"I'm telling you, it's not on the map."

"That's the whole point," Sango argued, pulling out her own and placing it on the table. "Who in their right mind would give you directions right to the treasure?" She pointed to the sketch she'd made in the middle of the swamp. "I know it's there."

"That's what you said last time. And the time before that," Kohaku said, giving her a dubious look.

"But this time, I'm sure."

Her brother sighed, raking a hand through his hair. "Fine, we'll search the area. But this is the last time, sis. I'm not coming out on your treasure hunts anymore. I've got my own cases to manage." He walked away without an answer, the sting of his doubt still fresh as she rolled up both maps and winced when the captain helped slide them into a long tube.

"He means well," she said.

"I'm sure he does." Captain Bankotsu Nintai had needed little persuasion to join their endeavour, citing he'd been bored with the last few jobs he'd been hired for. He'd been enthusiastic about finding hidden treasure but had never asked for a cut. He was interested in something else, but Sango hadn't been able to put her foot on it yet.

"He's been with me for all of these trips, but without an actual criminal to go with it, his detective skills are going to waste." Sango sighed, leaning against the table. "Maybe it's time I give it up, too."

Nintai shelved the maps, then returned to the steering wheel. "Everyone needs a little excitement in their lives. Have him skip the next few, and he'll beg to come back."

She chuckled. "You make it sound like all boys are treasure hunters."

"Just those of us who are pirates at heart." He smirked over his shoulder. "Though you'd probably be captain if you were one."

She brightened at the compliment. Her father had often played pirates with her as a child, and she'd always chosen the role of captain over an amethyst-clad damsel in distress. "I could kiss you for that."

"You could." His voice was low, his cocky smile unfaltering, and Sango licked her lips. It wasn't like she hadn't thought about it before.

"Should I?" she asked.

"Unless you want me to do it."

Sango glanced over her shoulder, making sure her brother had gone below deck, then sidled up next to him, intent on a quick peck on the cheek. They still needed to find the treasure, and she couldn't let herself be distracted—

Nintai purposely turned his head at the last moment, capturing her lips as one hand grabbed her hip, the taste of cinnamon-flavoured coffee lingering when he eventually pulled back. Sango flushed but didn't back away, his smirk turning into a genuine smile. "There's more where that came from whenever you're interested."

She bit her lip but nodded. At least this time, even if they didn't find anything, she wouldn't return empty-handed.