Shanks ate in silence and in turn, everyone too ate in silence. Sophie kept on glancing his way, hoping he would give her a smile or even the slightest of nods, but that was not the case.
He looked at Mihawk instead and grinned, "Thank you for the meal. I wish I could stay here longer seeing…Yu is back, but I have an urgent matter that needs addressing."
"I'm sure Benn can handle it," he turned and looked at Sophie, "Yuki has looked her happiest ever since you came, like she always did back then."
Back then?
After the night before, Sophie was certain that Yuki and Shanks had been sleeping together behind Mihawk's back, but as meticulous and vigilant as Mihawk was, she did not understand why he had not picked up on it. Sophie looked at Shanks, who now was looking back at her. He had explained everything to her.
She faced Mihawk instead, wondering what he would do if he found out. She had sworn her secrecy so that in turn Shanks would remain silent about her true identity.
Dr. Vegapunk. She clenched her teeth at the news. Shanks had told her he was in the North blue conducting a rather lengthy experiment, which was going to take him about three months, tops. She did not have that much time though. Her pills were running out and if they were to finish whilst she was in this world…
A hand touched her head. She looked up and found Shanks smiling at her, "I hope you get what you want Yu. Don't forget-"
He choked on his words and remained silent, regaining his composure, "Don't forget I'll always be here for you."
He was now looking at Mihawk, his voice sardonic, "If you ever get bored of that prude over there, I will welcome you with open arms."
"You don't know when to quit do you?" Mihawk growled as Shanks chuckled. Mihawk looked at Sophie. It was that look again. He had a stoic expression as he scrutinized Sophie's expression. This time it was different than the last. He stared at her for longer until Shanks leaned in his line of sight.
"Yu had a hard time away from you. I don't think it's wise of you to over-analyse every peculiar thing she does. "
"You know?" Mihawk remained unfazed, though I could feel his emotions through his speech and tone. He was curious. Those two words had made sense to Shanks somehow.
"No," this was followed by Shanks laughing, "It's just an assumption. Well, I best be off. Mihawk, help me take the sake to the harbour. My crew will be here soon. You can tag along, Yu."
"Its fine," Sophie replied, "I'll stay here and clear the table instead."
He looked at her and smiled, "Very well. It's probably for the best. But I am not leaving without you saying goodbye."
He winked and made his way to the harbour with Mihawk as Sophie cleared everything.
Sophie's chest was tight with emotion as she remembered what he had told her. The intenseness of their conversation just a few hours ago and the tears that were shed, she could not even tell who loved Yuki better –Mihawk or Shanks?
"Sophie Larson," Shanks smiled as he looked at Sophie, "It truly was a pleasure to meet you."
Sophie smiled at Shanks, "Likewise."
"Take good care of Mihawk for me."
Sophie frowned. Underneath it all, Shanks was a good man. In everything he did, he was always trying to put Mihawk first. Though Yuki had been the one thing he just could not let go off. It made Sophie want to meet this Yuki so badly. She wanted to see the woman that was able to make Mihawk fall head over heels as well as make the most honest of men cast aside his moral standings. She was a force to be reckoned with.
"I will try," Sophie replied.
He held Sophie in a long embrace before letting her go, "If I don't go to the ship right now, a fight might break out. Let's just say Mihawk and Yasopp's personalities don't exactly go hand in hand. If you need anything, don't be afraid to ask me."
He was walking through the door when he came to an abrupt stop, "You have been able to fool Mihawk till now, but sooner or later he is going to find out. He might as well have found out but he doubts his thoughts. You may look like Yu, but your personalities are completely different. Mihawk will not take it lightly once he finds out you are not Yu. That is just the way he is. He might even kill you for impersonating her. Be careful."
Sophie swallowed hard and nodded. She had not thought that far.
What would happen if Mihawk found out she really wasn't Yuki?
Guys, this is my last update for the year. Gonna take a break relaxing, but will be writing more chapters during the Christmas holiday then will start uploading again no later than Sunday the 12th of January.
Next chapter will be on Shanks and Sophie.