CHAPTER 3: Broccoli and Dart Board

At the dining table, Marvelous sit like usual at the head of the table while the rest except Luka take their place hurriedly. Thus, this leaving a seat next to Marvelous empty. Looks like it has been planned by the shipmates. They look among each other, giving sign through eye contact waiting for Luka. Without further thinking, Luka takes her seat and consume her food, pretending that nothing happened. Everyone remain silence while waiting for the captain to start to the conversation. Few minutes passed...

Gai: Minna-san, how's the cooking? Gai always there to break the silence and awkwardness. This earthling somehow is a blessing to the Gokai crew.

Ahim: It is very nice, Gai-san. Thank you to both of you for the lovely cooking.

Doc: Glad that you enjoyed it. But, the rest seem not enjoying the dinner?

Joe: As long it is edible, Hakase... it should be fine. Let's hear what the captain has to say?

Marvelous: Hurm... Not bad, Hakase. Next time, will be curry. Marvelous forced himself to come out with an answer. Sometimes, he takes a few glances on Luka and tries to read her reaction. But, look like Luka is not responding and slowly put foods into her mouth, less cheerful than usual.

Marvelous: Well, Hakase... Did you put some broccoli in Luka's plate?

Luka: What? Brocolli? Mou, Hakase! Luka suddenly responded. She totally despise broccoli, whenever she had one... a picture of giant green broccoli monster with bitter taste appear in her mind. "Where? Where is the BROCCOLI? Get the MONSTER out of my plate!"

Doc: Marvelous, looks what you have done. Luckily, Doc sit far away from Luka, thus avoid him from getting some elbow on his stomach. Poor Doc,

Gai: Luka-san totally afraid of broccoli, isn't she? His answer receives a nodding from Ahim.

The moment Luka was about to throw her fork and spoon away, Marvelous quickly holds her hand, stopping her from doing so. "Chill!

Usually, at this time... Luka will grimace and gave Marvelous some slap on his arm. However, concidentally, Marvelous and Luka look right into each other eyes and froze, causing a strange feeling to linger.

The rest were astounded.

"Looks like Marvelous has decided to make a move"

"That's my captain..."Joe whispered.

Doc and Ahim are nodding with anticipation.

Unfortunately, Gai accidentally dropped spoon in his plate causing Marvelous and Luka to snap out from the stare.

Ahim: Mou... Gai. Ahim disappointed.

Luka: Not. Funny. Luka groaned and pulls her hand from Marvelous. She gave sharp glare towards Marvelous, then put aside her napkin. "I'm done. Need some rest"

Marvelous just looked at Luka and sigh in frustration. He just want to make Luka laugh, but it just makes thing worse. His instinct was right, she really wanted to go to Planet Millcain. He has to come out with win-win solution between him and Luka or she will never be happy. But, he just can't hide his concern and worrisome. "What if... Argh, just give what the lady want..."

The rest sit in silence, letting the captain and his look out to solve their own conflict. Once they are done

with the dinner, they tidy up the dining table and go to their bedroom afterwards.

Before leaving, Joe pat Marvelous's shoulder. "Go and talk to her... Only if you feel like doing it.

Marvelous just reply it with insincere smirk. Then, he talked to himself, "Guess, I've cross the board!".

Late at night,

Luka climb up the Crow Nest with a bag of clothes. Clearly, she had something in mind. But before that, she wanted to catch shooting stars with her sharp eyes like she always did for the last time as she does not know when or will she ever return. At least, this will comfort her with her decision.

Luka: Ahim, Joe, Hakase,Gai and... Marvelous. I am sorry, I have to go. I just can't pretend that I don't care about the invitation. But, I promise... That I'll be back. I will.

Luka exhales heavily. She loves her comrade so much, they are like a family to her, even more than that if she could describe it. All of them are more than willing to sacrifice their life for each other. That is the reason why she doesn't want to leave her comrades previously, moreover, she never feel any safer than having Marvelous by her side, though she can surely take care of herself.

Luka: Marvelous,Minna... I'm sorry. Give me some time.

Luka takes a deep breath,brace herself and walks down the stair. Her steps feel so heavy, as if she carries tonnes of stone. She heading to the living room and and stop in front of the dart board, deciding to give it a try with Marvelous's heavy bracelet on her wrist.

Luka: Mou, this bracelet is too heavy, I missed it. Ha-ha. Never mind then. I will miss your smirk, Marvelous.

As Luka was about to drop the second dart, suddenly she feel someone hold her hand from the back and help her throws it right in the middle. As she was about elbow that person right at the stomach, he managed to dodge it. "If you miss my smirk, then stay", he whispered.

Luka: Marvelous?! She totally shocked as she looks back. Their faces just an inch away.

Marvelous: Who else... Marvelous didn't move, leaving them in awkward distance.

Both can literally hear each other hearts beat so fast. Luka pushes Marvelous's shoulder and gain her personal space back. Then, she turned away from Marvelous, try to calm her heart.

Marvelous: Are you planning to leave us, Luka?

Luka stuttered. "No... No. I j-just want to go for a vacation.

Marvelous: To Planet Millcain, isn't it?

Luka: Well, anywhere I like.

Marvelous: You want to see Cain, don't you?

Luka: Why do I have to tell you that?

Marvelous: Captain's order. You're not happy being a pirate anymore?

Luka: Mou, Marvelous. I never say that. I just wanted to go for a short while.

Marvelous: That is what you say. What if Cain propose you to stay and able to make your dream comes true, will you leave us?

Luka: Why would I?

Marvelous: Because I can't buy you a planet, I can't make your dreams come true and... With me, you'll have to fight with Zangyack for the rest of your life.

Luka: Marvelous, why are you saying these things right now? I never complain, right?

Marvelous: Then, tell me where are you going and why?

Luka: FINE, Cain is my old friend. He always there when I need him back in our planet. He has done so many things for me, my late sis and the orphans. Then, don't you think he'll be disappointed if I don't respond to his invitation. I can take care of myself, so just believe in me.

Marvelous: I believe in you, Luka. I just don't believe Cain.

Luka: Marvelous, he's nice guy. I think you guys will be good friend.

Marvelous whispered. "That's why I'm worried... You might fall for...

Luka: What did you say?

Marvelous: Nothing. Go back to your room and rest. No crew shall leaves without Captain's permission

Luka: Marvelous... I...

Marvelous:Pirates never do things alone. We'll go by the first light.

Luka: We?!

...

Author's Note:

Sorry for the late update. Recently, I just got really busy with everything... work, upcoming admission to my dream University and etc. Hope, you enjoy this one. More excited chapters to come. To everyone who reviews my story, thank you very much. ;)