By now it had already been a week since the incident on the deck and everything went smoothly so far. Sure, it didn't quite turn out the way she had wanted it to, but it still had its pros.
Marco sticking to Midori on the other hand was certainly not one of them.
However, the worst part of the situation was that those men she had played cards with were right. Damn right.
He was hitting on the blonde. Constantly. It's not like she played along (though, he was attractive), moreover she had come to the unavoidable conclusion that the Marco from the Mangas was a whole lot more mature than this younger version of him. Oh, how she yearned for his mature version right now!
You want to know why?
Well, when men were drunk, they started to gossip and if you believed them (like Midori), Marco slept with all of the nurses at least once and on everything new island they stopped at he found a new toy. The only positive point was that none of the women had expected more than a one-night-stand, so he broke no hearts at least.
She hoped they were right…
A good thing you see… but why, for heaven's sake, was he after her?
As far as you could trust a drunken man's opinion, the blonde was a pretty chick with a nice body. Good to hear, right?
For her it wasn't. How was she supposed to sneak away from that bastard, when he was starring at her ass all the time?
Well…Maybe it had its good perks.
First one was definitely the fact that the pirates treated her thoroughly well and she got nearly everything she wanted. As far as she got to know them, they would have been nice to her anyway.
Secondly she befriended Vista and Jozu. Latter was friendly and even a little shy towards women, which amused Midori greatly, and Vista was a real Gentleman. Finally two men she perfectly got along with!
Third and definitely best thing though was that the Whitebeard pirates had (as unbelievable as it sounds) a library. An awesome one at that. Every bookworm would love this library at first glance. It was an old-fashioned one with shelves that nearly reached the ceiling, these ones you needed a ladder to get a book from the highest shelf. It was really an amazing place, but the best thing about it was space between the shelves and the ceiling which was just big enough for her to hide in. Nobody would find the blonde here, especially not Marco from whom she hid away more and more often. Like now.
Midori smiled contently to herself and shifted so that she was lying flat on her belly. Reading books and sometimes listening to a cursing Marco (she could hear him from time to time bitching about not being able to find her, when he walked by) had become her favorite pastime.
The only problem was that she lost track of time, because the clock in her iPod was frozen along with its battery (this however was all in all not that bad). Unfortunately Midori had been sitting here for hours (?) without anything to eat at all and she was slowly getting annoyed by the hunger.
Oh, had she mentioned?
She hadn't even had breakfast, because a certain blonde haired man had nearly pounced on her…
This whole running-away-thing was slowly but surely driving her over the edge. The blonde hadn't expected that staying out of Marco's way would be that power straining.
Inwardly she cursed at herself for having never listened to Suzu, Mio, Keiko and Ryu, when the scolded her for being too careless and not worrying about consequences.
`I am an idiot…´ Midori thought bitterly.
The smile now gone she stood up and jumped down. Sneaking out of the library wasn't hard (nobody ever came here) reaching the kitchen without being seen though was. The way there was long and Marco seemed to have developed a six sense when it came to finding the blonde.
This was definitely not funny, especially when Marco started hitting on her then and that really grating on her nerves.
To Midori's amazement she met no one on her way to the kitchen.
Either luck was on her side or something bad was going to happen…
"Midori-san?"
The girl was startled by a voice. 'Damn it!' She thought slowly turning around.
"Hello Vista…" She said weakly.
If Vista and Jozu were around Marco was never far behind. Midori and her luck…
The tall man chuckled.
"Don't worry Marco is busy. He has more important things to do."
The blonde nodded not sure if she should be happy that Marco was occupied or feel insulted that chasing her was unimportant- what somehow was, still there was no need to rub it in her face.
"Err…Vista, what time is it?"
"I think it's around three o'clock."
"Thank you." She beamed at him, but was instantly interrupted by an unmistakable growl. Both pirates started at Midori's stomach, while said girl blushed in embarrassment. Vista only laughed.
"I believe there's something left from lunch." He told her with an amused grin.
She smiled shyly at him. He laughed again while turning to walk away. However he stopped, when the blonde called after him.
"Thank you again… and please… don't tell Marco."
He looked back at her answering with a nod and a kind smile. Returning the smile with one of her own she snuck into the kitchen.
It was feeding time.
Midori stared with satisfaction at the ingredients for her meal. (There hadn't been any leftovers in the fridge.)
It had taken her half an hour to even find something she could use for cooking- without burning the ship down, that is- in this huge kitchen! At least she should be able to cook something edible now. Hopefully…
For better understanding there should probably be some explaining done. Oh well…
You see, our dear Midori was not the best cook… jokes aside… She was more than just untalented which would be easily proofed. She could after all only cook one edible meal without burning something down. Luckily this one though she could do perfectly, nevertheless she needed all her concentration to prepare it.
God may help the person that would dare to disturb her now.
To say that doing so was stupid was an underestimation. The blonde was starving by now and making her ruin the meal would be the last thing that person would do in their life…
'I need my iPod. NOW!'
She thought rummaging around in her pockets. Triumphantly the girl drew it out of her pocket and started searching through her songs. Listening to music would definitely help her concentrate, exactly what she needed right now. Best option would be something with a good beat and with lyrics she could sing along.
'Found it!'
She pushed the play button and began to sing while slicing the vegetables into little pieces.
"I want to go insane,
just when I hear your name.
Even the thought of you
should get me in a crazy mood.
The thought of you and me
doesn't leave my memory.
I think that you should know
how to get me in your flow."
She took the vegetables and put them in the prepared pan so that she would fry them. Next she directed her attention back at the rice boiling in a pot next to the pan all the while never stopping the song.
"Make it real love,
start it up and show that you could.
And if you go and take it to the limit now
you should know that you're doing good.
Treat me like a lady,
like a boy should.
And if I fall save me
like a boy should.
Treat me like a lady,
like a boy should.
And if you amaze me
I know that I could
love you like a girl should."
Midori never noticed the person slipping silently in the room.
"Don't wanna mess around,
waiting till you find out
that I am the one for you
fitting in your dancing shoes.
I need your feedback now
just we are meant somehow
don't wait for centuries
show her you've got up this lead.
Making a showstopper, high clocker
show that you could
and if you gonna take it to the limit now
be sure that you're doing good, so good, so good…
Treat me like a lady,
like a boy should.
And if I fall save me
like a boy should.
Treat me like a lady,
like a boy should.
And if you amaze me
I know that I could
love you like a girl should.
Treat me like a, ah, ah, a lady
and I love you like a girl should.
Treat me like a, ah, ah, a lady
and I love you like a girl should!
And if you finally make it
I know we both
could feel like first-in-lovers
like boy and girl should.
I just can't wait for treating you good
and giving you the right love
just like a girl should.
Treat me like a lady,
like a boy should.
And if I fall save me
like a boy should.
Treat me like a lady,
like a boy should.
And if you amaze me
I know that I could
love you like a girl should.
Treat me like a, ah, ah, a lady
and I love you like a girl should.
Treat me like a, ah, ah, a lady
and I love you like a girl should!
Treat me like a lady,
like a boy should.
And if I fall save me
like a boy should.
Treat me like a lady,
like a boy should.
And if you amaze me
I know that I could
love you like a girl should."
The blonde looked proudly at her self-made meal: fried rice and vegetables with chicken.
God, she just wanted to throw herself at her meal and-…
"What do you say,… the little girl can cook and sing."
Midori would have jumped three feet in the air, if there weren't those arms around her waist holding her in place.
"Marco…" she whispered in shock.
"That's my name, darling."
She clenched her jaw. That bastard sounded amused! DAMN IT!
And now he just chuckled.
"How long have you been listening?..."
"Hmm~…?" He just smirked and pressed her body flush against his. "Long enough."
Suddenly it dawned to Midori what the content of the song she finished singing just moments ago was and a bright blush crept over her face.
Fucking. Shit.
"Uhmm…Marco?" She cursed her voice for sounding so weak and took a deep breath.
"Yes?"
"Let. Me. Go. NOW!"
The only response she got was another smirk and the pirate tightening his hold on her.
"The song sounded like you wanted something else."
"It was just a song!" She protested.
"Sure~"
Taking another deep breath she calmed herself down.
Old man Whitebeard would be pleased at all, if she killed one of his commandants. No he wouldn't.
'Unfortunately…' Midori thought darkly.
"Look, I am hungry and my patience is running out so if you don't want to die, I suggest you let me go!" Midori growled at him.
"I let you go…"Marco trailed off smirk widening at Midori's hopeful expression. "…If I am allowed to feed you."
Marco was doomed…
He couldn't even blink before he found himself on the floor an extremely pissed woman looming over him.
"Listen to me birdie, I am only telling you this once, so better listen!"
He stared at her wide-eyed.
"I am not you toy and I have no interest in becoming one so don't you dare to try to turn me into one. Do you get me?"
It wasn't that she didn't think that Marco was attractive, because- damn- he was, but the blonde was not one that fell in love, when she knew she'd be left with a broken heart in the end.
Neither was the blonde keen on losing the little respect she gained among the crew nor forget about her priorities. She had to find her friends and her brother!
"So? Did you get it?" She asked coldly letting go of hm.
Within seconds his usual smirk (It was at least the expression he wore, when he look at Midori) was back in place and before the girl could react, she was pulled forward meeting his lips.
The kiss was neither gentle nor was it kind and soft, oh no, it burned with passion and lust; still it was not less breath taking.
It took all her willpower not to kiss back, because Marco was a good kisser and Midori suddenly understood why so many women had gladly shared his bed.
They only broke apart, when they both needed air.
"No." He replied getting more and more amused at the glare send his way.
Although Midori was angry, she couldn't really blame him. Nobody would take you seriously, if you were flustered and breathing heavily after a heated make out session.
"What do you even want here?" The words came out as a hiss. Sadly she still was not allowed to murder him cruelly and painfully. Calming down and starting to plot would most likely be the wisest thing to do then.
"We boarded an hour ago."
Silence filled the room. Midori's anger was replaced by irritation.
"You mean I could have already went out to buy some food instead of searching half an hour to even find the ingredients I needed in this huge kitchen!"
He didn't comment on her words just raised an eyebrow and nodded.
"Fuck…" She muttered frustrated.
The blonde shook her head.
The 'I could have done this' and 'I could have done that' were unimportant right now. Her food was ready to bet eaten. In other words thinking was not of any use right now. She put all the food on one plate and grabbed a spoon. She would deal with Marco later. There was plenty of time after all.
Her plan, though, was foiled by a hand that took both plate and spoon from her.
"Marco…" The girl said dangerously.
"Hmm… I didn't expect you to be able to cook anything let alone be it edible and tasty."
He said indifferently while munching her food!
"I am damn hungry and if you don't give me the food now I won't hold back." Midori snarled.
"No" was his only answer and to proof his point he held plate out of her reach above his head. Obviously she had to deal with Marco first. The problem: She couldn't attack him without endanger her meal.
She growled.
He smirked.
They both knew she was going to lose this round.
"I give it back to you under two conditions."
Her eyes became slits.
"First I feed you.." Not what she wanted, but she would get the food anyway!
"…and second we go out on a date."
She stared blankly at him.
'What would I rather do, starving or going on a date knowing that I will get molested?
Starving, definitely starving.'
Promptly she copied his bored gaze and the smirk. She leaned forward their lips nearly brushing.
"I'd rather die by starving to death than go out with you, Pineapple head!" With these last words Midori raced out the door leaving the ship as fast as she could.
Several minutes later she walked aimlessly through the island's busy streets. The blonde was still hungry, but she had gotten away from Marco.
Sighing she turned to the left and walked into the first tavern she saw. A big sign over the bar said 'Full Moon Bar'. As she entered the bar, she froze and stared.
This was definitely no little ordinary bar. Honestly, really nothing was ordinary or little in here! The room was actually huge and everywhere sat pirates: some of them were familiar, since she knew them from the Moby Dick, so she guessed the others where Whitebeard pirates too. (Like any other pirate crew would share a bar with Whitebeard's people.)
Overcoming her shock she moved through the crowded tables sitting down in a corner far away from the entrance next to a bunch of man absorbed in their poker game.
'I should count my money and then buy somet-…WAIT A MOMENT!...Oh shit, I forgot all my money.'
To make sure she was right Midori checked all her pockets, but there was not a single beli to be found. She had been so busy to get away from Marco that she had forgotten her purse.
Too put it briefly she was blank.
With a groan she banged her head on the table.
"Life's such a fucking bitch…"
An indignantly sounding voice from the neighbor table yanked her out of her Marco-and-life-loathing-thoughts.
"Commandant, stop starring at that chick!"
The blonde slowly lifter her head up and glared icily at the man who had dared to interrupt her thoughts of how to kill Marco best. He shuddered and looked away.
His companion, the man he had called 'Commandant' laughed who apparently hadn't gotten the message of 'leave me the hell alone!', barged in.
"Looks like you angered her."
For the second time this day Midori had to remind herself that Whitebeard would not be happy, if she killed one of his commandants. By the way, which commandant was it anyway?
Taking a look at the man her heart nearly stopped. It was the commandant of the fourth division, Thatch.
While the blonde was still trying to comprehend the new information, the men continued their game.
"Ah damn! I fold!" One of them said and threw his cards on the table.
The girl watched in silence as in every following round another man of the group folded leaving a remarkable amount of money behind. In the end all men left the table and vanished somewhere in the crowd. At least she wasn't the only blank person in the room anymore.
Her head laid unmotivated with her forehead on the cool table surface, whereas the growling of her stomach grew louder. A chair creaked to her right, when somebody pulled it back to sit down. Twisting her head to look at the newcomer she spotted a brightly grinning Thatch.
"You look rather unhappy, young girl." He said his damn smile not faltering in the least.
Before she opened her mouth to answer Midori remarked inwardly that it was kind of disturbing that a man that hit on you called you 'young girl'…
"Hungry… not unhappy…" She murmured in a bored tone. "Lost my purse…"
He clearly didn't know who she was and she didn't feel like telling him. The less pirates knew she was a –possible- Nakama the easier it would be to get away from them.
"How about I buy you anything you want?" he offered. "No need to be shy. I have enough money!"
She followed his gaze and surveyed his stack of money. Midori had to admit that he was right, he was anything but low on funds at the moment, still she wasn't going to take his offer.
'Sure! I always wanted to be indebted to a pirate with not quite innocent intentions!'
"No thanks."
"Why not? You really look hungry!"
"I might be hungry, but I am not dumb enough to be in a pirate's debt. Moreover I prefer working for my money."
The last sentence sounded wrong… even in her own ears…
Thatch simply laughed, but she didn't miss the glint in his eyes that told her that he was up to something and she wouldn't like it. She and her luck…
"I see…" A smirk lit up his face. "I think I have a solution to your problem."
'There we go…' Midori thought unhappily and lifted her head to listen to his idea.
"How about a game? If you win you get all the money I won today that would solve your problem, but if I win you have to grant me three wishes."
He grinned at her expectantly synchronously shuffling the cards.
Midori couldn't help but grin herself. Thatch may be good, but he had already made his first mistake: he underestimated her.
"Good, I accept. Under one condition! If I win, I'll get the money and I can ask you for any piece of information I want. Deal?"
He didn't even hesitate to shake her outstretched hand.
Somewhere in her mind the blonde mused that either she was going insane, because three wishes could mean a lot, or she was getting reckless. 'Probably both' She concluded watching Thatch deal the cards.
And so the game began.
It truly was a hard and nerve straining game. Thatch was good, no, it wasn't that simple. This man was a pro. His poker face was almost flawless and seemed exactly to know how to react in every single situation. Unfortunately for him he wasn't the only one that knew how to play.
Suzu had been a genius at playing poker and she had taught Midori everything she knew. You see, eventually the blonde and her friend had been 'almost-equals'.
Thatch didn't know that. He could tell she was experienced, since she was doing too well for an amateur, and still he fell for the sour face Midori made at the right moments. She could tell this act was reassuring him. Naturally he didn't wholly fall for it. He was not a fool after all.
Poor him, for he was still losing.
The four aces in Midori's hand spoke for themselves and yet she continued toying with him. She wanted to see his expression change from triumphantly to utterly shocked.
Hey! She could allow herself at the very least a little fun. An opinion that crowd which had gathered around them seemingly shared. The game was kept exciting this way, mind you.
Midori snapped out of her thoughts turning her attention back to her counterpart. The man with the funny haircut appeared to be very content with his hand. Like she expected he revealed his cards and the crowd cheered.
"I think I won, my dear." A wide grin accompanying his words.
Wordlessly the blonde followed his example with an unreadable expression and did her best to hide her grin at the stunned silence. Calmly closing her eyes while leaning back in her seat she said:
"And I think you owe me some money."
Smirking she cracked an eye open and gazed expectantly at Thatch.
To her astonishment he only laughed whole-heartedly and handed the money over. The crowd dispersed shortly after. Some begrudgingly and others triumphantly. They just had to bet on the outcome of our game.
'Men…' Midori thought and rolled her eyes.
"I haven't had such a thrilling game in quite some time! You're really amazing…"
"Midori."
"Ah… I am Thatch, Commandant of-"
"Whitebeard's fourth division." He blinked in surprise.
"I see you heard of us."
"I came here with them." Hadn't she just a while ago decided to not tell him? Midori mentally cursed herself for speaking with thinking first.
His eyes widened in recognition and immediately started scrutinizing her.
"So you are this girl we decide on, if she can stay or not and your Marco's-"
"Yes, I am, and no, I am not Marco's new toy!"
Thrown off the track by her harsh interruption Thatch couldn't help but blink in confusion, then he laughed.
"That's new to me!" He said amusedly. "Young women normally don't fight a good looking man like him."
"Then they are either sluts or too naïve for their own good. I am neither, thus not his type."
"Now I understand why the others said the respected the new girl."
Midori looked at him in surprise. Thatch smiled.
"They told me that she was nice, pretty and totally out of Marco's reach."
A soft smile lit up her face.
"It's nice to hear that they don't think of me as a little helpless girl."
He returned it with one of his own.
"Ah! There's something I want to ask!" Now that she thought about it…It was strange…
"Tell me, why hasn't Marco come yet?"
Thatch stayed silent for a moment, before he had a laughing fit. Midori waited patiently unril he calmed down.
"You could say he is hiding."
The only reaction he received was an are-you-kidding-me-!-stare.
"I think you know by now how Marco normally handles his relationships, don't you?"
She nodded.
"The girl on this island is an exception. They have a more or less solid relationship.
I think you already guessed that he isn't happy about this, but he doesn't dare to dump her and on top she is everything else than unimposing so…"
"So in other words he hides from a woman he has a long-term affair with. No wait, an openly long-term affaire." She said interrupting him again. The man just nodded.
Without warning Midori started laughing so hard that tears ran down her cheeks.
This was so priceless!
She had found a friend and Marco would not molest here while they stayed on this island for fear of meeting his girlfriend.
Was it only her or was this island great?
I am done! I AM DONE! WHOOHOOOO
I am very sorry for updating so late, but school kept me busy and killed any spark of creativity in my mind -_-…
Anyway, I hope you liked the new chapter and will review!
By the way…
I WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY NEW YEAR! :D