[CLOSED Backlog] - Reacquaintances... pt2
Character(s): Gaara [Red] and Tenten [Light Blue]
Date: Gaara at age 16, Tenten at age 18; Late Summer 1658
Setting: 愛 Tavern, Trinidad
Summary: Coming into port for the night, old acquaintances meet again after three years.
Warning(s): R, maybe NC-17 for death, blood, and limey sex scenes
"If the Pirate Lords daughter comes in here tonight, NO ONE touches her but me." Gaara spat his venomous words to the tender of his tavern, the man had been forced to the surface of the bar with the heavy pressure applied by the young boy. The man would have over powered Gaara by a landslide from his own size and strength would have out weighed the red heads by nearly double if it hadn't been for the sharp blade to the mans neck for insurance he would not try anything against him. But it had not stopped or frighten Gaara in that sense, he had known Tenten was far too curious and socially outspoken to let her brief time here slide by without seeking out the interesting company of and old acquaintance. "Her features are not of this land." He drew his lips closer to the dirty ear of the man pinned. "Her eyes will enchant you, her voice a spell it it's own. DO NOT touch her she is mine." Each word with heavy emphasis on each syllable, received a scared shuddering nod of agreeing as the pressure was eased off his neck. His hand reached to rub this the back of it to sooth the pain of being forced into a most awkward position with a blade to his throat. But it was like that, and the red head was gone taking the light of stairs to where his room had been located above the bar.
The night was young as the boy had taken to the side balcony of his tavern, his elbows rested along the steel railing with a bare foot wedged between the parallel bars. His gaze fell to the open harbor the ship of the pirate lord had docked in full view from every angle of the port. The bright sun disappearing over the flat horizon the sky tainting itself the most brilliant of colors of orange and red. a truly beautiful sight if he had not seen it nearly every night in passing, except for the gray of the clouds moving in from the north, the slight pick up in winds and indicated an incoming storm system. Perhaps it was a good thing they had stopped here and wait out the storm. Otherwise he would not have the chance to speak with the Lords daughter at all if they had gone out and gotten themselves killed. He would have much rather tasted the ripe fruits of what the Eastern waters had to offer, even if daddy did not approve. In fact the knowledge that she would be rebelling against her fathers wishes had made him want to see her even more.
Taking a deep relaxing breath of the salty sea air, it had always calmed his nerves even when living under the thumb of his father.
"Looking for a good time tonight, love?" He heard the rather annoying vocals coming from down below, sliding a dark lid open a crack to discover just who owned that voice. A red head Gaara had... seen... before, a slight curl into a smirk to the low cut corset deliciously giving her a nice boost to her pale breasts.
"No." He started sharply turning his concentration back to the towering ship in thought, ignoring the moans of disappointment from below.
It had been no easy feat to sneak past the crew of men that had been left behind to watch the ship. A bit of a surprise because Shirou had always left the men to their own wants and desires, even if they were to stay in the port for just the night and leave early in the morning. Those who failed to be on the ship when they set out were doomed to be left behind with little hope of ever finding their way back again. Always she kept that in mind, because even she was no exception to the rule, not this time. The schedule was set and the timing had to be right in order execute every point of the plan correctly. But Tenten supposed in knowing the nature of her daughter's determined and stubborn pride, the extra security was needed. She would not be at all surprised of those particular men were being paid a bit extra to ensure that she had remained in her quarters. HA! What little good that would do. She had spent years sneaking out of the beds and rooms of men in much higher standings in the social ladder, with better paid guards, though lesser skilled in her opinion.
She slipped around the outside of the hull easily enough, being careful not to clop her feet against the wood too often and relying on the strength of her arms to pull herself across to the even planks of the docks. The minutes wasted away on that task alone, taking her time so as not to make a mistake in her rush, but still working as quickly as she could. Once that was done and she had paused long enough to hear if her escape had been discovered, the night was hers. "The heart of the city, he said."
There were men and women alike roaming the streets, all in a drunken daze while they meandered about for the next pint of ale or fantastical lay that would send them off to their next adventure. She had never been allowed to roam the streets or even see the city on her last visit, so Tenten was careful to take in every scene and every sound that was seen and heard. It was generally the same as every pirate refuge that she had the pleasure of visiting around the world, though there was an obviously particular culture of influences here that did not exist in the other pirate ports. The spices in the air reminded her of the lands of India, though there was a different twinge that was all its own. The music was reminiscent of Africa and yet, the rhythmic charm was of another breed. And the offering of flesh, of brew, and of the promise of a night well remembered spoke of the exotic lands of her home, only with a more direct and less discreet method of advertising.
"Interesting..." It was not long before she found herself lost amid the maze of the streets, new to the city and having no way of knowing where exactly the 'heart of the city' resided. Asking around would render no help at all, she knew, and so she was left to continue on while always keeping an attentive eye and a clear mind about which direction the docks were. If this little endeavor failed, she would at least be able to return, defeated and disheartened. And it was then that she saw it. In the dim lighting, it had been hard to see, but after an inebriated man left with a curse and a hard slam of the door, the sign wavered and swung into the light to illuminate the symbol hanging over the door.
Cool and clean strides took her through that same door, to the loud hustle and merriment of both men and women who were inside. She noted a few eyes turning towards her but ignored them, knowing that her features would be most noticeable as a foreigner. They were of little importance and would only bring her trouble. So she seated herself at the bar and ordered up a cup of their house rum, pausing for just a moment to regard the almost frightened look on the bartender's face with a curiously raised brow. "Is there a reason why you're staring at me like that?”
Gaara had been lingering outside for sometime, taking in the sights and sounds around him in a soothing relaxing breaths, easing his mind or worry and regret for the events of the day. Now, his one and only concern was whether the little sea wretch would have enough balls to disobey her father and come to the young boy anyway, only the passing time will tell as the last rays of the sun bid a farewell to the pirate port for the evening. It was oddly that such a manly dressed woman would walk into a bar with such an aura as she had owned the place. He scoffed narrowing his pale eyes in a squint to better assess the woman as she passed the door and entered the tavern. A deep, mischievous smirk had painted his features in the realization that his wish had been granted, the little eastern flower had decided to run into his arms after all this time, finally wanting a piece of the man he had become. He in turn would have no qualms with giving to her what she desired.
It was exactly as the Captain had said, her eyes, her voice everything in plain view screamed absolutely enchanting. He had even found himself twitching in remembering to what Gaara had told him in his forceful mannerisms. His quivering lips had found it hard to speak of the stumbling words he had tried to form to answer her questions. "It's nothing miss'" He stated, his dark eyes scanning her frame of what he could see of her outline, perhaps imagining what it would be like to see her in all her splendors in her naked form. to enjoy the body of a foreign flower such as this would be the prize of any man brave enough to walk into the dangerous spell of a pirate princess. "What brings you off th' masters ship this fine' evening? Looking for something in particular lassie?" He corked a dark eyebrow as he cleaned a mug for her order using a clean white cloth in hand.
He stepped away a brief moment to fill the glass with what she had requested placing it in front of her.
She placed an elbow against the counter top and leaned in a little on the arm, changing the angles of her body into a more flattering light to add emphasis on the assets that men had always found far more...interesting. It was an act that was more out of habit than purpose, forged from years of playing this game, enticing men in taverns much like this one, and gaining a brief moment of trust as she was brought back to their homes for a more private show of appreciation of her company. And then Tenten would find out all the secrets they held, squeeze every last drop of information that she could relay it back to Shirou, or form plans of her own. The women she saw roaming the streets of the pirate villages she found comical, barely dressed to implore the attention that the young piratess could command with a simple gesture. Even dressed in the clothes of men, covered save for a little patch of skin just below the base of her neck, she held a presence that could not be ignored. "Just looking for a place on this island to enjoy myself for the night. I've not much time here and I plan to take...advantage of every minute."
Her smile was coy and friendly, but held a deeper undertone that could only be read by those who knew her well enough to look for it. There had been one reason Tenten had come, and one reason only. She was not working, not on the prowl for the next victim who could tell her all that she needed to know about this treasure or that lost relic. She only wished to know how he had faired in the past three years, and if he had managed to end his own torment or simply waited out the rest of the wretched man's life, though there was the question of how to go about finding the man in this massive crowd. The tavern seemed to be doing good at the very least, insurance that if his pirate days were suddenly over and done with, he would have a stable landing to fall back on.
Bringing the glass to her round lips, Tenten's eyes lingered on the young bartender a moment more before taking a sip of the brew, simply toying with the man like a cat would a dying mouse until the blend of flavor hit her tongue. And that, she understood, was why his was the tavern to enjoy when stopping in Trinidad. She was never one for the rum or ale, only occasionally indulging in it while celebrating with the crew. But generally it was much safer for her to limit herself. A drunken woman surrounded by a horde of hungry men would only ensure her death, if not her humiliation. "This bar seems popular. After a taste of the rum, I can see why. Tell me, does the owner have such good taste in all his treasures? Or was it simply a stroke of luck?"
Aye, well you have come to the right place." The man found himself fixated on the position she had shifted herself to on the bar stool, giving him a much better view of the cleavage down the small part in her shirt. He had scanned Gaara's words in his head, quickly deciding what the young captain did not know would not hurt him, right? Or so he continued to think, as he would be much too foolish to pass up the opportunity she was offering up on the table with her seductive gestures. He had answered her without thinking twice other than what was in front of his line of view, those deep brown almond shaped eyes, with the exception of Gaara hers were more exotic than many of the woman on this Island, or in the entire Caribbean for that matter. He had found himself lost in a trance as the young red head had warned, as his gaze became more dream like placing an elbow to the bar to lean more into their 'conversation.'
"The owner of this bar' little miss, isn't something a pretty one like ye should be askin' about. They say he's the spawn of a demon, uncaring for anything or anyone but himself." He followed, allowing the information dribble from his lips like the potent liquids he had sold. "No one knows' what he thinks, and no one brave enough to ask." He paused leaning more in, his dark eyes obviously lowering to catch an eyeful of fleshy mounds. "they' say the recipe is from his father long ago, but refuses to speak of a life before he turn' feared." He warned her of the young boy who would no doubt take this workers life in a heart beat if he had known he was going against what was ordered, this woman was to be his? Not likely, such a pretty treasure should not be kept to a man that would discard her when he was finished, not that the young bartender was loyal to one woman himself, but she did not have to know this.
"This fool thinks I am stupid, his mistake." The red head watch with a narrow eye as the the man he had threatened before her arrival deliberately went against his order. And now, if he had not known the wrath of Sabaku Gaara, he would in due time. But he chose to wait, high above leaning over the rail in a sharp intense glare intended for blood.
It was hard to ignore just how…concentrated he was on the small sliver of skin she was showing, and it amused Tenten knowing the power that she truly held. Among her father's crew who were accustomed to her presence, had watched her grow up as surrogate fathers and brothers, it was never an issue save among the newest additions to the gaggle of men. They were smart to her tricks, though occasionally even they could be persuaded by her charms. Still it was refreshing to be reminded of such talents from perfect strangers, ones she only knew one weakness of, the weakness that most men she had come across held. Too often she would smile sweetly at such attentions while deep in her mind the cutthroat pirate lass would be planning out their deaths. All was abandoned the moment they would release the information she needed.
Taking another sip of the rum, she tilted her head a bit more to the side, curious at the barkeeper's statement of her old acquaintance. She had known a little bit of his history, what she could learn in two weeks time while sailing with him and his father through the Caribbean. "I think I should decided that for myself, don't you think, good sir?" The corner of her lip quirked out in a smirk and her enchanting eyes sparkled with mischief, only adding a darker tone to the picture she painted before the young man. She was not as she seemed he was now realizing, but to pass up an opportunity to tame such a beast…could he really spoil the chance?
"The spawn of a demon they say? Is that right? Well…I've tried my hand at slaying demons before." Shifting again, Tenten flicked a lock of hair over her shoulder, exposing more of that milky creamed skin that he seemed so intent on staring at. "Perhaps this one will prove somewhat of a challenge?"
For the most part, Gaara ha remained silent for much of his concentration had be focused on the pair in conversation as he leaned his elbows against the wooden rail of the upstairs platform. ignoring much of the loud drunken people stumbling by raising their glass to the young man as the passed in respect. Gaara paying no mind, his glare had given the boy some kind of focused tunnel vision, leaning more forward as if he could select hear through everyone else to the conversation his bartender was enjoying rather thoroughly with the young woman he had set his own eye on. He ground his teeth at he disobedience and vowed with a burning flame of hate he would pay for his insolence.
"aye, perhaps I am a demon that needs been slayin' as well." The young man smirked casting his dark eyes downwards to to the point of flesh where it had become more exposed, playing along unknowing to her little information game he had not known of the rules. "He is a vile child for such a pretty young thing as yourself, you needin' a real man." It was then, when his hand began to reach to brush the hair from her face to tuck it behind her ear, his entire world had come to a halt. The deep pain in his heart began to course through his entire being. Even as his arm had feel back to the bar surface with a thud at her side, unable to keep it up from the numbing cold that had over taken the warm spell she had been casting over him, his knees buckling as he had tried keeping his composure after wide eyes turned to the dagger that had pierced through his skin to the slowing beating muscles of his heart. It was moments left of the man's pathetic life that he had forced a chin upward to have cool sheets of aquamarine staring him down with a satisfied cynical smile, as if he had heard every word and his death was payback.
With the passing time of watching his handy work, the attention had not wavered until the young bartenders slumped figure had disappeared behind the bar leaving Tenten to herself, allowing her thoughts to maul over what she had just seen. "FIND ME A NEW TENDER THAT OBEYS ME!" He growled from his perch high above, knowing someone in the crowed, if not all would do just that in his orders. He had turned from his spot, back to the open door of his room slamming the door shut behind him, knowing full well her curiosity would have grown deeper to the events that led the 16 year old she had once knew it to this blood crazed, uncaring man.
A flinch and a wince were her only reactions to the sudden appearance of the knife. Tenten had grown up around them often enough to render a deep familiarity with them. They were a part of her daily life, never leaving the ship or going anywhere without one hidden on her body just in case it would be needed. The slosh of the knife cutting into muscle and through even hard bone with the force of the throw was a sound she had heard almost daily though not quite as pronounced. Specks of blood sprayed out, a few drops landing on her cheek, the bridge of her nose, and her forearm as the sound echoed against the walls of the tavern, the room having fallen into a dead silence at the scene. Her fingers twitched against the counter top, wanting nothing more than to trace over the sharp tip and feel the blood against the steel, smell it, see pools and pools of the life-sustaining liquid spill out when the blade was removed. In that, in the pure beauty of the kill, she had often heard the men say that sometimes she took too much pleasure in it when the mood struck her, something Tenten knew was something her father was concerned about. But to deny the need, the want, would be like another cage for her to bear.
His voice rang clear and strong in the din, drawing her attention away from the still too warm corpse that laid out in front of her and up to the second level where his figure stood behind the wooden rails of the balcony. It was the same angle in which the knife had come from. Tenten could not help but smirk at the thought, entertaining the concept of jealousy overtaking his self control for one instance in time. A foolish thought, she knew, but one that amused her nonetheless as she spun the false truth in the caverns of her mind for a moment longer while witnessing the temper of what the citizens of this island had considered 'the spawn of a demon.'Demonic? Tch, more like temperamental.
The walls echoed his rage and amplified it tenfolds, but over what she could only guess at and ponder over. All she knew was that the power he commanded in the short three years of his pirate career was far more than his merchant of a father had ever possessed in his entire lifetime. And in that brief moment before the young man disappeared behind the sanctuary of his doors, she wondered if he had even seen her during his brief tirade.
Turning back around just in time for the new bartender to take the old one's place, she ordered another cup of the house rum to replace the one that had been tainted by the spilled blood, only regarding the dead man with an even glance. While she pushed aside her first cup and waited for the second to be poured, Tenten reached out a steady hand and lifted the head just enough for her to reach in and finally pull out the cursed knife from his chest, pushing him back to fall to the ground and out of the way as her drink was served to her. "I don't think he'll be needing this." And Tenten smirked impishly into lip of her new drink as she took a swallow of the rum.
A huff of annoyance as he plopped himself down behind his desk, tapping his index finger over map sprawled over the wooden surface with impatience as usual. Gaara didn't like to be kept waiting, especially when his little treat had obviously come to him and seek out his company above and over what her father had clearly stated directly in front of the young Captain. Mused tilting a chin upward in a cocky smirk to the rebellion that she just cold not seem to shed during their time apart. She had changed, not only developing in her stunning exotic look pleasing to pale hungry eyes but obviously in her branch off from her father protecting arms.
He shifted back far in his chair, tipping it to the two wooden legs as he prompted his feet crossing over one another over the top of his desk, in the same motion swiping up the book in his hand he had stolen from her almost 4 years ago. A book he had actually kept close like a keep safe, a charm of sorts reading more than a few times, swearing in his own mind the soft scent of her feminine smell still lingered in the pages. But, his imagination seem to run ramped, and quickly shook his thoughts of the witch who had enchanted his mind and soul from the time she had left the port of Trinidad the first time round. Her presents here and now might have been called fate to many, coincidence to some, but to Gaara it was a twist of life once again being thrown in his path as an obstacle to over come an over power like many objects in his life, even an object of desire such as the one he awaited.
He took a moment, slowly opening the pages of the book in hand to where he had left off the last time he had picked it up to read. The story was myth, of that he was sure that men could not hold up quality and honor between one another as Arthur had portrayed, the greed of men always became a greater demon in all and eventually the thirst of more would consume them. A fairy tale, nothing more. He scoffed studying the final pages, hiding his nose deep in the pages of the paper gone yellow and torn from age.
Finally finishing her draught of rum and glancing around, she noticed the crowd in the tavern thinning out just a bit. She was the only woman there now, the other men long having took their prizes to a more private arena so as to further converse with their new companions, at least for the night. The man that had taken over at the bar was less conversational than the last. Good she supposed as he seemed less inclined to look at her like a prime piece of meat on display at the local butchery. But that also meant that there was nothing more she could find of out the red-head's life from these workers. Loyal to his temperamental boss or perhaps simply frightened of his wrath, this man had only looked at her once since taking over the duties, as if she were a carrier of the plague that he wanted nothing to do with. Pity. It was always fun to toy with the minds of men when they were too preoccupied with gawking to realize what was happening. But he did manage to answer one question for her, at least. "Barkeep...Was he expecting me?"
Though her voice had been soft and gentle, the expression on her face was completely serious. Full lips evened out in a straight line of neutrality and sharp eyes narrowed just slightly as his hard kept persona paused for just a split second at the question. There was no need to say the name, he knew perfectly well who Tenten spoke of, the truth ever present in his eyes as they darted about nervously in thought. But his actions had already given away the answer she needed, made apparent by the sly grin that spread over her lips. He seemed to sigh in defeat and Tenten could not help but give him a look of sympathy before paying and tossing him an extra coin for his troubles. She should have been infuriated at him for thinking her so predictable, even after the years that had laid between now and that day in her room, should have left just to spite him and prove that she was under no one's command but her own. But...how rude would it be to disappoint someone who was expecting your company?
Her steps barely made a sound on the stairs, Tenten's hand gliding along the banister while she took slow and steady strides up to the second level. There was no sound that she could hear as she approached the door that he had disappeared behind not too long ago, and wondered if he had simply grew tired of waiting for her, if indeed that had been what he was doing. If so, than it had been a chance wasted, and if not then...what, she wondered. They were never exactly friends, nor where they true enemies. There had simply been an understanding of sorts, though it was far from perfect. But it had worked, at least in the end. Whether it still did now, she would only find out the moment she stepped through the door frame.
So, with a deep breath, she moved forwards and pressed her palm against the wood of the door, quietly turning the knob and gently pushing inward to enter the room. The scene presented before her was one she had not expected, though she should have with the amount of reading Gaara had done in his younger days. The book in his hands however looked familiar, one that she had remembered owning but never could find after... And then it all clicked together. So it had been him who had taken it after their last meeting.
Smirking and snickering quietly she stepped further into the room and began reciting the words she knew all too well. "In the beginning of Arthur, after he was chosen king by adventure and by grace; for the most part of the barons knew not that he was Uther Pendragon's son, but as Merlin made it openly known. But yet many kings and lords held great war against him for that cause, but well Arthur overcame them all, for the most part the days of his life he was ruled much by the counsel of Merlin. So it fell on a time King Arthur said unto Merlin, My barons will let me have no rest, but needs I must take a wife, and I will none take but by thy counsel and by thine advice."
"I hardly have time for your silly theater games anymore." He stated, lowering the book from his line of view, peering to the woman he had waited for. Snarling lightly under his breath for the fact she had made him wait longer than expected, with the strong scent of his rum on her breath no less. "I'm surprised a woman such as yourself would dowse herself in such a vile means of entertainment." He spoke as though his own business of bootlegging the finest rum in the Caribbean was foe pa, as any man would have enjoyed the splendors an riches that had come along with the profitable business of his father before him. But Gaara himself never liked the stuff for his own personal reasons, alcohol can cloud he mind, change a man in seconds against friends or family and yet it had not mattered as there was always some freedom after having a few pints and your world was released for a couple of hours before heading back to a more pathetic life.
"It's not good for a woman to drink that stuff when she has no one around to protect her from predators." He stated mockingly knowing full well she would not take that light hearted pun with light chuckle. She was far too engulfed in her own struggles as woman, they were a tiring argument as he knew all too well from constant whining when they had been younger that it was the heart of her irritation. a slight tug pulled the corner of his lips pushing himself from the comfort of his tilted chair, tossing the book to the far corner of his desk.
"I never liked that story much anyway."
"And yet to keep it after all these years. That means you're either a pack rat...or you like it more than you're letting on." Her voice was light and airy, gentle but still laced with a mocking undertone that added a more sinister sound to her seemingly innocent facade. An easy tilt of her head and she approached his desk, stopping a foot or two in front of the edge to simply stand there while they spoke. Out of some old habit she had not been able to get rid of or outgrow, Tenten held her hands behind her, against the small of her back before correcting the stance to one more suitable in protecting her front if need be. The corner of her lip twitched in a quick smirk as she noted that the book still laid in his hands despite the side comment about his interest in the story. "But then again, you always had your secrets, didn't you, Captain?" At this her eyes shifted in the light and her smirk became more pronounced, making it clear of her patronizing tone. "A very nice title, one you've earned no doubt through great toil and pains, along with your reputation."
The soles of her shoes scuffed lightly against the wooden floor boards as Tenten shifted in her stance, taking a moment to glance down at the toes of her shoes before continuing. Earthy brown against jaded green, she had always believed his eyes to be astonishingly interesting in their shading, resembling the stones of her homeland back in the Southeastern parts of Asia. But the years had only made them more crystal clear and dramatic, encased in the same dark rings of insomnia that had plagued his childhood. "I appreciate your concern for me, very courteous of you. But that is not unnecessary." Her movements were smooth as Tenten shifted once more, unfolding her arms to lay her palms down on top of the table while she leaned forward. "If I can out-drink my father's crew, I can certainly handle a bit of rum. You may still think of me as some pirate 'princess', and you're welcomed to continue thinking so. But let it be said that I am not one to be underestimated."
That said, she eased off the desk and righted herself, her arms returning to where they were folded over the edge of her ribcage. And then, as if nothing else had happened, she added light-heartedly. "And as I remember correctly, you were the one who decided to join in while I was reading to the crew."
"I only kept it because I ad forgot about it once I put it on my shelf," pointing back behind his shoulder to the large book case that had held any and every book he had ever desired. His life as a pirate Captain left him little time for much reading in a fantasy world yet more of ancient text and language to discover and decipher treasures throughout the seas. He had been ducking from the navy here and there, but none were stupid enough to come after a boy with three ships full of blood crazed thieves as he himself was. So his freedom remained, making mints of profit from raids and rum to allied ports of Tobago and Tortuga.
"My pain is not a concern, neither is the one who caused it, leave it at that." His yes followed every gesture, smooth movement even though he had known a person, man or woman, to have been drinking he had seen it much in his younger years and was something that was hard for the boy to miss. the slurring tongue, wobbling steps attempts at flaunting assets, although agreeing with her comment inwardly he made his way in a slow stride around his desk and leaning against it lightly. His face half covered from the side profile view she had of him by the high blue caller of the custom jacket he had made for himself, a gift from splurging in the splendors decking the young man out in a rather clean cut looking get up oddly for someone supposedly to be dubbed a feared ( unkept?) pirate. His pale eyes in a narrow stare passed the gold trim of the hem to meet those sweet earth kissed almond eyes he had longed to loose himself in the moment she stepped foot in his port.
He tilted his chin upward to her statement of when they had acted the story of the great Trojan war together on his fathers ship years ago, his emotion remained flat almost bland in his expressionless face. "I was not very good." He stated in a mild flat tone of voice. But very correct in that statement, the situation was awkward for the boy at the time, and even now as he refused to recite from her worthless book, he was unable to let himself free of the bids that held him back from being just... a child.... to grow up faster than he had expected, to man an entire Island and fleet on his young shoulders.
"What are you doing here, Tenten, you are going against your father's wish."
She let out a huff of breath, a soft sigh that told of her frustrations at his questions and statements. Her intent had only to find out what had happened to Gaara in the three years since their last meeting, to find out the end of his story...or perhaps the beginning depending on how one viewed it. After all, one ending only leads to another beginning. With the death of his father, Gaara's life as a whipping boy had stopped and he had been freed of his bonds of torture. But it also ushered in a new chapter of the young man's life, as was apparent by all that he had managed to gain in that time. What he had seen in the vast waters of the Caribbean, in the Atlantic ports that speckled the coasts of this new world of the West. What adventures awaited him, discoveries he had made. The thrill of it all, she wanted to know, if only to find out that his was a happy ending after all that he had suffered.
But the question he posed was one she had not expected, remembering how Shirou's hand had been shrugged off like HE had been the filthy rat of a man Gaara's father had been. It was as if all the respect that Gaara had once held for the man had disappeared along with his chains. Thin lips pressed together in a straight line and her brows knitted together just slightly while Tenten tried to keep her emotions in check, hard as it was after his show on the docks earlier. To occupy her mind further and redirect some frustrations, Tenten turned on her heel and began pacing quietly around the room and glanced at his choice of decorations while she spoke, her tone still light and casual like a friend talking to an old comrade, though friends they never were...or were they? "...Why does that matter to you? You obviously have no more respect for my father than you do a common street urchin. I suppose that is your thanks for the kindness he had once showed you."
"In any case, I am here. And I would have come with or without my father's consent, so do not think for one second that this is simply an act of defiance from some spoiled pirate brat. I've more class and self respect for that." The effects of the rum was small but no doubt noticeable. Her tongue was loosening though her regard for the feelings of others had disappeared long ago when once she would have been sure to at least be respectful towards others. "You of all people can understand, sometimes father does not know best." Pausing for a moment, Tenten reached out a delicate hand to touch the twin swords hanging on his wall, studying the detail of its design as she brushed the pads of her fingers along the smooth sheath while picturing the cold glint of the blade. "What they think you need is often times the opposite." Smirking over her shoulder, she glanced at him through the curtain of her hair with a knowing look that only added intensity to her already alluring eyes. "And besides, if you had enough knowledge to know that I would come, you would know enough of my reasons."
"Forgive me if I am not easily trusting to a pirate lord whom has shown me kindness once years ago. I have no need for sympathy then or now." He shrugged following her steady walk around his desk to the dueling swords that impaled to the wall in a criss cross mount. Admiring the slight stumble in her footing as she came to a halt in here speech, his pale eyes sliding over the backside of her small thin frame where the cloths she had worn for the journey here had done less than nothing for her stunning figure. one he had mentally claimed for himself since her arrival, noting to anyone whom dared touch or speak with her in a manner than was unapproved by the young captain would have the fate of his last bartender whom chose to do so.
His eyes trailing back up to meet those gorgeous seductive eyes, clearly tainted with the sweet taste of his own rum, crates to have been which been delivered to the pirate lords ship a few hours prior to the young mans request for the travels ahead. "It would seem something or someone has sparked your curiosity then?" He asked, pushing himself from the comfortable lean from his desk making is way in a slow stalking stride around behind her her. the sweet smell of her feminine scent filling his senses like an intoxicating aroma therapy. "I knew you would come." His voice deep, the feel of his breath against her hair covered ear lobe with a light devilish smirk painting his features.
"You have changed." Of course he was meaning in her looks, her obvious strive for woman equality from being suppressed by the demon she called men was disgustingly still present in the way she had carried herself and spoke. No doubt picking up much respect from her fathers crew made up of mostly men, learning to sail as they had, and weapons as he noted he moment he had entered his office even carrying a few to which was possibly hidden under her garments. A challenge it would seem, as Gaara never really had once since his days had changed from a ship hand to a pirate king of his own still growing establishment. But again, like before when he had first laid eyes on her nearly four years he had thought about her more often that he would have liked. She was irritating, obnoxious, mouthy, stubborn and arrogant as he was even more so now than ever before, making it clear to her now on his advancing closeness that she had stepped into his territory and that foolishness would no longer be tolerated, or so he thought.
"Maybe your father is right, it could be dangerous here for his little jewel." Brushing a few long strands from her shoulder to her back, exposing the pale contours of her sweet neck.
The glance only lasted a moment before Tenten returned her earthy brown eyes back to the sword display she had been studying before, just long enough to see his profile from behind the collar of his jacket, the deep blue doing well to bring out both the color of his eyes and his hair. A gentle smile tugged at the corner of her lip at his admittance, even though it was unnecessary. She had already known as much from the bartender downstairs; his reaction had made a great comment on several things, particularly his reasons behind ridding himself of one not so obedient employee. But whether he was glad that she was there or not had yet to be said. And so, she would do or say nothing to show her reaction to that just yet, waiting for his move that would tell her all she needed to know. Gaara was never an overly expressive man. Even in his childhood years, on the deck of a ship surrounded by those he respected, the men of his father's crew, the man of Trinidad still could not let himself indulge in a simple moment of innocent expression. And perhaps the years have only made him less open with such a show, but she was patience despite the limited time frame they were both working with.
So with one blink, she left all that behind for the time being, concentrating on what had drew her interest before, what had always commanded her attention since her younger days when she had still lived in China. Reaching out her hand again, she leaned in to study the steel embellishments that encircled the black surface, seeing a small ghost of her own reflection in the metal coils. But the detail of the sheath did not seem so important when Gaara spoke again, his voice smooth and almost welcoming as it reverberated against the wooden walls, his soft footsteps marking the young captain's approach until she could practically feel the heat of his body behind her.
"I am not the only one who has changed. Three years can do a lot to a person. You're rising career certainly shows that." From where she stood, a small smile slowly spread out across her lips, laced with mystery and mischief. But it was gone as soon as it had appeared to make way for a more neutral expression to take over. A small shift of the head to the side was all she gave him, perhaps to give him another patch of skin from her neck to feast upon with his eyes, or simply to maintain some form of distance from him despite his closeness. Tenten was not sure which of the two was more truthful, both holding a lying spark within their folds. But he was pushing his authority on her in a wordless conversation of the body with how near he stood, and Tenten refused to be intimidated, stubborn as she was.
In the small space that he had left her between his looming body and the wall display, she turned her body slightly, the curve of her shoulder and arm brushing against the fabric of his overcoat while she moved. And while her fingers still pressed against the polished steel of the handle, Tenten inquired in the most casual manner. "So tell me Gaara, do you kill every bartender who speaks with an old acquaintance of yours?"
"You flatter yourself too much." He smirked, lilting is chin to accommodate her shift in stance until his nose barley touched hers. The feel of her warm rum tainted breath to his lips was the sweetest he had ever imagined,(Gaara never drinking rum for his obvious reasons, he kept to more civilized drink) he had so longed to touch them with his own, even having the thought pass through his thoughts the day those soft lips had grazed against his dirty cheek the final day she was in port the first time. He was different then as he was now, he was no longer that coward he had grown into a feared man, a respected because of fear granted him all the power in his hand than anything, not even the merchant, would have ever tasted. His statement was a calming mocking kind of tone, the whisper lingering heavily in their air in it's wake.
"Although you do flatter me with slipping from under your fathers nose just to come to me." Dipping his nose to the caverns of her neck, taking a long light inhale of the feminine scented flesh aching to be touched by him. The lovely dips and curves flexing against the muscles against her swallowing, nervousness? Was she afraid of him? A smirk as he drew his nose back up to meet hers, the pale eyes staring into perfect almond shaped ones of an exotic doll to the East. "Had you missed me that much?" He would have loved to believe this was the case, justifying the advances he was pushing on her but he knew it was for other reasons to know what had become of his father, how he had gotten to where he was this day. Where that little boy she had once knew died with his father that day.
With that, a swift turn from her the gap between them had widened into a still space of air of hollow as he made his way back taking his place once again to his desk. Casually glancing over the map that spread across it in an attempt to ease off now, and allow her to show some kind of a need to advance to him. He had not cared for who she was under the Pirate Lord, he was of no concern to the young boy, all he had cared for was the meaning of it all as to why she had come, of course he would have liked to have thought it was his was because she had an interest in him more than what it was when they were children.
"You are still daddy's little girl, no matter how you slice it. He is worried about you around me, and he should be." He followed almost amused at the thought that the great lord of the east would show such a weakness as a pirate, no such room for such things as love, bonds.... it's all a load of mythical crap in stories.
Her lashes fluttered, almost brushing against the skin of his cheek with how near Gaara had allowed himself to stand, speaking volumes more than anything he would say openly with that simple gesture. His actions were always more telling than his words, she realized, never wasting a single movement while governing himself reservedly to any who would or could see. It had been true of him back then save for a moment in time when the two of them had been hidden behind a sheet of water in a world of their own, but more so now with his breath breezing over her lips to mingle with the faint scent of rum. And at the light touch of his nose grazing along the curves of her neck, Tenten felt something stir within her chest, a nervousness the young woman had only felt once before coupled with a level of excitement she had always possessed when playing these little games, luring in these unsuspecting men into her web of lies and deceit. But the tables were turned now and Gaara of all people had been the one to initiate the start of the first round, making a bolder statement than Tenten would have ever thought possible with that simple yet heavily weighted gesture.
Coolly her eyes rose to meet his challenge while full lips turned upwards in a smirk at the thought of engaging in such a game with him, wondering exactly just where it would take them and for once not allowing herself to care. The world was filled with risks, her life as a pirate had taught her that. But she felt prepared enough to deal with the consequences if only to see just how far Gaara was willing to go as well, or if there was some other agenda in mind for his actions. Her encounters with men, with entertaining their muses and igniting their desires, was well established and familial. No doubt he would know of that if he had been watching her interacting with the bartender earlier and have enough incentive to kill the man just as he was about to touch her arm. But his own experiences were a mystery to her, the long years among other pirates and likely among women as well turning a once shy and perhaps cowardly young boy into the man who stood before her now.
Letting the tips of her fingers slide off of the black sheath, she slowly made her way over to his desk, placing a palm down on the map he seemed far to interested in as she leaned over the desk until their eyes were leveled with each other, giving him an adequate view should he take the opportunity. Tenten kept her voice soft and her mood light, the smirk ever a presence across her lips while she spoke. "I would take your own advice about flattery, although you never had much cause for it so I guess a little bit won't do that much harm on your ego."
And just as easily and quickly, she backed off, strolling over to the glass doors of a balcony that seemed to overlook the island of Trinidad, pushing them open with a gentle press of her fingers and stepping out to the open night air. This was his kingdom as he would no doubt call it, possessively proud of his accomplishments she would think. It was a beautiful place wrapped in the shadows of secrecy and death that was the embodiment of what they lived daily. Still, it was his, something he had took for himself, which was more than he had done when they had first met three years ago. "And I suppose it is some accomplishment in gaining control over such a bustling city."
And just on the horizon Tenten could make out the white sails of her father's ship docked in the bay, practically glowing under the moonlight. She could almost see the loose corners of canvas from the sails flapping and wavering in the breeze as it did every night they were in port. A great view for a self-proclaimed king to watch over his domain and keep an eye on all that was going on under his nose. No wonder his tavern is in the heart of the city. He can see everything from here. But...is that true for other things as well?
His smirk grew wide the moment he had heard her shift from her spot, her footsteps still light on her feet but becoming louder as she drew closer until finding her leaning in with an equally mischievous grin. Her statement spilling from her lips like sweet word vomit unknowing or uncaring to where she was, she as in his domain, his port where he was the boss. His smile had dropped to a frown moments before his rebuttal, the light glaze of those luscious lips against the dim flicker of the candles in the room, just begging to be grasped up by his own in a heated dominating kiss. Thoughts had drawn him closer his pants calm and collected masking the rising fury that she was so gracious to ignite. "I only have an ego because they stroke it so, I have achieved more in a short span of 3 and a half years than one could manage in a lifetime. Do I not have the right?"
It was moments later, her frame pulled from her seductive posture, his smile had returned as she made her way to admire all that was his. A tight clench in his jaw of annoyance as this game volleyed between them to see how long one would out last the other. Gaara had known from the start that she would end up winning, his temper always got the best of him and his control slipping if not gotten what he desired, like a spoiled child throwing a deadly tantrum having something so delicious linger in front of his face, only to have it turn and walk away mocking him in silence. He ad taken a moment to calm that vastly erupting spill of wanting to prove his worth to her, but why? why would he want to go to such great lengths to impress a woman he would have and watch her leave again the next day. Gaara's initial thought was that it was a perfect scenario, but upon speaking and having her here and despite that pompous little pirate princess act she had going, there was definitely something more that he just could not under stand.
A hand reached out, slim pale fingers coiling around he upper arm as he stepped outside to follow her. With an easy tug he spun her to face him taking a step forward to pin her between his frame and the metal railing. His tongue passes his lower lip, his eyes scanning over her like a vulture waiting for it's next meal to drop dead. "I am only in control because they fear me.... but even feared men have weakness." He paused casting a long glance to the grand ship who docked just hours ago, the ship that was carrying her to him, or so he'd like to think it his way. "It is the safest place in the heart of the city, out of range for cannon fire, not to mention the many lackeys that would throw themselves in front of an intruder to stop them. Your father should only worry of the present company you wish to share, I wonder what he would say to his disobedient daughter."
Date: Gaara at age 16, Tenten at age 18; Late Summer 1658
Setting: 愛 Tavern, Trinidad
Summary: Coming into port for the night, old acquaintances meet again after three years.
Warning(s): R, maybe NC-17 for death, blood, and limey sex scenes
"If the Pirate Lords daughter comes in here tonight, NO ONE touches her but me." Gaara spat his venomous words to the tender of his tavern, the man had been forced to the surface of the bar with the heavy pressure applied by the young boy. The man would have over powered Gaara by a landslide from his own size and strength would have out weighed the red heads by nearly double if it hadn't been for the sharp blade to the mans neck for insurance he would not try anything against him. But it had not stopped or frighten Gaara in that sense, he had known Tenten was far too curious and socially outspoken to let her brief time here slide by without seeking out the interesting company of and old acquaintance. "Her features are not of this land." He drew his lips closer to the dirty ear of the man pinned. "Her eyes will enchant you, her voice a spell it it's own. DO NOT touch her she is mine." Each word with heavy emphasis on each syllable, received a scared shuddering nod of agreeing as the pressure was eased off his neck. His hand reached to rub this the back of it to sooth the pain of being forced into a most awkward position with a blade to his throat. But it was like that, and the red head was gone taking the light of stairs to where his room had been located above the bar.
The night was young as the boy had taken to the side balcony of his tavern, his elbows rested along the steel railing with a bare foot wedged between the parallel bars. His gaze fell to the open harbor the ship of the pirate lord had docked in full view from every angle of the port. The bright sun disappearing over the flat horizon the sky tainting itself the most brilliant of colors of orange and red. a truly beautiful sight if he had not seen it nearly every night in passing, except for the gray of the clouds moving in from the north, the slight pick up in winds and indicated an incoming storm system. Perhaps it was a good thing they had stopped here and wait out the storm. Otherwise he would not have the chance to speak with the Lords daughter at all if they had gone out and gotten themselves killed. He would have much rather tasted the ripe fruits of what the Eastern waters had to offer, even if daddy did not approve. In fact the knowledge that she would be rebelling against her fathers wishes had made him want to see her even more.
Taking a deep relaxing breath of the salty sea air, it had always calmed his nerves even when living under the thumb of his father.
"Looking for a good time tonight, love?" He heard the rather annoying vocals coming from down below, sliding a dark lid open a crack to discover just who owned that voice. A red head Gaara had... seen... before, a slight curl into a smirk to the low cut corset deliciously giving her a nice boost to her pale breasts.
"No." He started sharply turning his concentration back to the towering ship in thought, ignoring the moans of disappointment from below.
It had been no easy feat to sneak past the crew of men that had been left behind to watch the ship. A bit of a surprise because Shirou had always left the men to their own wants and desires, even if they were to stay in the port for just the night and leave early in the morning. Those who failed to be on the ship when they set out were doomed to be left behind with little hope of ever finding their way back again. Always she kept that in mind, because even she was no exception to the rule, not this time. The schedule was set and the timing had to be right in order execute every point of the plan correctly. But Tenten supposed in knowing the nature of her daughter's determined and stubborn pride, the extra security was needed. She would not be at all surprised of those particular men were being paid a bit extra to ensure that she had remained in her quarters. HA! What little good that would do. She had spent years sneaking out of the beds and rooms of men in much higher standings in the social ladder, with better paid guards, though lesser skilled in her opinion.
She slipped around the outside of the hull easily enough, being careful not to clop her feet against the wood too often and relying on the strength of her arms to pull herself across to the even planks of the docks. The minutes wasted away on that task alone, taking her time so as not to make a mistake in her rush, but still working as quickly as she could. Once that was done and she had paused long enough to hear if her escape had been discovered, the night was hers. "The heart of the city, he said."
There were men and women alike roaming the streets, all in a drunken daze while they meandered about for the next pint of ale or fantastical lay that would send them off to their next adventure. She had never been allowed to roam the streets or even see the city on her last visit, so Tenten was careful to take in every scene and every sound that was seen and heard. It was generally the same as every pirate refuge that she had the pleasure of visiting around the world, though there was an obviously particular culture of influences here that did not exist in the other pirate ports. The spices in the air reminded her of the lands of India, though there was a different twinge that was all its own. The music was reminiscent of Africa and yet, the rhythmic charm was of another breed. And the offering of flesh, of brew, and of the promise of a night well remembered spoke of the exotic lands of her home, only with a more direct and less discreet method of advertising.
"Interesting..." It was not long before she found herself lost amid the maze of the streets, new to the city and having no way of knowing where exactly the 'heart of the city' resided. Asking around would render no help at all, she knew, and so she was left to continue on while always keeping an attentive eye and a clear mind about which direction the docks were. If this little endeavor failed, she would at least be able to return, defeated and disheartened. And it was then that she saw it. In the dim lighting, it had been hard to see, but after an inebriated man left with a curse and a hard slam of the door, the sign wavered and swung into the light to illuminate the symbol hanging over the door.
Cool and clean strides took her through that same door, to the loud hustle and merriment of both men and women who were inside. She noted a few eyes turning towards her but ignored them, knowing that her features would be most noticeable as a foreigner. They were of little importance and would only bring her trouble. So she seated herself at the bar and ordered up a cup of their house rum, pausing for just a moment to regard the almost frightened look on the bartender's face with a curiously raised brow. "Is there a reason why you're staring at me like that?”
Gaara had been lingering outside for sometime, taking in the sights and sounds around him in a soothing relaxing breaths, easing his mind or worry and regret for the events of the day. Now, his one and only concern was whether the little sea wretch would have enough balls to disobey her father and come to the young boy anyway, only the passing time will tell as the last rays of the sun bid a farewell to the pirate port for the evening. It was oddly that such a manly dressed woman would walk into a bar with such an aura as she had owned the place. He scoffed narrowing his pale eyes in a squint to better assess the woman as she passed the door and entered the tavern. A deep, mischievous smirk had painted his features in the realization that his wish had been granted, the little eastern flower had decided to run into his arms after all this time, finally wanting a piece of the man he had become. He in turn would have no qualms with giving to her what she desired.
It was exactly as the Captain had said, her eyes, her voice everything in plain view screamed absolutely enchanting. He had even found himself twitching in remembering to what Gaara had told him in his forceful mannerisms. His quivering lips had found it hard to speak of the stumbling words he had tried to form to answer her questions. "It's nothing miss'" He stated, his dark eyes scanning her frame of what he could see of her outline, perhaps imagining what it would be like to see her in all her splendors in her naked form. to enjoy the body of a foreign flower such as this would be the prize of any man brave enough to walk into the dangerous spell of a pirate princess. "What brings you off th' masters ship this fine' evening? Looking for something in particular lassie?" He corked a dark eyebrow as he cleaned a mug for her order using a clean white cloth in hand.
He stepped away a brief moment to fill the glass with what she had requested placing it in front of her.
She placed an elbow against the counter top and leaned in a little on the arm, changing the angles of her body into a more flattering light to add emphasis on the assets that men had always found far more...interesting. It was an act that was more out of habit than purpose, forged from years of playing this game, enticing men in taverns much like this one, and gaining a brief moment of trust as she was brought back to their homes for a more private show of appreciation of her company. And then Tenten would find out all the secrets they held, squeeze every last drop of information that she could relay it back to Shirou, or form plans of her own. The women she saw roaming the streets of the pirate villages she found comical, barely dressed to implore the attention that the young piratess could command with a simple gesture. Even dressed in the clothes of men, covered save for a little patch of skin just below the base of her neck, she held a presence that could not be ignored. "Just looking for a place on this island to enjoy myself for the night. I've not much time here and I plan to take...advantage of every minute."
Her smile was coy and friendly, but held a deeper undertone that could only be read by those who knew her well enough to look for it. There had been one reason Tenten had come, and one reason only. She was not working, not on the prowl for the next victim who could tell her all that she needed to know about this treasure or that lost relic. She only wished to know how he had faired in the past three years, and if he had managed to end his own torment or simply waited out the rest of the wretched man's life, though there was the question of how to go about finding the man in this massive crowd. The tavern seemed to be doing good at the very least, insurance that if his pirate days were suddenly over and done with, he would have a stable landing to fall back on.
Bringing the glass to her round lips, Tenten's eyes lingered on the young bartender a moment more before taking a sip of the brew, simply toying with the man like a cat would a dying mouse until the blend of flavor hit her tongue. And that, she understood, was why his was the tavern to enjoy when stopping in Trinidad. She was never one for the rum or ale, only occasionally indulging in it while celebrating with the crew. But generally it was much safer for her to limit herself. A drunken woman surrounded by a horde of hungry men would only ensure her death, if not her humiliation. "This bar seems popular. After a taste of the rum, I can see why. Tell me, does the owner have such good taste in all his treasures? Or was it simply a stroke of luck?"
Aye, well you have come to the right place." The man found himself fixated on the position she had shifted herself to on the bar stool, giving him a much better view of the cleavage down the small part in her shirt. He had scanned Gaara's words in his head, quickly deciding what the young captain did not know would not hurt him, right? Or so he continued to think, as he would be much too foolish to pass up the opportunity she was offering up on the table with her seductive gestures. He had answered her without thinking twice other than what was in front of his line of view, those deep brown almond shaped eyes, with the exception of Gaara hers were more exotic than many of the woman on this Island, or in the entire Caribbean for that matter. He had found himself lost in a trance as the young red head had warned, as his gaze became more dream like placing an elbow to the bar to lean more into their 'conversation.'
"The owner of this bar' little miss, isn't something a pretty one like ye should be askin' about. They say he's the spawn of a demon, uncaring for anything or anyone but himself." He followed, allowing the information dribble from his lips like the potent liquids he had sold. "No one knows' what he thinks, and no one brave enough to ask." He paused leaning more in, his dark eyes obviously lowering to catch an eyeful of fleshy mounds. "they' say the recipe is from his father long ago, but refuses to speak of a life before he turn' feared." He warned her of the young boy who would no doubt take this workers life in a heart beat if he had known he was going against what was ordered, this woman was to be his? Not likely, such a pretty treasure should not be kept to a man that would discard her when he was finished, not that the young bartender was loyal to one woman himself, but she did not have to know this.
"This fool thinks I am stupid, his mistake." The red head watch with a narrow eye as the the man he had threatened before her arrival deliberately went against his order. And now, if he had not known the wrath of Sabaku Gaara, he would in due time. But he chose to wait, high above leaning over the rail in a sharp intense glare intended for blood.
It was hard to ignore just how…concentrated he was on the small sliver of skin she was showing, and it amused Tenten knowing the power that she truly held. Among her father's crew who were accustomed to her presence, had watched her grow up as surrogate fathers and brothers, it was never an issue save among the newest additions to the gaggle of men. They were smart to her tricks, though occasionally even they could be persuaded by her charms. Still it was refreshing to be reminded of such talents from perfect strangers, ones she only knew one weakness of, the weakness that most men she had come across held. Too often she would smile sweetly at such attentions while deep in her mind the cutthroat pirate lass would be planning out their deaths. All was abandoned the moment they would release the information she needed.
Taking another sip of the rum, she tilted her head a bit more to the side, curious at the barkeeper's statement of her old acquaintance. She had known a little bit of his history, what she could learn in two weeks time while sailing with him and his father through the Caribbean. "I think I should decided that for myself, don't you think, good sir?" The corner of her lip quirked out in a smirk and her enchanting eyes sparkled with mischief, only adding a darker tone to the picture she painted before the young man. She was not as she seemed he was now realizing, but to pass up an opportunity to tame such a beast…could he really spoil the chance?
"The spawn of a demon they say? Is that right? Well…I've tried my hand at slaying demons before." Shifting again, Tenten flicked a lock of hair over her shoulder, exposing more of that milky creamed skin that he seemed so intent on staring at. "Perhaps this one will prove somewhat of a challenge?"
For the most part, Gaara ha remained silent for much of his concentration had be focused on the pair in conversation as he leaned his elbows against the wooden rail of the upstairs platform. ignoring much of the loud drunken people stumbling by raising their glass to the young man as the passed in respect. Gaara paying no mind, his glare had given the boy some kind of focused tunnel vision, leaning more forward as if he could select hear through everyone else to the conversation his bartender was enjoying rather thoroughly with the young woman he had set his own eye on. He ground his teeth at he disobedience and vowed with a burning flame of hate he would pay for his insolence.
"aye, perhaps I am a demon that needs been slayin' as well." The young man smirked casting his dark eyes downwards to to the point of flesh where it had become more exposed, playing along unknowing to her little information game he had not known of the rules. "He is a vile child for such a pretty young thing as yourself, you needin' a real man." It was then, when his hand began to reach to brush the hair from her face to tuck it behind her ear, his entire world had come to a halt. The deep pain in his heart began to course through his entire being. Even as his arm had feel back to the bar surface with a thud at her side, unable to keep it up from the numbing cold that had over taken the warm spell she had been casting over him, his knees buckling as he had tried keeping his composure after wide eyes turned to the dagger that had pierced through his skin to the slowing beating muscles of his heart. It was moments left of the man's pathetic life that he had forced a chin upward to have cool sheets of aquamarine staring him down with a satisfied cynical smile, as if he had heard every word and his death was payback.
With the passing time of watching his handy work, the attention had not wavered until the young bartenders slumped figure had disappeared behind the bar leaving Tenten to herself, allowing her thoughts to maul over what she had just seen. "FIND ME A NEW TENDER THAT OBEYS ME!" He growled from his perch high above, knowing someone in the crowed, if not all would do just that in his orders. He had turned from his spot, back to the open door of his room slamming the door shut behind him, knowing full well her curiosity would have grown deeper to the events that led the 16 year old she had once knew it to this blood crazed, uncaring man.
A flinch and a wince were her only reactions to the sudden appearance of the knife. Tenten had grown up around them often enough to render a deep familiarity with them. They were a part of her daily life, never leaving the ship or going anywhere without one hidden on her body just in case it would be needed. The slosh of the knife cutting into muscle and through even hard bone with the force of the throw was a sound she had heard almost daily though not quite as pronounced. Specks of blood sprayed out, a few drops landing on her cheek, the bridge of her nose, and her forearm as the sound echoed against the walls of the tavern, the room having fallen into a dead silence at the scene. Her fingers twitched against the counter top, wanting nothing more than to trace over the sharp tip and feel the blood against the steel, smell it, see pools and pools of the life-sustaining liquid spill out when the blade was removed. In that, in the pure beauty of the kill, she had often heard the men say that sometimes she took too much pleasure in it when the mood struck her, something Tenten knew was something her father was concerned about. But to deny the need, the want, would be like another cage for her to bear.
His voice rang clear and strong in the din, drawing her attention away from the still too warm corpse that laid out in front of her and up to the second level where his figure stood behind the wooden rails of the balcony. It was the same angle in which the knife had come from. Tenten could not help but smirk at the thought, entertaining the concept of jealousy overtaking his self control for one instance in time. A foolish thought, she knew, but one that amused her nonetheless as she spun the false truth in the caverns of her mind for a moment longer while witnessing the temper of what the citizens of this island had considered 'the spawn of a demon.'Demonic? Tch, more like temperamental.
The walls echoed his rage and amplified it tenfolds, but over what she could only guess at and ponder over. All she knew was that the power he commanded in the short three years of his pirate career was far more than his merchant of a father had ever possessed in his entire lifetime. And in that brief moment before the young man disappeared behind the sanctuary of his doors, she wondered if he had even seen her during his brief tirade.
Turning back around just in time for the new bartender to take the old one's place, she ordered another cup of the house rum to replace the one that had been tainted by the spilled blood, only regarding the dead man with an even glance. While she pushed aside her first cup and waited for the second to be poured, Tenten reached out a steady hand and lifted the head just enough for her to reach in and finally pull out the cursed knife from his chest, pushing him back to fall to the ground and out of the way as her drink was served to her. "I don't think he'll be needing this." And Tenten smirked impishly into lip of her new drink as she took a swallow of the rum.
A huff of annoyance as he plopped himself down behind his desk, tapping his index finger over map sprawled over the wooden surface with impatience as usual. Gaara didn't like to be kept waiting, especially when his little treat had obviously come to him and seek out his company above and over what her father had clearly stated directly in front of the young Captain. Mused tilting a chin upward in a cocky smirk to the rebellion that she just cold not seem to shed during their time apart. She had changed, not only developing in her stunning exotic look pleasing to pale hungry eyes but obviously in her branch off from her father protecting arms.
He shifted back far in his chair, tipping it to the two wooden legs as he prompted his feet crossing over one another over the top of his desk, in the same motion swiping up the book in his hand he had stolen from her almost 4 years ago. A book he had actually kept close like a keep safe, a charm of sorts reading more than a few times, swearing in his own mind the soft scent of her feminine smell still lingered in the pages. But, his imagination seem to run ramped, and quickly shook his thoughts of the witch who had enchanted his mind and soul from the time she had left the port of Trinidad the first time round. Her presents here and now might have been called fate to many, coincidence to some, but to Gaara it was a twist of life once again being thrown in his path as an obstacle to over come an over power like many objects in his life, even an object of desire such as the one he awaited.
He took a moment, slowly opening the pages of the book in hand to where he had left off the last time he had picked it up to read. The story was myth, of that he was sure that men could not hold up quality and honor between one another as Arthur had portrayed, the greed of men always became a greater demon in all and eventually the thirst of more would consume them. A fairy tale, nothing more. He scoffed studying the final pages, hiding his nose deep in the pages of the paper gone yellow and torn from age.
Finally finishing her draught of rum and glancing around, she noticed the crowd in the tavern thinning out just a bit. She was the only woman there now, the other men long having took their prizes to a more private arena so as to further converse with their new companions, at least for the night. The man that had taken over at the bar was less conversational than the last. Good she supposed as he seemed less inclined to look at her like a prime piece of meat on display at the local butchery. But that also meant that there was nothing more she could find of out the red-head's life from these workers. Loyal to his temperamental boss or perhaps simply frightened of his wrath, this man had only looked at her once since taking over the duties, as if she were a carrier of the plague that he wanted nothing to do with. Pity. It was always fun to toy with the minds of men when they were too preoccupied with gawking to realize what was happening. But he did manage to answer one question for her, at least. "Barkeep...Was he expecting me?"
Though her voice had been soft and gentle, the expression on her face was completely serious. Full lips evened out in a straight line of neutrality and sharp eyes narrowed just slightly as his hard kept persona paused for just a split second at the question. There was no need to say the name, he knew perfectly well who Tenten spoke of, the truth ever present in his eyes as they darted about nervously in thought. But his actions had already given away the answer she needed, made apparent by the sly grin that spread over her lips. He seemed to sigh in defeat and Tenten could not help but give him a look of sympathy before paying and tossing him an extra coin for his troubles. She should have been infuriated at him for thinking her so predictable, even after the years that had laid between now and that day in her room, should have left just to spite him and prove that she was under no one's command but her own. But...how rude would it be to disappoint someone who was expecting your company?
Her steps barely made a sound on the stairs, Tenten's hand gliding along the banister while she took slow and steady strides up to the second level. There was no sound that she could hear as she approached the door that he had disappeared behind not too long ago, and wondered if he had simply grew tired of waiting for her, if indeed that had been what he was doing. If so, than it had been a chance wasted, and if not then...what, she wondered. They were never exactly friends, nor where they true enemies. There had simply been an understanding of sorts, though it was far from perfect. But it had worked, at least in the end. Whether it still did now, she would only find out the moment she stepped through the door frame.
So, with a deep breath, she moved forwards and pressed her palm against the wood of the door, quietly turning the knob and gently pushing inward to enter the room. The scene presented before her was one she had not expected, though she should have with the amount of reading Gaara had done in his younger days. The book in his hands however looked familiar, one that she had remembered owning but never could find after... And then it all clicked together. So it had been him who had taken it after their last meeting.
Smirking and snickering quietly she stepped further into the room and began reciting the words she knew all too well. "In the beginning of Arthur, after he was chosen king by adventure and by grace; for the most part of the barons knew not that he was Uther Pendragon's son, but as Merlin made it openly known. But yet many kings and lords held great war against him for that cause, but well Arthur overcame them all, for the most part the days of his life he was ruled much by the counsel of Merlin. So it fell on a time King Arthur said unto Merlin, My barons will let me have no rest, but needs I must take a wife, and I will none take but by thy counsel and by thine advice."
"I hardly have time for your silly theater games anymore." He stated, lowering the book from his line of view, peering to the woman he had waited for. Snarling lightly under his breath for the fact she had made him wait longer than expected, with the strong scent of his rum on her breath no less. "I'm surprised a woman such as yourself would dowse herself in such a vile means of entertainment." He spoke as though his own business of bootlegging the finest rum in the Caribbean was foe pa, as any man would have enjoyed the splendors an riches that had come along with the profitable business of his father before him. But Gaara himself never liked the stuff for his own personal reasons, alcohol can cloud he mind, change a man in seconds against friends or family and yet it had not mattered as there was always some freedom after having a few pints and your world was released for a couple of hours before heading back to a more pathetic life.
"It's not good for a woman to drink that stuff when she has no one around to protect her from predators." He stated mockingly knowing full well she would not take that light hearted pun with light chuckle. She was far too engulfed in her own struggles as woman, they were a tiring argument as he knew all too well from constant whining when they had been younger that it was the heart of her irritation. a slight tug pulled the corner of his lips pushing himself from the comfort of his tilted chair, tossing the book to the far corner of his desk.
"I never liked that story much anyway."
"And yet to keep it after all these years. That means you're either a pack rat...or you like it more than you're letting on." Her voice was light and airy, gentle but still laced with a mocking undertone that added a more sinister sound to her seemingly innocent facade. An easy tilt of her head and she approached his desk, stopping a foot or two in front of the edge to simply stand there while they spoke. Out of some old habit she had not been able to get rid of or outgrow, Tenten held her hands behind her, against the small of her back before correcting the stance to one more suitable in protecting her front if need be. The corner of her lip twitched in a quick smirk as she noted that the book still laid in his hands despite the side comment about his interest in the story. "But then again, you always had your secrets, didn't you, Captain?" At this her eyes shifted in the light and her smirk became more pronounced, making it clear of her patronizing tone. "A very nice title, one you've earned no doubt through great toil and pains, along with your reputation."
The soles of her shoes scuffed lightly against the wooden floor boards as Tenten shifted in her stance, taking a moment to glance down at the toes of her shoes before continuing. Earthy brown against jaded green, she had always believed his eyes to be astonishingly interesting in their shading, resembling the stones of her homeland back in the Southeastern parts of Asia. But the years had only made them more crystal clear and dramatic, encased in the same dark rings of insomnia that had plagued his childhood. "I appreciate your concern for me, very courteous of you. But that is not unnecessary." Her movements were smooth as Tenten shifted once more, unfolding her arms to lay her palms down on top of the table while she leaned forward. "If I can out-drink my father's crew, I can certainly handle a bit of rum. You may still think of me as some pirate 'princess', and you're welcomed to continue thinking so. But let it be said that I am not one to be underestimated."
That said, she eased off the desk and righted herself, her arms returning to where they were folded over the edge of her ribcage. And then, as if nothing else had happened, she added light-heartedly. "And as I remember correctly, you were the one who decided to join in while I was reading to the crew."
"I only kept it because I ad forgot about it once I put it on my shelf," pointing back behind his shoulder to the large book case that had held any and every book he had ever desired. His life as a pirate Captain left him little time for much reading in a fantasy world yet more of ancient text and language to discover and decipher treasures throughout the seas. He had been ducking from the navy here and there, but none were stupid enough to come after a boy with three ships full of blood crazed thieves as he himself was. So his freedom remained, making mints of profit from raids and rum to allied ports of Tobago and Tortuga.
"My pain is not a concern, neither is the one who caused it, leave it at that." His yes followed every gesture, smooth movement even though he had known a person, man or woman, to have been drinking he had seen it much in his younger years and was something that was hard for the boy to miss. the slurring tongue, wobbling steps attempts at flaunting assets, although agreeing with her comment inwardly he made his way in a slow stride around his desk and leaning against it lightly. His face half covered from the side profile view she had of him by the high blue caller of the custom jacket he had made for himself, a gift from splurging in the splendors decking the young man out in a rather clean cut looking get up oddly for someone supposedly to be dubbed a feared ( unkept?) pirate. His pale eyes in a narrow stare passed the gold trim of the hem to meet those sweet earth kissed almond eyes he had longed to loose himself in the moment she stepped foot in his port.
He tilted his chin upward to her statement of when they had acted the story of the great Trojan war together on his fathers ship years ago, his emotion remained flat almost bland in his expressionless face. "I was not very good." He stated in a mild flat tone of voice. But very correct in that statement, the situation was awkward for the boy at the time, and even now as he refused to recite from her worthless book, he was unable to let himself free of the bids that held him back from being just... a child.... to grow up faster than he had expected, to man an entire Island and fleet on his young shoulders.
"What are you doing here, Tenten, you are going against your father's wish."
She let out a huff of breath, a soft sigh that told of her frustrations at his questions and statements. Her intent had only to find out what had happened to Gaara in the three years since their last meeting, to find out the end of his story...or perhaps the beginning depending on how one viewed it. After all, one ending only leads to another beginning. With the death of his father, Gaara's life as a whipping boy had stopped and he had been freed of his bonds of torture. But it also ushered in a new chapter of the young man's life, as was apparent by all that he had managed to gain in that time. What he had seen in the vast waters of the Caribbean, in the Atlantic ports that speckled the coasts of this new world of the West. What adventures awaited him, discoveries he had made. The thrill of it all, she wanted to know, if only to find out that his was a happy ending after all that he had suffered.
But the question he posed was one she had not expected, remembering how Shirou's hand had been shrugged off like HE had been the filthy rat of a man Gaara's father had been. It was as if all the respect that Gaara had once held for the man had disappeared along with his chains. Thin lips pressed together in a straight line and her brows knitted together just slightly while Tenten tried to keep her emotions in check, hard as it was after his show on the docks earlier. To occupy her mind further and redirect some frustrations, Tenten turned on her heel and began pacing quietly around the room and glanced at his choice of decorations while she spoke, her tone still light and casual like a friend talking to an old comrade, though friends they never were...or were they? "...Why does that matter to you? You obviously have no more respect for my father than you do a common street urchin. I suppose that is your thanks for the kindness he had once showed you."
"In any case, I am here. And I would have come with or without my father's consent, so do not think for one second that this is simply an act of defiance from some spoiled pirate brat. I've more class and self respect for that." The effects of the rum was small but no doubt noticeable. Her tongue was loosening though her regard for the feelings of others had disappeared long ago when once she would have been sure to at least be respectful towards others. "You of all people can understand, sometimes father does not know best." Pausing for a moment, Tenten reached out a delicate hand to touch the twin swords hanging on his wall, studying the detail of its design as she brushed the pads of her fingers along the smooth sheath while picturing the cold glint of the blade. "What they think you need is often times the opposite." Smirking over her shoulder, she glanced at him through the curtain of her hair with a knowing look that only added intensity to her already alluring eyes. "And besides, if you had enough knowledge to know that I would come, you would know enough of my reasons."
"Forgive me if I am not easily trusting to a pirate lord whom has shown me kindness once years ago. I have no need for sympathy then or now." He shrugged following her steady walk around his desk to the dueling swords that impaled to the wall in a criss cross mount. Admiring the slight stumble in her footing as she came to a halt in here speech, his pale eyes sliding over the backside of her small thin frame where the cloths she had worn for the journey here had done less than nothing for her stunning figure. one he had mentally claimed for himself since her arrival, noting to anyone whom dared touch or speak with her in a manner than was unapproved by the young captain would have the fate of his last bartender whom chose to do so.
His eyes trailing back up to meet those gorgeous seductive eyes, clearly tainted with the sweet taste of his own rum, crates to have been which been delivered to the pirate lords ship a few hours prior to the young mans request for the travels ahead. "It would seem something or someone has sparked your curiosity then?" He asked, pushing himself from the comfortable lean from his desk making is way in a slow stalking stride around behind her her. the sweet smell of her feminine scent filling his senses like an intoxicating aroma therapy. "I knew you would come." His voice deep, the feel of his breath against her hair covered ear lobe with a light devilish smirk painting his features.
"You have changed." Of course he was meaning in her looks, her obvious strive for woman equality from being suppressed by the demon she called men was disgustingly still present in the way she had carried herself and spoke. No doubt picking up much respect from her fathers crew made up of mostly men, learning to sail as they had, and weapons as he noted he moment he had entered his office even carrying a few to which was possibly hidden under her garments. A challenge it would seem, as Gaara never really had once since his days had changed from a ship hand to a pirate king of his own still growing establishment. But again, like before when he had first laid eyes on her nearly four years he had thought about her more often that he would have liked. She was irritating, obnoxious, mouthy, stubborn and arrogant as he was even more so now than ever before, making it clear to her now on his advancing closeness that she had stepped into his territory and that foolishness would no longer be tolerated, or so he thought.
"Maybe your father is right, it could be dangerous here for his little jewel." Brushing a few long strands from her shoulder to her back, exposing the pale contours of her sweet neck.
The glance only lasted a moment before Tenten returned her earthy brown eyes back to the sword display she had been studying before, just long enough to see his profile from behind the collar of his jacket, the deep blue doing well to bring out both the color of his eyes and his hair. A gentle smile tugged at the corner of her lip at his admittance, even though it was unnecessary. She had already known as much from the bartender downstairs; his reaction had made a great comment on several things, particularly his reasons behind ridding himself of one not so obedient employee. But whether he was glad that she was there or not had yet to be said. And so, she would do or say nothing to show her reaction to that just yet, waiting for his move that would tell her all she needed to know. Gaara was never an overly expressive man. Even in his childhood years, on the deck of a ship surrounded by those he respected, the men of his father's crew, the man of Trinidad still could not let himself indulge in a simple moment of innocent expression. And perhaps the years have only made him less open with such a show, but she was patience despite the limited time frame they were both working with.
So with one blink, she left all that behind for the time being, concentrating on what had drew her interest before, what had always commanded her attention since her younger days when she had still lived in China. Reaching out her hand again, she leaned in to study the steel embellishments that encircled the black surface, seeing a small ghost of her own reflection in the metal coils. But the detail of the sheath did not seem so important when Gaara spoke again, his voice smooth and almost welcoming as it reverberated against the wooden walls, his soft footsteps marking the young captain's approach until she could practically feel the heat of his body behind her.
"I am not the only one who has changed. Three years can do a lot to a person. You're rising career certainly shows that." From where she stood, a small smile slowly spread out across her lips, laced with mystery and mischief. But it was gone as soon as it had appeared to make way for a more neutral expression to take over. A small shift of the head to the side was all she gave him, perhaps to give him another patch of skin from her neck to feast upon with his eyes, or simply to maintain some form of distance from him despite his closeness. Tenten was not sure which of the two was more truthful, both holding a lying spark within their folds. But he was pushing his authority on her in a wordless conversation of the body with how near he stood, and Tenten refused to be intimidated, stubborn as she was.
In the small space that he had left her between his looming body and the wall display, she turned her body slightly, the curve of her shoulder and arm brushing against the fabric of his overcoat while she moved. And while her fingers still pressed against the polished steel of the handle, Tenten inquired in the most casual manner. "So tell me Gaara, do you kill every bartender who speaks with an old acquaintance of yours?"
"You flatter yourself too much." He smirked, lilting is chin to accommodate her shift in stance until his nose barley touched hers. The feel of her warm rum tainted breath to his lips was the sweetest he had ever imagined,(Gaara never drinking rum for his obvious reasons, he kept to more civilized drink) he had so longed to touch them with his own, even having the thought pass through his thoughts the day those soft lips had grazed against his dirty cheek the final day she was in port the first time. He was different then as he was now, he was no longer that coward he had grown into a feared man, a respected because of fear granted him all the power in his hand than anything, not even the merchant, would have ever tasted. His statement was a calming mocking kind of tone, the whisper lingering heavily in their air in it's wake.
"Although you do flatter me with slipping from under your fathers nose just to come to me." Dipping his nose to the caverns of her neck, taking a long light inhale of the feminine scented flesh aching to be touched by him. The lovely dips and curves flexing against the muscles against her swallowing, nervousness? Was she afraid of him? A smirk as he drew his nose back up to meet hers, the pale eyes staring into perfect almond shaped ones of an exotic doll to the East. "Had you missed me that much?" He would have loved to believe this was the case, justifying the advances he was pushing on her but he knew it was for other reasons to know what had become of his father, how he had gotten to where he was this day. Where that little boy she had once knew died with his father that day.
With that, a swift turn from her the gap between them had widened into a still space of air of hollow as he made his way back taking his place once again to his desk. Casually glancing over the map that spread across it in an attempt to ease off now, and allow her to show some kind of a need to advance to him. He had not cared for who she was under the Pirate Lord, he was of no concern to the young boy, all he had cared for was the meaning of it all as to why she had come, of course he would have liked to have thought it was his was because she had an interest in him more than what it was when they were children.
"You are still daddy's little girl, no matter how you slice it. He is worried about you around me, and he should be." He followed almost amused at the thought that the great lord of the east would show such a weakness as a pirate, no such room for such things as love, bonds.... it's all a load of mythical crap in stories.
Her lashes fluttered, almost brushing against the skin of his cheek with how near Gaara had allowed himself to stand, speaking volumes more than anything he would say openly with that simple gesture. His actions were always more telling than his words, she realized, never wasting a single movement while governing himself reservedly to any who would or could see. It had been true of him back then save for a moment in time when the two of them had been hidden behind a sheet of water in a world of their own, but more so now with his breath breezing over her lips to mingle with the faint scent of rum. And at the light touch of his nose grazing along the curves of her neck, Tenten felt something stir within her chest, a nervousness the young woman had only felt once before coupled with a level of excitement she had always possessed when playing these little games, luring in these unsuspecting men into her web of lies and deceit. But the tables were turned now and Gaara of all people had been the one to initiate the start of the first round, making a bolder statement than Tenten would have ever thought possible with that simple yet heavily weighted gesture.
Coolly her eyes rose to meet his challenge while full lips turned upwards in a smirk at the thought of engaging in such a game with him, wondering exactly just where it would take them and for once not allowing herself to care. The world was filled with risks, her life as a pirate had taught her that. But she felt prepared enough to deal with the consequences if only to see just how far Gaara was willing to go as well, or if there was some other agenda in mind for his actions. Her encounters with men, with entertaining their muses and igniting their desires, was well established and familial. No doubt he would know of that if he had been watching her interacting with the bartender earlier and have enough incentive to kill the man just as he was about to touch her arm. But his own experiences were a mystery to her, the long years among other pirates and likely among women as well turning a once shy and perhaps cowardly young boy into the man who stood before her now.
Letting the tips of her fingers slide off of the black sheath, she slowly made her way over to his desk, placing a palm down on the map he seemed far to interested in as she leaned over the desk until their eyes were leveled with each other, giving him an adequate view should he take the opportunity. Tenten kept her voice soft and her mood light, the smirk ever a presence across her lips while she spoke. "I would take your own advice about flattery, although you never had much cause for it so I guess a little bit won't do that much harm on your ego."
And just as easily and quickly, she backed off, strolling over to the glass doors of a balcony that seemed to overlook the island of Trinidad, pushing them open with a gentle press of her fingers and stepping out to the open night air. This was his kingdom as he would no doubt call it, possessively proud of his accomplishments she would think. It was a beautiful place wrapped in the shadows of secrecy and death that was the embodiment of what they lived daily. Still, it was his, something he had took for himself, which was more than he had done when they had first met three years ago. "And I suppose it is some accomplishment in gaining control over such a bustling city."
And just on the horizon Tenten could make out the white sails of her father's ship docked in the bay, practically glowing under the moonlight. She could almost see the loose corners of canvas from the sails flapping and wavering in the breeze as it did every night they were in port. A great view for a self-proclaimed king to watch over his domain and keep an eye on all that was going on under his nose. No wonder his tavern is in the heart of the city. He can see everything from here. But...is that true for other things as well?
His smirk grew wide the moment he had heard her shift from her spot, her footsteps still light on her feet but becoming louder as she drew closer until finding her leaning in with an equally mischievous grin. Her statement spilling from her lips like sweet word vomit unknowing or uncaring to where she was, she as in his domain, his port where he was the boss. His smile had dropped to a frown moments before his rebuttal, the light glaze of those luscious lips against the dim flicker of the candles in the room, just begging to be grasped up by his own in a heated dominating kiss. Thoughts had drawn him closer his pants calm and collected masking the rising fury that she was so gracious to ignite. "I only have an ego because they stroke it so, I have achieved more in a short span of 3 and a half years than one could manage in a lifetime. Do I not have the right?"
It was moments later, her frame pulled from her seductive posture, his smile had returned as she made her way to admire all that was his. A tight clench in his jaw of annoyance as this game volleyed between them to see how long one would out last the other. Gaara had known from the start that she would end up winning, his temper always got the best of him and his control slipping if not gotten what he desired, like a spoiled child throwing a deadly tantrum having something so delicious linger in front of his face, only to have it turn and walk away mocking him in silence. He ad taken a moment to calm that vastly erupting spill of wanting to prove his worth to her, but why? why would he want to go to such great lengths to impress a woman he would have and watch her leave again the next day. Gaara's initial thought was that it was a perfect scenario, but upon speaking and having her here and despite that pompous little pirate princess act she had going, there was definitely something more that he just could not under stand.
A hand reached out, slim pale fingers coiling around he upper arm as he stepped outside to follow her. With an easy tug he spun her to face him taking a step forward to pin her between his frame and the metal railing. His tongue passes his lower lip, his eyes scanning over her like a vulture waiting for it's next meal to drop dead. "I am only in control because they fear me.... but even feared men have weakness." He paused casting a long glance to the grand ship who docked just hours ago, the ship that was carrying her to him, or so he'd like to think it his way. "It is the safest place in the heart of the city, out of range for cannon fire, not to mention the many lackeys that would throw themselves in front of an intruder to stop them. Your father should only worry of the present company you wish to share, I wonder what he would say to his disobedient daughter."