Black Rose

Chapter 25

Gulf walked in silence as everyone else was talking. There was a little tension when Bright and Mew were officially introduced to each other since they didn't have a very nice first impression. Gulf ignored the chatter like he usually did and concentrate on the little fluff ball in his arms which was now sound asleep.

They had already walked another two hours and were reaching the area where they were going to picnic, it was almost 5 pm, maybe they would get to see the sunset from where they would stop to eat. They had snacked along the way but now Mild was getting whinny due to hunger.

"Okay when are we getting there" he whined again, this time while piggyback riding Boat. After 15 minutes of hearing him complain Boat had finally had enough and carried him. Gulf smiled at how silly he looked, just like a kid.

He felt someone watching him and looked around to see Mew staring at him, he felt himself start to blush and looked away.

"Would you get away from me for the love of God" Saint complained while rolling his eyes at Zee who looked unbothered.

"No, i like to see beauty up close and I happen to have a great view right here beside you" he winked and Saint blushed, he picked up his pace and Zee followed.

"Are you okay?" Gulf turned to see Mew beside him " if you're tired of holding him you can give him to me" he said looking at the sleeping ball of fur in his arms.

Gulf looked down and shook his head "No, I'm fine, I like holding him it makes me... happy" he said whispering the last part he lifted his eyes to see Mew watching him carefully , he felt like his breath caught, why was he feeling this way?

"He said he's good" Bright said as he stepped to be next to Gulf, annoyance flashed on Mew's face before it disappeared just as fast.

"Finally we're here!" Mild yelled excitedly beckoning everyone's attention as he jumped off Boats back.He ran near the cliff Boat yelling after him "Mild be careful don't get so close!" Mild pouted in response

They got the whole picnic set putting the things Zee and Mew had brought together with theirs and ate. They had a fun conversation, full of teasing and bickering, them getting to know each other. Chopper who had woken up with Mild's and Boat's screaming was sitting beside Gulf enjoying belly rubs after his meal as Gulf ate and half listened to the groups conversation. Mew kept his eyes glued on Gulf.

Chopper began to pace and whine and Mew got up, Gulf looked at him " I'm gonna walk him, his whining for it you keep eating here with the others" he said softly to him, Gulf stared at him for a moment, why did his eyes look so welcoming, Gulf just nodded he didn't think words could come out even if he tried. Mew smiled and picked up Chopper walking away from the group.

Mew walked far enough from them so Chopper could go with no worries he sat him down and looked out to the setting sun enjoying the way the sky was splattered in orange and pink tones.

"I don't know what your intentions are" came Brights voice from behind Mew, he turned to look at him " but stay away from Gulf"

Mew smiled "I don't think it's up to you whether Gulf can make new friends or not" he took a step closer to Bright " and you're kinda crossing the line here, I get you're protective of him but to try and intimidate someone like he's some fragile piece of glass is wrong"

Bright wanted to smack him, to be honest he wasn't a hundred percent sure why Mew Suppasit rubbed him the wrong way, but he did and he didn't want him near Gulf

Before they could continue they heard Gulf screaming "Chopper!!!!" They both took off running,once they turned the corner they saw Gulf with a stick in his hand reaching for a terrified Chopper at the end point of the cliff cornered by a snake.

Mew felt time slow down.

He saw Gulf get closer and the cliff seemed to shake under him, he used the stick to throw the snake off into the bushes and quickly reached out for Chopper, the moment he had him in his arms he hugged him tightly and turned and just then, the cliff gave out.