Chasing Waves

Chapter 15

Doorway To the Heart

A few days later, Mihawk had unceremoniously marched with Zoro into the jungle after announcing to Mia they would be rigorously training in the jungle for a few days. He did not state the exact amount of days precisely, but Gerome speculated it could be anywhere between three and seven. If they were gone for longer than ten, they should assume Zoro had wandered off and gotten lost and Mihawk was lazily searching for him around the island, Gerome had semi-joked.

Two days into Mihawk and Zoro's absence, Mia had gotten into the habit of joining Gerome for tea while he washed the dishes in the kitchen after dinner. He always declined her offer to help and rather insisted she just keep him company as he cleaned and washed away. Mia happily chattered away about Nino's progress during training and all the ideas Mia had for her niece's improvement. During her happy ranting, Mia noticed Gerome had gotten oddly quiet on the other side of the kitchen.

"I need a favour," Gerome said out of nowhere as he was packing away dishes and Mia was enjoying her tea at the kitchen counter. She had never seen him so serious – usually he was way more upbeat around her. Worriedly, she leaned forward with concerned eyes.

"What's wrong?" she asked, setting down her teacup to give Gerome her undivided attention. The muscled chef finished packing away the last plate and the anxiously looked around to make sure no one was near to hear their conversation. His caution made Mia lean forward more in anticipation.

"Miss Mia, I messed up bigtime," he breathed heavily, looking like he was about to pass out. A sheen of sweat had begun to form on her forehead. He leaned forward on one of the counters, trying to steady himself. Mia worriedly got to her feet.

"Gerome, what's wrong?" she asked, quickly rushing to his side. "Are you feeling sick?"

He shook his head and swallowed, rubbing the sweat off his brow with the back of his hand. "I messed up a stock order," he stated seriously. He looked incredibly panicked.

"What do you mean?"

"I have to fill in a form every month for everything the island needs. Food, beverages, cleaning supplies, clothes, anything you could think off. I take stock of everything and then fill in the form for the captain to approve. I've been doing it for years on his ship and I rarely make a mistake, so I think the captain doesn't really double check my orders," he explained, breathing heavily in between.

"So, you made a mistake on the order form?" she asked.

Gerome threw his head up to the ceiling. "I was supposed to order a hundred candles. You know, we burn through them very quickly."

"And?"

"I checked my copy of the form last night. I don't know if I was drunk or asleep or just an idiot in that moment but …"

"Yes?"

"I wrote carrots instead of candles," he admitted sombrely, dropping his chin to his chest.

"So? Fifty carrots aren't so bad."

"I wrote the abbreviation for crates next to it, not individual quantity."

"So …you ordered …fifty crates of carrots? How big is one crate?"

"About half your size I would say," he speculated, rubbing his eyes.

"And Mihawk didn't notice?"

"No!"

"And how will he react when he finds out?"

"I don't know! And I'm happy never knowing!"

"So, what favour do you need from me then?"

"Is there any way you can go into his office and retrieve the form for me and place the correct one in its place?"

"Into his office?"

"He keeps it unlocked."

"Why can't you go and get it?"

"I'm terrified I'll break something or mess up his desk or something. Please, Miss Mia. He'll probably be gone for another day or so, so now's our chance!"

Mia pursed her lips and thought for a moment. "I have demands."

"Anything!" he wailed desperately.

"I want cheesecake."

"Of course!"

"And gingersnap cookies."

"I'll bake a whole batch!"

"And I want sushi."

"I am a salmon master!"

"Also, I want really thick, gooey, chunky brownies. But no nuts!"

"I'll start immediately!"

"All right, we have a deal," Mia nodded determinedly and stuck out her hand to shake Gerome's big beefy paw of a hand. "I'll quickly run up and swap them."

"I cannot thank you enough, Miss Mia," Geroma breathed out in relief. He reached in his back pocket and handed her a folded-up piece of parchment. "Here is the correct order form."

Confidently, she snatched the paper out of his grasp and spun on her heels to march up the stairs. Exhilarated, she jogged the stairs two at a time to the top corridor. Mihawk's office was directly next to his room, convenient and private for him to operate from. She reached the door and the stared it down for a moment. Although she'd never been inside, she had gotten a quick glance one time she passed through the corridor and the door had been left slightly ajar.

Tentatively, she entered his darkish and shadowy office. The room was adorned with dark wood furniture and various shelves lined with books and artifacts. She quickly spotted his desk, and her heart raced as she thought about the task at hand.

She approached the desk, her steps light and cautious. As she began searching for the incorrect order form, her eyes darting across the cluttered surface, she was consumed by the seriousness of the situation. Her fingers brushed against various items – quills, papers, and small trinkets – as she carefully sifted through the mess.

Suddenly, the door opened.

Mia's heart skipped a beat as she froze in place. Her wide eyes stared at the doorway, her body tensing like a deer caught in headlights. Panic surged through her veins as her mind raced for a hiding spot. She couldn't afford to be caught in Mihawk's office. Not now.

Frantically, she looked around, her eyes scanning the room for any possible hiding place. There, beneath his large, ornate desk, she spotted a sliver of space. Without hesitation, she dropped to her hands and knees, her heart pounding in her chest, and crawled under the desk. The space was cramped, and she huddled herself into a corner, hoping beyond hope that Mihawk wouldn't notice anything amiss.

The sound of footsteps approached, and Mia held her breath. She could hardly believe the situation she had gotten herself into. 'How in the hell is he back so early? I was sure they wouldn't be back for another few days!' she thought bitterly.

She watched as Mihawk moved around the office, the uncertainty of her hiding spot gnawing at her. She could feel her pulse in her ears as he came closer, his presence overwhelming.

Then, he stopped.

Mia's heart felt like it was about to burst from her chest. She held herself as still as possible, hoping that somehow, she could become invisible. But she knew it was futile. The sound of a chair scraping against the floor reached her ears, and then his deep voice broke the silence.

"Well, well, Miss Mia. What do we have here?"

Mia felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment as his words washed over her. She slowly peeked out from her hiding spot, meeting his gaze. His intense eyes bore into her, and there was a playful, almost mischievous smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

She managed to stammer out, "I... I was just…"

"Attempting to solve the mystery of my office?" he finished for her, amusement dancing in his eyes. His eyes swept over the paper in her hands, probably realising she was messing around with his administration.

Mia nodded, feeling like a child caught with her hand in the cookie jar. She tried to suppress the nervous fluttering in her stomach as she crawled out from beneath the desk, her cheeks still red.

Mihawk leaned casually against his desk, folding his arms across his chest. "And what could you possibly be looking for?"

Mia's mind raced for an excuse, her eyes briefly darting around the room. "I... um... I thought I saw a spider, and I was trying to find something to... um... get rid of it."

Mihawk arched an eyebrow, clearly not buying her explanation. "A spider?"

Mia nodded, feeling increasingly flustered. "Yes, a really big one." Of course, he would see the absurdity of her excuse, but a part of her hoped he would find it endearing and charming.

He chuckled softly, the sound sending a shiver down her spine. "In my office?"

Mia bit her lip, feeling cornered. "I know, it sounds ridiculous. I must have been mistaken." She was still awkwardly standing behind his desk and he just seemed to inch closer and closer.

Mihawk stepped nearer, his presence almost overwhelming. He seemed tired, Mia noted. Subtle shadows loomed under his eyes. "You're a terrible liar, Mia."

Her heart raced even faster, her nerves practically jangling. "I'm sorry, Mihawk, but you don't seem to understand. There are cookies and brownies at stake here." Though her entire being was embarrassed on that very spot, she steered into the skid of her awful humour which seemed to bring amusement out of his eyes.

He strode around his large desk to confront her closely. She nearly jumped back out of skittishness, always astounded by his strong and tall frame.

With a swift movement, Mihawk reached out and took the paper from her hands, his fingers brushing against hers in a way that sent a shiver down her spine. His gaze remained fixed on the document as he scanned it, his expression growing sterner with each passing second.

She looked up at him, his face closer than she initially thought. Without thought, she took a quiet step closer, lifting herself on her toes to try and reach his face. His head snapped up and she staggered back and seemed not to notice her intent as his eyes bore acid into hers.

"Is this some sort of joke, Mia?" he asked, his voice laced with annoyance. "Do you think it's amusing to interfere with my affairs?"

At his abrupt shift in demeanour, Mia's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she took a step back, suddenly feeling very small under his intense scrutiny. "No, Mihawk, I didn't mean to intrude. Gerome asked for my help, and I thought..."

"You thought you could just waltz into my office and meddle with my paperwork?" he interrupted, his tone sharp and cutting.

Mia's heart sank, and she bit her lip, her nerves getting the best of her. "I... I didn't realize you would be back so soon. I was just trying to help."

Mihawk's gaze bore into her, his irritation evident in the lines of his face. "Help by causing more problems, it seems," he muttered.

She swallowed hard, her gaze dropping to the floor. She fought hard not to cry, her throat constricting painfully. "I'm sorry. I'll leave."

"You do that," he replied tersely, turning away from her and heading back toward his desk.

Mia felt a lump form in her throat, her cheeks burning with humiliation. She turned to leave, her steps faltering as she reached the door. Just as she was about to step out, Mihawk's voice stopped her.

"And Mia," he called out, his tone softer but still edged with annoyance.

She turned to look at him, her heart pounding in her chest. "Yes?"

"Next time, think twice before you decide to involve yourself in matters that don't concern you."

His words stung, and she nodded silently before quickly exiting his office. As the door closed behind her, she let out a shaky breath, her emotions in turmoil. She hadn't meant to upset him, but her well-intentioned actions had clearly backfired.

Walking away from his office, Mia couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in her chest. She had never seen Mihawk so irritated before, and the memory of his stern gaze haunted her thoughts.

XXXxxxxXXX

'Only Nera has only ever made me feel like,' Mia thought, splashing cold and refreshing water on her face. She inspected her face in her bathroom mirror after patting her face dry. The red swollenness of her eyes was already starting to disappear, but there was still no way she was attending supper with a flushed face and red eyes.

Committing to her decision to remain in her room for the remainder of the night, Mia went ahead and drew herself a warm bath to soak in for a long time. After her skin was properly pruning, she hoisted herself out of the tub and into her shorts and tank top. She clipped up her hair, trying not to look at the ornament as she grabbed it off the bathroom counter.

"I think you're one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen." Mihawk's words from a few days ago echoed in her mind. Every intonation and enunciation of every vowel and consonant had been embedded into her memory.

But every time she replayed today's scene in her head, the burning feelings of mortification and humiliation would come rushing back to her face. As she flopped herself on the bed, she realised she had been grinding her teeth anxiously as she thought about it over and over again.

'I've never seen him like that. I never thought he would ever talk to me like that. I always thought I was an exception,' she thought, eyes drifting to the wall but really focussing on anything specifically. 'I feel awful. I should have encouraged Gerome to just talk to him about the mistake. Now I've overstepped in his house. He's been nothing but a gracious host and I just invaded his personal space. And I can't believe I almost tried to kiss him! What was I thinking?!'

Ashamed, she buried her face in her hands, releasing a frustrated groan. An apprehensive ball twirled in the pit of her stomach. Mia took a deep breath and then tried to fall asleep that evening.

She rolled over and over for what felt like hours, unsuccessful in shutting down her thoughts. She played different scenarios in her head – in some Mihawk forgave her, in others she just contemplated packing her bag and disappearing with Nino into the night to escape her shame.

'No, I need to make this right,' she thought, staring at the ceiling in the dark. 'I'm going to make this right. I need to show him I regret my actions and that I won't do it again.' Her resolve set, she flung herself out of bed. She was certain it was way into the early hours of the morning, definitely after midnight at the least, but she figured as soon as possible was a good time start. Mia got dressed, and then stepped downstairs to walk to the kitchen determinedly.

Mia's footsteps echoed softly through the quiet halls as she made her way to the kitchen. She knew that baking was a skill she could count on, and if there was one way to mend the awkwardness and apologize, it was through a heartfelt batch of cookies. The thought of her actions weighed heavily on her mind, but she was determined to make things right.

Entering the well-lit kitchen, Mia flicked on the lights and took a moment to gather her thoughts. She reached for the ingredients she needed and began measuring flour, sugar, and butter with precision. Cracking eggs into a mixing bowl, she found solace in the rhythmic motion as she whisked the ingredients together.

She had no idea if Mihawk had a proclivity for pastries, but she had seen him enjoy his dessert during supper on numerous occasions. She also hoped Gerome wouldn't mind her making use of the kitchen and its ingredients – he better not, considering he got her into this mess.

As the dough came together, Mia's mind continued to replay her encounter with Mihawk. His stern reaction had taken her by surprise, and the embarrassment still lingered. She hoped that her gesture of baking would somehow convey her regret and respect. She wasn't sure if he would appreciate the effort, but she needed to try. After all, what did you give a man that seemingly had everything?

With the cookie dough prepared, Mia gently folded in chocolate chips, creating a delightful combination of flavours. The aroma of freshly baked goods began to fill the kitchen, wrapping her in a comforting embrace as she worked.

She preheated the oven and began to shape the dough into small, evenly sized balls. A plan formed in Mia's mind – she would make a variety of cookies as a gesture of goodwill.

Mia set to work on the gingersnap dough, measuring out the spices and mixing them with flour. She added molasses and butter, creating a rich and fragrant dough. With careful hands, she rolled the dough into small balls, coating them in sugar before placing them on another baking sheet.

With both trays ready, Mia opened the oven and slid them in, setting the timer. As the cookies baked, she felt a sense of purpose and determination fill her. She watched the cookies transform in the heat, the timer's ticking a steady reminder of her task. When the timer chimed, Mia carefully removed the trays, the cookies a perfect golden brown. The kitchen was now suffused with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked treats. A small smile tugged at the corners of Mia's lips as she surveyed her handiwork.

After transferring the cookies onto a cooling rack, Mia's attention turned to a cute wicker basket she had spotted on one of the shelves. She lined it with a clean cloth and carefully arranged the cookies inside. The contrast between the warm cookies and the inviting basket made her heart swell with satisfaction.

Before closing the lid, Mia added a note – a simple expression of her intentions. She wrote that she deeply regretted invading Mihawk's privacy, and that she would always respect his personal space. It was a promise she intended to keep, a way of showing her sincerity and willingness to make amends. She dotted the 'i' in her name with a small heart to try and get some subtle affection across.

With the note attached, Mia closed the lid of the basket and admired her handiwork. The act of baking and assembling the cookies had given her a sense of catharsis, and she felt ready to face Mihawk and offer her apology.

As she turned off the lights in the kitchen and headed back to her room, Mia's heart felt lighter. Whether he accepted her apology or not, she knew she had taken a step toward healing the rift between them.

XXxxxxXXX

Mihawk tossed and turned in his bed. His eyes were burning from exhaustion from returning home from training in the jungle in the boy. It was by no means a comfortable experience, but a very necessary one for the boy. Mihawk felt like he had gotten soft, used to his life of comfort and luxury. He thought back to his years sleeping in the crow's nest on Roger's ship for weeks at a time, no pillow or blanket needed, just a bottle of rum for company.

Now he couldn't even survive in the jungle for a few days. The training had gone well, he would admit, but it would be a while before they would venture away from the castle again. He'd missed his bed too much.

He rubbed his face with his palms, his head spinning. He thought back to his encounter with Mia in his office.

'What was I thinking? I should be able to control my emotions, even when I'm in a bad mood,' he thought, disappointed himself. His mind kept drifting to her sweet face and big eyes as she suddenly stumbled back when he snapped up to berate her about the stupid order form. Lying in bed, he wondered about how close she had stood to him in that moment and how her face seemed closer than before reading the form.

His eyes widened. "Oh no," he breathed out loud in the dark of his room.

Was she going to kiss him then and there? And he threw her out of his office like a jackass?

With a heavy sigh, he finally decided to get up. The moonlight streamed through the window, casting a silvery glow across his room. He pushed himself off the bed and silently walked over to the window, gazing out at the tranquil night. The air was slightly cool, a refreshing contrast to the heat of the previous days.

As he stood there, an unexpected scent wafted through the air – the scent of baking. Curious, Mihawk furrowed his brow. He knew that no one else was awake at this hour, except perhaps for Roronoa who continued training by himself almost daily. But the scent wasn't coming from outside; it was coming from within the castle.

Intrigued, he decided to investigate. He threw on some clothes, figuring he wouldn't get any proper sleep tonight anyway. He left his room, his footsteps nearly soundless as he moved through the dimly lit corridors. The scent grew stronger as he got closer to the source. Following his senses, he arrived at the kitchen.

He paused at the entrance, his eyes widening in surprise. There, in the soft glow of the kitchen lights, he saw Mia busy at work. She was carefully placing freshly baked cookies onto a cloth-lined basket. The sight was unexpected and strangely heartwarming.

Mia's attention was fully focused on her task, her brows slightly furrowed in concentration. Mihawk watched her for a moment, his usual stoic demeanour softening. He was about to step forward when he noticed something on the table beside her – a folded piece of paper with neat handwriting.

He didn't mean to eavesdrop, but curiosity got the better of him. He strained to hear her soft murmurs as she spoke to herself while packing the cookies. His eyes flicked to the note, and he managed to catch a glimpse of the words before she folded it and placed it inside the basket.

Intrigued, Mihawk's gaze followed her as she picked up the basket and turned to leave the kitchen. He moved away from the entrance, keeping his steps quiet as he trailed her discreetly. He watched as she walked through the corridors, her figure illuminated by the soft light of the moon filtering through the windows.

Mia stopped in front of his bedroom door, her back to him. She placed the basket on the ground and then reached into her pocket, retrieving something small. Mihawk's heart skipped a beat as he realized she was leaving the note for him.

She gently placed the note on top of the cookies, her movements deliberate and careful. Mihawk's curiosity was overwhelming at this point, and he knew he couldn't resist any longer. He wanted to know what she had written.

Mia turned away from his door and started walking down the corridor again. Mihawk retreated slightly, making sure he wasn't seen. He waited until she was out of sight before stepping forward and picking up the basket. His fingers brushed against the folded note, and he hesitated for a moment before unfolding it.

His eyes scanned the words, his heart sinking with each line. The note was a heartfelt apology, an expression of regret for invading his privacy and a promise to respect his space in the future. Mihawk's chest tightened as he realized the extent of his own actions – how he had lashed out without cause, how he had treated her so harshly.

He felt like a dog.

Guilt washed over him in a wave, and he found himself overwhelmed by an unexpected emotion. He couldn't believe he had caused her such distress. The note was a stark reminder of his own flaws, of how he had let his frustration cloud his judgment.

It didn't help that she had cute handwriting either.

He carefully placed the note back into the basket set down in front of his bedroom door. With a heavy sigh, he turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing in the corridor. He had a decision to make, a way to make amends for his behaviour.

Turning on his heels, he strode towards the library, noticing the glow of a lit fire emitting from the doorway. Peeking his eyes around the frame, he spotted Mia on the love seat in front of the fireplace.

The sight of her, her legs crushed to her chest, the white knuckles of her small hand anxiously pressed against her lips as her heavy eyes stared dully into the fire with worry, grabbed at his chest in a way nothing ever had before in his life.

'What have I done?' he thought, breathing deeply. She seemed so worried, so fearful of the tension between them, how could he leave her feeling so …miserable? So concerned? So clearly heartbroken?

Without thought, he spun on his heels and marched, very determined, towards his office door on the other side of the hallway.

Wrenching the door open, he folded his knuckles around the edge of the wood of the door, breathing still heavy. This dumb door. This foolish office. With all these stupid papers. They meant nothing in that moment.

Inhaling, he closed his grip, pushing a little haki into his fingertips. Without hesitation, he pulled the door and broke it off its hinges – they snapped loudly from his sudden strength, and he heaved the door to the floor where it fell with a loud bang.

Mihawk stood there in the hallway, his chest heaving faintly from the exertion, his office door now a shattered mess on the floor. The destruction of the door was a physical manifestation of his frustration and regret, a symbolic gesture that he hoped would convey the depth of his feelings.

"M-Mihawk?" a soft voice breathed behind him.

He turned to see a frightened Mia standing at the end of the corridor. Her eyes fell on the broken door on the floor and her basket of cookies still in front of his bedroom door a few steps away. Confused, she started at him with big eyes.

Mihawk took long strides to approach her and without even thinking, wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her against him. Her big cerulean eyes looked up at him and a soft blush painted the soft skin of her cheeks. For a second Mihawk took note of the softness of her body against his, the sweet smell of her washed hair and the feel of the dip in her lower back where he had snaked his arms around. When he pulled her in, her hands had tentatively gone to rest on the centre of his chest, a subtle touch, but one that rushed a warm feeling into his body. Mihawk leaned into her vulnerable state, his gaze drinking up every bit of her lovely face.

"I have no boundaries you could ever overstep. You are always welcome in all my spaces," he insisted, eyes looking hard into hers. Her face softened instantly. She looked up at him, speechless. Her eyes drifted around his frame to the mess of splintered wood behind him.

"I-Is that why you broke off the door?" she whispered, eyes still big.

"Yes," he answered seriously, his grip around her tightening. "I didn't mean to chase you out of my office.. I will never make you feel like that again. You don't work for me, you're not on my crew. You're …" he trailed off for a second as her big eyes kept staring up at him, taking in all his words.

Mia's heart skipped a beat, her breath catching in her throat. The vulnerability in his expression was unlike anything she had ever seen from him. It was as if he was baring his soul to her, letting down his guard in a way that left her speechless.

"You're my guest, Mia," he continued, his voice a gentle caress that sent a shiver through her. "And more than that, you're a friend. I've been nothing but rude and ungracious, and it's time that changed."

Tears welled up in Mia's eyes, her heart overflowing with a mix of emotions. She had never expected this side of him, this raw and unguarded confession. His arms around her felt like a lifeline, anchoring her to the moment, to his words.

"I don't think you've been rude, Mihawk," she whispered, her voice filled with sincerity. "I still overstepped and went into your office when I shouldn't have-"

"No," he cut her off sternly. "I don't want to push you away like that. I already know you respect me. And I already know you would never do anything intentional to overstep boundaries with me. I don't need a door to remind me of that. And it feels rather crass of me to welcome you to lounge with me in my room around the fire with wine but for some reason I draw the line at my office? It's asinine."

"There's nothing wrong with drawing the line between play and work."

Mihawk grew frustrated at her never-ending patience and empathy. "Mia, can you not just be more upset with me?"

"But I'm not!"

"Well, you should be."

"Well, I'm not," she insisted.

He sighed. "I should have treated you better from the start. You deserved my respect, and I let my own frustrations cloud my judgment."

Her fingers pressed against the fabric of his shirt as if seeking a connection. "We all have our moments, Mihawk," she said softly.

He released her from his embrace, his fingers trailing down her waist as he reluctantly let her go. He took another second to appreciate the curves of her body. "I can't believe I just ripped the door off like a brute," he said, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Mia's gaze fell to the broken door on the floor, and a soft, musical laugh escaped her. "I think it's sweet. Unconventionally …romantic."

Mihawk's smile deepened, a spark of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Unconventional is my specialty."

She laughed again, the sound ringing through the corridor like a melody. "I believe you."

In that moment, surrounded by the wreckage of the broken door, Mia realized that something irrevocable had shifted between them. Mihawk's vulnerability had opened a door that she had never expected to walk through, and she felt an unspoken bond forming between them.

And as they stood there, the tension that had once defined their interactions now replaced with a newfound closeness, Mia's heart swelled with a mix of gratitude and affection. She had thought that she needed to make amends, to fix things, but Mihawk had met her halfway with an honesty and depth that took her by surprise.

"So," he began, his arms tightening around her once more. He figured he shouldn't push his luck but after feeling her so closely the first time, he couldn't help himself. "You say we work in my office and play in my room?" his voice purred at her, his warm breath sending a shiver down her spine. He was close, so close that she could feel the heat radiating from his body. One of his hands grazed over her lower back, applying slight pressure to that dip in her body, she instinctively arched into him. He heard her breath hitch in her throat.

Her heart raced, and her gaze met his, a mixture of surprise and anticipation in her eyes. His proximity was overwhelming, his scent filling her senses, and she felt a magnetic pull toward him that she couldn't resist.

"Are you trying to confuse me even more, Mihawk?" she replied, her voice tinged with a playful edge, though her heart was pounding erratically in her chest. She could tell her hands wanted to shake, but she tried to play it off as best she could, hoping he wouldn't notice how nervous and excited she was at the same time.

A low chuckle rumbled in his throat, the sound sending vibrations through her. "Perhaps," he murmured, his fingers brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

Mia's breath caught as his touch sent a jolt of electricity through her. Every fibre of her being seemed to gravitate toward him, and she found herself drawn even closer, their bodies almost touching. Her gaze flickered to his lips, and she bit her lower lip nervously, her heartbeats echoing in her ears. His dark eyes deepened further, the intensity in his gaze making her pulse race even faster. The air seemed to crackle with anticipation between them, and time itself appeared to slow down.

Slowly, as if giving her a choice that only she could make, he lowered his head. His lips hovered just inches from hers, a magnetic pull that was impossible to resist. The atmosphere was charged with an electric tension, a mixture of desire and uncertainty that left her trembling. The space between them became a threshold of possibilities, and in that charged moment, Mia let her eyelids drop slightly, her anticipation palpable.

"Mia," he whispered, his voice husky and thick with unspoken emotions.

"Yes?" she whispered back, her voice a mere breath. The single word was almost caught in her throat, a testament to the whirlwind of emotions that surged within her. Her heart was pounding so loudly she was sure he could hear it. Her mind raced, torn between the exhilarating rush of emotions and the fear of crossing a line. Yet, in that suspended moment, there was a deeper understanding that transcended words, a connection that defied logic.

"In my office today …were you going to kiss me?" he asked softly, his tone a blend of curiosity and vulnerability.

She smiled crookedly, a blush creeping across her cheeks. Her eyelids fluttered open, revealing the soft sparkles in her eyes. Sheepishly, Mia half-shrugged, her fingers playing with the edge of her blouse. "I wanted to try," she admitted, her voice growing bolder as her eyes locked with his.

He sighed, a mixture of relief and self-deprecation. "I really am an idiot," he muttered, his lips curving into a wry smile.

Mia's smile grew, and she couldn't help but giggle softly, her laughter filling the corridor. The tension that had once hung between them was replaced by a newfound playfulness in the air. As if guided by an unspoken understanding, Mihawk's fingers lightly trailed along her jawline, his touch warm and tender. His lips, soft and warm, brushed against her forehead, leaving a trail of featherlight kisses that made her heart flutter with each touch. The sound of her laughter, the sweetness of the moment, and the flutter of his kisses all merged into a symphony of emotions.

He continued to press gentle kisses on her cheeks, her temples, and the tip of her nose, each one drawing a soft giggle from her. With each kiss, the weight of their surroundings seemed to fade away, leaving them cocooned in their own shared universe. The touch of his fingers against her skin felt like a dance, a choreography of tenderness and affection that left Mia's senses tingling.

In the midst of this newfound intimacy, Mia felt her hand growing slightly sweaty in his. She wanted to savour the moment, to prolong the connection they were building, yet her nerves betrayed her with the clammy sensation in her palm.

He paused for a moment, his eyes locked on her, a mixture of concern and tenderness in his gaze. Mia couldn't help but meet his eyes, her heart pounding wildly as if trying to keep up with the rhythm of their shared moment.

He shifted his touch, his fingers now holding her hand in a supportive grip against his chest. The warmth of his touch seeped through her skin, comforting and reassuring. And in that simple act, Mia felt a renewed sense of connection, a quiet understanding that transcended words.

As their eyes held each other's gaze, Mia felt a shiver run down her spine as his lips moved closer to her ear. The softness of his breath against her skin sent waves of sensation through her, a delicate caress that seemed to awaken every nerve in her body. His voice, a husky whisper, reached her ears, carrying with it a blend of desire and vulnerability that left her breathless.

"You smell amazing."

Mia's face warmed, her breath hitching in response to his words. Her heart pounded in her chest, the intensity of the moment enveloping her in a haze of emotions. The air was thick with desire, a magnetic pull that drew them closer together. She felt his lips move to her jawline, a sensation that sent shivers cascading through her as he placed soft, lingering kisses along her skin. With every touch, every kiss, it was as if a floodgate of emotions had been unleashed, a dance of sensations that had long been suppressed and were now finally allowed to breathe.

Their lips were just a breath away from each other, the anticipation between them building like a storm on the horizon. His eyes bore into hers, searching for any sign of hesitation. When her eyelids fluttered close, he took it as a cue, a shared understanding that they were both ready to let go.

When his lips finally touched hers, the sensation was both electric and soft, a paradoxical blend of urgency and tenderness. Mia's breath caught, her senses overwhelmed by the feeling of his lips moving against hers. In that stolen moment, time seemed to lose all meaning, and the world around them faded into insignificance. Every touch of his lips was a brushstroke of emotion, a silent confession that spoke more than words ever could.

As they kissed, Mia felt a mixture of emotions swirling within her—desire, vulnerability, and a sense of rightness that she had never experienced before. Each press of their lips deepened the connection between them, a symphony of sensations that left her dizzy and breathless. She let herself melt into the kiss, her body responding to his touch, her heart beating in rhythm with his.

The sensations intensified as his arms tightened around her, pulling her impossibly closer. It was as if their bodies were drawn together by an irresistible force, and Mia found herself surrendering to the moment, to the passion that enveloped them. Her fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt, holding on as if he were her anchor in a sea of emotions.

When they finally pulled away, their breaths mingling in the air, Mia's lips tingled with the imprint of his kiss. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of awe and desire. The corridor felt like their private haven, a space where their connection had deepened beyond words, where they had shared a kiss that was both a beginning and a promise of more to come. The air was charged with a newfound intimacy, a sense of discovery that left them standing on the precipice of a new chapter in their relationship.

Mihawk's gaze held a mixture of tenderness and longing as he looked down at her, a silent question in his eyes. "It's late," he remarked, his voice a gentle murmur.

Mia nodded, her smile still lingering, a reflection of the emotions that had ignited between them. "Yes, it is."

A moment of quiet understanding passed between them, as if they were both acutely aware of the significance of this juncture in their lives. Mihawk's hand moved to rub her arms, a gesture that carried both warmth and comfort, grounding them in the present.

"Would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow night?" he asked softly and suavely.

"We have dinner together every night."

"You know what I mean."

"You mean like a date?"

"Yes."

"Like a 'date' date?"

"I don't know what that means, but yes." He sounded hypnotised.

Mia giggled. "Yes, that would be lovely."

As they stood there, bathed in the moonlight, the corridor transformed into a space of shared promises and unspoken desires. The weight of their kiss lingered in the air, a memory they would both carry with them as they embarked on this new journey together.

With a final lingering touch, Mihawk pulled her into a gentle embrace, his arms wrapping around her in a protective cocoon. Mia nestled into his chest, her head resting against his shoulder, as if finding solace in his presence.

"I should let you rest," Mihawk whispered, his fingers tracing soothing patterns on her back. But her mind was far away from falling asleep.

Mia smiled against his chest, the words both a reassurance and a promise. As they stood there, enveloped in each other's embrace, the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the echo of their whispered confessions and the anticipation of what lay ahead.

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A/N: Hope you all enjoyed! Please review and thanks to those who already have. Next few chapters should be longer and have more plot. I'm hard at work!