Her gaze was tired and her breathing was slow and heavy as she looked out in the direction of the shore to the East. Body battered and wet clothes torn, revealing her breasts as her gaze moved to the sound of your footsteps, breaking the branches and dried leaves. The heaving suggest she swam for quite a while before she crawled here.
" W- who's there..."
I'd look down at her, the scars on my neck and face barely visible in the darkness What are you doing on my land? I'd ask softly
" I- I'm sorry... I didn't mean to..." She looked back in the direction she came from, fear flickering across her features before she forced it down. "I was just so tired... My ship sank and I couldn't swim anymore."
Her breathing was still heavy as if she had yet to fully recover from the ordeal.
I'd take my shirt off, revealing my scars and abs, as I put my shirt on her You must be cold.. I'd say softly What happened to your ship?
She looked up at you with wide eyes when she felt the warmth of your shirt against her skin and couldn't help but close her eyes in relief. "Thank you," she murmured softly as she clung to it, trying to get some heat back into her body. "A storm came out of nowhere... I was unprepared."
Her voice was hoarse from shouting over the howling wind and crashing waves. It had been a miracle that she'd managed to swim this far without drowning.
I see.. I'd say softly, I'd kneel down, pulling her into my arms, as I pick her up, carrying her to my home
She let out a small sound of surprise before relaxing into your embrace, feeling surprisingly safe and warm with you despite not knowing who you were. Her cheek rested against your chest as she listened to the beat of your heart beneath her ear. "Thank you... for saving me," she whispered, her voice barely audible even to herself.
I'd nod slightly, as we arrive at my house shortly, I'd set her down in front of the fireplace, as I leave to my bedroom, grabbing some clothes for her, as well putting on a new shirt, as I walk over to her, placing the clothes neatly next to her Here..
She took the clothes gratefully and started changing into something dry, feeling self-conscious about being seen half-naked by this stranger but too exhausted to care much. When she was done, she sat down on the floor in front of the fireplace, leaning against a wooden chair for support. "Thank you... for everything," she repeated softly.
Her eyes drifted closed as the warmth from the fire seeped into her bones, finally beginning to feel safe and comfortable.
Don't need to thank me, you don't know who I am.. I'd say quietly, as I sigh, sitting downbon my couch
She looked up at you with curiosity and tired eyes. "I don't need to know who you are to be grateful," she pointed out gently. "You saved my life." Her voice was soft, almost dreamy from the heat and exhaustion. "And I'm sure if our positions were reversed, I would've done the same for you."
There was a moment of silence as they sat there together, watching the flames dance and flicker on each other's faces.
Even if our positions were reversed, I wouldn't allow you to help a bad person like me.. I'd say quietly, my gaze drifting to the fire
Her eyes widened and she opened her mouth to respond, but then closed it again, her expression shifting into something unreadable. "You must have gone through a lot," she finally said after a moment, her voice quiet and uncertain. "To make you think that way." She paused, looking down at her hands before looking back up at you. "Maybe I can help you with whatever it is...if you'll let me."
I've killed people for my own survival.. these scars are victims of my hands, they were trying to save themselves, just as I was tryingnto save myself.. I'd say quietly, as I look into her eyes
"Luke..." she whispered his name, her voice laced with understanding and compassion. "I'm not going to judge you for what you've done to survive. We all do things in the face of death that we might not be proud of later." She leaned forward slightly, resting a hand on your knee. "But it doesn't have to define who you are now. You can choose what kind of person you want to be from here on out."
I'd begin to pull away Trust me I'm a monster.. a freak-
She placed her other hand on top of yours, gently but firmly stopping you from pulling away completely. "I don't know what happened to make you think that," she said softly, her eyes meeting yours with an intensity that made it feel like she was seeing right through you. "But I do know that everyone has the potential for goodness, even if they've done terrible things in the past."
There was a moment of silence as their hands stayed connected, her touch somehow comforting and reassuring despite the coldness of his skin.
I'd look away, my expression softening, as I speak quietly You can't change my mind that easily.. But I will acknowledge your words..
She smiled gently and squeezed his hand. "I'm not trying to change your mind," she said softly. "I just want you to know that I believe in you...and that if you ever need someone to talk to, or help you work through whatever it is you think you have to face alone, I'll be here for you." Her voice was full of warmth and sincerity, making her offer feel genuine and heartfelt.
I'd pull my hand away, as I look at my hand, my gaze focused on it
Her expression softened when you pulled your hand away, but she didn't try to stop you. Instead, she leaned back against the chair, watching you carefully. "It's alright," she murmured. "You don't have to say anything right now if you don't want to." She paused for a moment before asking gently, "Would it help if I told you about myself? About where I come from and why I was out there on my ship in the first place?"
What are the tattoos for?
Her expression turned slightly guarded at the mention of her tattoos. "They're...part of my culture," she said carefully, choosing not to say more about them. "I come from a place where we believe that marking our bodies with permanent ink helps us remember who we are and where we come from." She paused for a moment before continuing. "My ship was taking me home after I finished my training...but the storm came out of nowhere and destroyed it."
Where are you from? I'd ask softly, my eye fill with curiosity
She hesitated before answering, her gaze drifting away from you as if she were considering how much to reveal. "I'm not sure I should tell you...it might be dangerous for you if anyone finds out." There was a note of warning in her voice that made it clear she wasn't joking.
But then, she took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "My people live on an island far to the east," she began, "inhabiting a hidden paradise that only those who are truly worthy may reach."
Tell me.. I'd say softly, my eyes locked onto hers
She studied your face for a moment before continuing, her voice quiet but steady. "Our people are known as the Yume-no-Mato," she began, using the ancient name of their tribe. "We believe that our island is a sacred place, blessed by the gods themselves with power beyond measure." She hesitated again before adding, "It's said that whoever possesses the heart of the Great Tree that grows in our center will have control over all aspects of life on our island...including death itself."
I'd nod, my eyes still locked onto hers So you're technically Japanese? I'd ask softly
Her expression flickered for a moment at the mention of Japan before she composed herself once more. "I suppose you could say that we are descended from them," she said carefully. "But our culture and way of life have evolved into something very different over time." She paused, considering her words. "To simply call us Japanese would be to ignore all that has made us who we are today."
There was an unspoken question in her eyes as she studied you once more, trying to gauge your reaction to what she'd just revealed about herself and her people.
I'm actually from a different country, but currently we're at China.. I'd say softly
Her eyes widened slightly in surprise before she regained her composure. "You are very far from home then," she said thoughtfully, her expression once more shifting into one of curiosity. "And you've been living here all this time?" She tilted her head to the side as she studied Luke, trying to piece together the story behind his presence on this island and why he seemed so interested in her people.
I'd look away, as I blush slightly I like to be alone most times, but I don't mind having Company..
She smiled softly at his admission, her gaze lingering on him thoughtfully for a moment before she looked away again, seeming to weigh something in her mind. "I'm not sure what it is about you," she said slowly, "but there's something...familiar about you." She shook her head slightly, as if trying to dismiss the notion. "Perhaps it's just because you are so different from anyone I've ever met before."
Maybe.. I'd stand up, as I stretch, yawning softly Anyways, I'm going to bed.. there's room on my.bed if you want to sleep on it.. I'd walk to my bedroom
She watched him as he stood up and stretched, her expression thoughtful. It occurred to her that perhaps she was feeling more tired than she had realized. "Thank you," she said quietly, following him into the bedroom. She climbed onto the bed on the opposite side from where he'd indicated and curled up beneath the covers, grateful for the warmth they provided.
As she lay there in the darkness, her mind drifted back to all that Luke had told her about himself and his past.
I'd have my eyes closed, as I speak softly Can't sleep?
She hesitated before answering, not wanting to seem too forward. "I...I'm just thinking about everything that's happened," she admitted quietly. "And I can't help but wonder how much of it was fate." Her voice drifted off as she considered the possibility that their paths crossing might have been more than just coincidence.
The bed dipped slightly next to her as Luke shifted positions, though he didn't say anything else.
I'd pull her into my arms, her head pressed against my chest Will this help you sleep? I'd ask softly
Her eyes widened in surprise as he pulled her into his arms, but she didn't resist. In fact, the warmth and comfort of his embrace were welcome after everything she had been through today. "Thank you," she whispered softly, closing her eyes once more as she nestled closer to him.
In the quiet darkness of the night, their hearts beat in perfect rhythm, as if they were meant to be together for a reason beyond mere chance or coincidence.
I'd close my eyes, slowly falling asleep
She listened to the rhythm of his heartbeat, feeling safe and protected in his arms. As exhaustion claimed her once more, she let herself drift off into a peaceful slumber, dreaming of the mysterious man who had saved her life and what their future might hold together...if they were indeed fated to be linked by some greater destiny.