Time has always seemed to slow whenever; the sea was involved. Glistening as if littered with gems, the vast blue sparkling endlessly throughout the day and night. It brought a strange comfort. The salty air brings the misty sea over to kiss the skin. Whispering all sorts of promises with open arms. Those willing to listen would draw towards the waves' silent song. Your lungs take in a slow and shaky breath. The salty air was cold and harsh despite the beauty it derived from.
A sad smile danced across your lips. You continue to stare out at the vast ocean. You were waiting for the day that the one that had claimed you in a night of passing passion would return to your island. Just once more. Logically you knew it wouldn't be possible. His heart belonged to the sea and the various dangers that bestowed wild adventures. No, you didn't hold his heart like he stole yours. Even against logic, you wish to believe he will visit again. To seek you out. To show you had captured at least a sliver of his love. Memories of that night danced across your mind. Vivid as if it was just yesterday though many moons had passed. A soft coo radiated the air, drawing your attention to the source. A small messenger coo had made its way to you. Walking over slowly, you shuffle through the small leather bag hanging off your shoulder, extracting 100 beri to receive the paper. You pause for a moment to bite your bottom lip. You wanted to send off a letter yet had no way of doing so. Looking at the bird, you stopped and stared for a moment. It was worth a shot.
"Would you...would you be so kind?" You asked the bird while removing a rolled parchment. The bird looked from the parchment and then over to you.
It was rare for a messenger coo to deliver. The success rate of the delivery arriving at the intended was low to no chance. You, however, were willing to take that chance. Slowly the bird lowered its head to tap the payment pouch. It seemed to understand your request but with a price. Relief washed over you while you withdrew more beris. Depositing each item within their respective places.
You then proceed to once more pull out another parchment from your bag, this time to show who should receive the delivery. Stepping back, you watched the bird fly into the sky and off to its next destination. A silent prayer that the bird will succeed while hoping the delivery will make it to the one that holds your heart. Taking one last look at the sea, you quietly walk back towards the place, you call home, driving any doubts and worries away. There was nothing you could do now. After all, there was much to prepare for.
It had been several days before the bird landed on the deck of a peculiar pirate ship. The crew bustled around, ignoring the bird. There was no intention of buying the newspaper; time slowly passed as the bird watched the ships' crewmates hustle about.
Searching for the one in the picture that it was to be delivered to. Giving an excited coo once the intended stepped out to bark order after order. Dipping into the bag, the bird grabbed the parchment before flying to the captain. Flying into his face for a moment before dropping the delivery and leaving.
Captain Buggy was annoyed with the bird at first. About to strangle the thing before fumbling to catch the parchment. Careful to observe it as if it was one of his defective buggy bombs that would go off at any moment.
"The hell is this." He grumbled, pausing to stare at the neatly written words.
His features slowly softened as he realized just who had written to him. He could feel his heart fluttering for a moment. Without another word, he slipped back into his quarters before sitting at his desk. His eyes never waver from the letter in his hand. Tears threatened to spill from the corner of his eyes. Even though months had passed, she held her heart out to him. Little did she know that she, a random village girl, had captured a part of his heart. What felt like hours seemed to pass by as he reread the letter, even though it was just a few minutes. With a small smile, the captain went to set the letter down. His movements paused for a moment to stare at the corner. Only then did he realize more content hidden behind the letter.
Buggys' eyes widened as he stared at the contents. His heart stopped with a hitch to his breath. In an instant, everything had come to a crashing halt. Nothing could have prepared him for that moment. Just as everything had halted, it all crashed back to reality. Pride fills his heart and boosts his ego.
A new need to reach his goal became increasingly evident with more purpose. Setting the parchment down, he quickly stood, his chair scraping along the floor by sudden force. Making hast, the captain left to bark orders to the crew with new vigor. Sheer happiness twinkled in his eyes like raw diamonds.
On the desk, the letter rested on top of various maps. Next to it, the second parchment contained a photo of you smiling brightly to the camera while the babe in her arms reached for the camera, of a smile of its own while grabbing the round nose on its face. A newly born, that's the spitting image of himself. Underneath lay just a single note, bringing joy and reassurance.
"You'll always have a home with us."