroom. I turn in time to see a profile of her entire body. Her whole body is so toned; her arms, her abs, her thighs. Her breasts are firm, unmoving with every step. Her face, her pretty face … By now, I definitely know it's Faye, but it doesn't phase me.
I wait a few seconds as her body disappears into the doorway. Call it a guy's instinct, but I wanted to see more. I hear the creak of the hinges… I have to see her one last time before I see Jet! I dash out of my hiding place and catch the door with my pinky. I press my ear to the door; it seems she didn't notice. I hear the light patter of clothing dropping. Ooh, man. I breathe heavily; I can't help being turned on by this no matter what woman is doing this. I hear heavy steps into the shower and the pull of the curtain. Yes, she's in. It may be safe to catch a glimpse. I open the door a few cracks, just enough to peer through. As the water turns on, I see the shadow of her glorious naked profile. Her face looks more and more delicate, even if I'm not staring at it eye to eye. Her breasts … I can now see her cold, upright nipple, the completion of an alarmingly appealing secondary sex organ. Her stretched torso, her back arching to enjoy the steam of the water. Before I turn away, I catch a quick glimpse of myself in the mirror …
My eye. I know my eye is supposed to be a different shade of brown, by several distinctive degrees. I know I'm staring at my surgically fixed eye. Yet, it's color … it almost matches my other eye! I focus my neurological concentration on that eye … can I still see my past? I zip through the scenes still captured in that eye, and all I can see are scenes. No faces, except for mine. It's like old memories are being blinked out of existence…
Impossible. You can walk away from your past, but never forget it. Or can you? Faye has. Not by choice, but she has. Faye… before I leave her in privacy, I stare once more at her incredible body. I just want to touch her, to feel her…
I quickly walk away from the bathroom, picking up my stride more and more with every step. My head's in a muddle of utmost confusion. I long for her, yet Faye consumes my thoughts. I try to identify the "her," when … J… dammit, what was her name? I vaguely remember her flowing blonde hair, her soft … skin, was it? Eyes?
Just as I reach the cockpit, I come to the conclusion. In terms of reconciling my past and the presence, I'm far from recovery.
