Chapter 7
Hello, Archers! Hope you're doing great today! How's ARVIB so far? Hoping you're enjoying the story! Anyway, baka nasa 20-25 Chaps lang ang book na 'to since almost a side story lang ng SOTS, 'di rin siya heavy. Laugh-laugh onli. Enjoy!
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Chapter 7
Oh my God, Diary! What am I gonna do?
Would I be sad because Seb's having a fever or I'll be happy because Seb's this close to me now that he is?
I didn't move nor push him away after he rested on my neck. I figured he needed rest so I let him. I didn't know naman na makaka-sleep siya sa shoulder ko.
I'm super namanhid tuloy. I didn't move, not even a bit! Maybe I spent almost thirty minutes in that awkward position, afraid to move and wake him up. If hindi lang nag-peek sina Owen sa door, I don't think I'll be seen.
Seb woke up a bit when the boys helped him up but he was weak to even move. They brought him to his room and I followed.
"Gab, thank you. Kami na rito kay Baste." Romeo said but I refused and shook my head.
"No, I should help." I mumbled. "I'm the reason why he got sick, anyway."
I noticed the worry and question on their gazes but I just smiled and shook my head.
"It's okay, really. 'Di ba, you have work to do pa after? I can manage, I'll be fine once you teach me how to take care of him." I offered.
"Alright, we'll get some basin first." Owen smiled and left with Romeo to get inside Seb's room.
When they vanished from my sight, I looked around. I immediately noticed the colors inside Seb's room. It was neutral. He didn't even have much furniture inside when he basically is living here in the ship.
He has a television set and couch, a small table and there are two doors towards his room and to his kitchen. I entered the kitchen and noticed a glass door in it too and from my place, I can see a pool like mine.
Our rooms looked a like, just that, mine was bigger than this.
I opened his fridge to see if I could cook something inside but noticed what he had here was cans of beer and water. There's not even an egg to cook!
What is this? A bar?
Pouting, I got out of the kitchen. I went to see the boys fixing Seb on the bed.
Owen was saying something and I didn't catch it fast since I was too late to hear the whole conversation. I moved on the side of the door to take a secret peek.
"Gago," Seb, even in his faint voice said and smacked his shoulder. "Kapag ako nakaalis dito sinasabi ko sa 'yo ipapakain kita sa pating."
"Puro ka naman salita," Owen laughed. "Ilang beses mo nang sinasabi 'yan hanggang ngayon nakasakay pa rin ako sa barko."
"Gago," Seb hissed.
"Tignan mo? Minumura tayo? Ganyan ba dapat 'yong may sakit? 'Yong bibig pasmado pa rin? Walang utang na loob?"
Ian smiled when he caught me peeking, he motioned his hand to let me know I could go inside the room.
"Gago, wala nga kasi akong sakit!" Seb fought, "ayos na ako, lumayas na kayo."
"Wala kang sakit?" Ian suddenly asked, nag-stop me from walking.
"Wala! Mukha ba 'kong sakitin? Tatayo ako at lalabas, saan sina—"
"Gab, wala pala 'tong sakit. You can go now." Ian suddenly said.
Seb and I both stopped from our tracks, meeting each other's wide eyes. I noticed how Seb frowned, his reaction completely changed.
"F-Fuck, sakit pala ng ulo ko." Seb then touched his head, suddenly dropped on the bed kaya napa-gasp ako at nag-run towards him.
"A-Are you okay?!" I asked worriedly and sat beside him on the bed.
"H-Huh?" he glanced my way and shook his head, "no—"
"Hala? Biglang nagkasakit si gago—"
"Nagkasakit ako ulit! Bakit?" Seb hissed angrily but when he saw me looking, his eyes softened. "I-I'm really sick, Gab. Don't mind these people."
My stomach churned when he took my hand, placed it on his neck to make me feel his skin.
"See? I'm hot." He blurted, "I'm having a fever."
"Y-Yeah," my cheeks heated up. I touched his neck and forehead too, glancing at the boys after. "Seb's sick, boys."
"Oh? Dinig n'yo 'yon?!" Seb hissed, "may sakit ako, tang ina n'yo!"
Wow, Seb's a good man naman din pala. He even had the time to praise the boys and tell them they're handsome kahit sick siya!
"Gagong 'to, may sayad," Romeo hissed, "ikaw 'tong nagsabing wala kang sakit tapos biglang mayro'n no'ng nalamang nandito si—"
"May schedule 'yong sakit ko, bakit ba?" Seb hissed back, still touching his forehead. "Nawala bigla kaso biglang bumalik no'ng nakita ko si Gabriela."
"O-Oh..." I covered my mouth in shock and stood, "I-I'm sorry, should I leave para 'di ka na s-sick? I didn't mean to—"
"Tss..." he grabbed my wrist gently and pulled me back to the bed where I was sitting, my eyes are wide in shock. "Kasalanan mo 'to, panagutan mo 'tong lagnat ko."
I was stunned more when he rested his head on my legs after.
"Anak ng, ikaw ba 'yan Sebastian?!" Romeo laughed loudly, "gago kinikilabutan ako—"
"Okay, salamat sa paghatid. P'wede na kayong lumayas." He said in a monotone and raised his hand, as if shooing them away.
"Kami na bahala sa 'yo." Owen's eyes are teasing and suspicious as he eyed Baste and me, "tara na, Gab. Tayo na—"
"She'll stay here." Seb rose from resting on my legs and glanced at Owen, "may hinanap ako sa pool kagabi kaya 'ko nilagnat. Siya ang gagamot sa akin."
"Hoy, p'wede ka namang mag-gamot lang, inaabala mo pa ang bisita." Romeo hissed. "Akala ko ba dapat ang trato natin guest sa kanya. Edi dapat, ikaw din. Sinong crew ng barko magpapaalaga sa guest, ah? Ano ka, VIP?"
"Oo, bakit?" he threw him sharp daggers even if he's pale! I silently bit back my smile.
"Sumbong kita kay Cap!"
"Sumbongero ang gago. Angal ka, Romeo Save Me? Baka gusto mong sumbong kita kay Juliet?" Seb fought back. "Sabihin ko nagrereklamo ka kasi under ka—"
"Hindi, ah! Gagong 'to, sapakan? Sapakan?" Romeo hissed back and before Romeo and Seb fought, Owen pushed the two apart.
"Hoy, mahiya nga kayo kay Gab-Gab! Nagsasapakan kayo d'yan nakikita niya!"
"I'm fine, it's okay." I smiled a little at Owen but even if he's trying to stop the two, they continued fighting.
And I just watched the adorable sight quietly. I caught Ian's eye from the distance while he's resting his back on the door and when he saw me, he gave me a friendly smile.
He's just so quiet but whenever he talks, it has a lot of sense in it.
"Sorry..." he mumbled and looked at Romeo and Seb fighting. I just nodded and proceeding into watching the two.
It took some time before they got tired of bickering around. Basta, Seb fell on my lap again after and lifted his hand.
"Ayos na ako rito. Lumayas na kayo at humimlay!" he shooed the three who just made a face.
"Hindi, kung mag-iinarte ka rito, tuturuan muna namin si Gab!" Romeo hissed and offered me his hand, "tara, Gab. Turuan kita paano—"
"I can teach her!" Seb hissed, "ako na, kaya ko na 'to."
"Kung kaya mo na edi hindi na pala kailangang nandito si Gab?" Ian suddenly asked, raising his brow. Seb stopped and glared at him, he remained unbothered.
"Okay, then. Kaya mo na pala, ipapasyal na lang namin si Gab sa may dock—"
"Tss," he frowned and looked at me. I saw how the crease on his forehead vanished. "Paturo ka na, Gab. Dito lang ako. H'wag kang aalis, ah? May sakit ako. Baka mamatay ako, gusto mo ba 'yon?" his voice suddenly sounded so sweet.
"N-No!" I immediately exclaimed, "of course I don't want that..."
"Good girl," he smirked but it faded when he glanced at the boys. I followed his gaze and the three of them have this unreadable look on their faces when I saw it.
They all have this sour expression, as if seeing a ghost in front of them. If Seb didn't throw a piece of pillow on them, they won't bulge.
"Gago, namamaligno na ata ako." Romeo whispered and scratched his nape, looking at me before laughing awkwardly as he offered his palm. "Tara, Gab-Gab. Labas muna tayo, kailangan ng albularyo sa kwartong 'to."
"Tang ina mo," Seb hissed. I smiled.
"Gwapo raw you, Romeo." I mumbled happily as I accepted his hand to stand from the bed.
After I lingered another look at Seb, I left with the boys. They are all timid and formal as we stepped out but when they closed the door behind, they suddenly wiggled and screamed quietly.
"Gago, si Baste ba 'yon?! Kinilabutan ako!" Owen hissed. I just looked at them in awe.
"Magpapa-book na kami ng manggagamot baka nabarang na talaga 'to. Hindi 'to si Baste, may ibang kaluluwang pumasok sa katawan niya." Romeo shivered and looked at me, "lumaban ka, Gab, ah?"
"Huh? Why?" I blinked.
"Susubukin ka ng tadhana, tatagan mo." He tapped my shoulder, "atsaka pagpasok mo sa kwarto mamaya pagkatapos, mag-tabi-tabi ka."
"Why? May nakaharang? Why tatabi?"
But they only laughed at me, messing my hair quite a bit.
"Basta, para mawala ang evil spirit kay basher." He grinned playfully.
The boys guided me to the kitchen and taught me how I could help lessen Seb's fever and I listened carefully, nodding.
"Marunong ka ba magluto, Gab?" Ian asked when the two left to buy some stocks for Seb, they are frowning he have no stocks here, too. They left to buy some.
"Uh, a bit?" I smiled a little, "well, I wasn't so sure. Sa palace kasi, Ian, we were taught things like this. You know, the usual how to please you husband handbook? So, maybe I can try for a cook or two?" I sighed.
"Ang hirap pala talaga, 'no?" he rested his back on the counter like me, watching.
"Hmm..." I nodded, smiling a little. "Our household was kinda strict ever since we were little, we are molded to be the perfect children so when we grow up, we could get married into a wealthy family."
"But you'll be a queen now," he pointed out. "Is it really necessary for a queen to have a husband?"
"Not really, I think, Ian." I pouted. "I know a lot of woman leaders all over countries so I wonder why can't I rule alone? It's not like I'd depend to a man in ruling the country. I have my own mind and I might not be that smart—oh, I'm smart pala. I'm top one in our class, you know?"
"Oh?" his eyes widened, "really? Parehas pala kayo ni G!"
"Yup, it's a class of three. I'm with my younger siblings, I'm smart, 'di ba?" I winked. He laughed and grinned.
"You are," he smirked but even if he's giving me that jolly look, he still looked so soft. "You can manage cooking a porridge for him, right? If gusto mo, tulungan ka namin. Kausapin na lang namin si Cap sandali—"
"No, trust me. I can cook masarap 'no?" I shot my brow up. "I'm the gorgeous Gab kaya. I can do anything! I can even be little mermaid...if only Seb didn't destroy my dreams and said I swam like dikya!"
He laughed loudly. I rolled my eyes and protrude my lips.
"So crazy," I hissed. "Siya nga crab na Ursula."
"Sinabi niya 'yon?" he inquired. I nodded.
"Yes, last night." I answered, "he went to apologize but you know, he commented I swam like dikya when he caught me swimming. Tapos, he said he'll take the bracelet back so we fought a bit and pullet the bracelet until it got destroyed. The beads fell, some in the pool so I left, angry."
My voice turned somber, "then, I didn't know naman na he'll swim to find the beads. It's night, the water's cold. He swam for hours, I think. I fell asleep tapos I woke up with him knocking on the door and showing me the beads. Tapos...tapos...Ian, I'm a super bad girl ba?"
"Huh? Bakit?" his forehead creased, panicking.
"Kasi...kasi I slammed the door on his face while he's drenched with water instead of asking him to dry himself up."
But instead of telling me I am, he laughed loudly. I was super confused and blinked.
"Ian...?"
"Desurb..." he mumbled. My eyes widened.
"Ian?!" I exclaimed. "Oh my God, crazy ka ba?"
"H-Huh?" he cleared his throat and bit his lower lip to suppress his laughter. "F-Fuck, sorry. I just can't help but to...it wasn't your fault. Desisyon naman niyang lumangoy atsaka ayos lang 'yon na sinarahan mo pagmumukha niya deserved naman."
"Why?"
"He reflected, you know?" he grinned lazily and rested his back again. "Maaga kasi kami nagigising palagi para bumisita sa deck sa umaga. May schedule kami araw-araw sinong magus-supervise sa crew sa may office tapos 'yong iba susunod na lang. Ako ang schedule kanina pero mas nauna siya sa akin."
He laughed as if remembering something.
"Nagtaka ako anong ginagawa sa gilid, parang batang nawawala. Nagbibilang pa, may sinulid na hawak. Pagkakita ko nagdudugtong ng bracelet."
My eyes watered, "r-really?"
"Hmm..." he hummed but when he saw my eyes, he shook his head. "D-Don't cry, Gab! A-Ah, 'di ako marunong magpatahan..."
"It's okay, Ian," I bit my lower lip. "I-I was just so soft, I felt like crying whenever I see cute things and imagining Seb doing that. I-I'm not crying naman."
"Alright," he scratched his nape and took something from his pocket, offering me a handkerchief. "Here, in case you need it."
"Thanks, Ian, you're so tang ina talaga." I sniffed and took the hanky from his hand, drying my cheek.
Silence filled the both of us, he watched me silently until I calmed down. That's when Owen, Romeo and now with Lucian came inside with foods.
"Oh, bakit umiiyak si Gab-Gab? Pinaiyak mo 'to, Ian?!" Owen immediately hissed, walked towards me to check.
"H-Huh?" Ian looked so lost at that question kaya I shook my head immediately.
"No, he didn't. I'm just a bit emotional. We talked kasi, eh." I sighed, "just about Seb, about why he ended up getting sick."
"Oo nga, bakit, Gab? Sabi niya kanina sa pool?" Romeo inquired so in the end, I ended up talking about it again and to my amazement, everyone listened.
Romeo and Ian are busy refilling Seb's fridge but they're listening. Owen was seated in front of me while Lucian offered me water.
"It wasn't your fault," Owen mumbled. "Don't cry, Gab-Gab. Gagaling 'din 'yan si Baste. Ang mga masasamang kabayo, matagal mamatay—"
"O-Oh, why is Seb a horse now?" I asked, "he's a crab kaya. Little Mermaid's sidekick pero sometimes, he acts like Ursula." I pouted.
They laughed.
"Cute mo talaga. Naalala ko si G no'ng unang salta niya dito, parang sa lahat ng bagay namamangha siya." Romeo laughed, messing with my hair.
"Indeed," Lucian smiled at me handsomely, "we have to protect our Gabriela here too like how we protected our Guinevere."
"Yup!" the three agreed, my heart swelled.
"Thank you, boys." I sniffed. "Tang ina kayo all."
They chuckled instead, Lucian offered me a small container with sweets inside.
"Pinapabili 'yan ni Baste kanina, bigay ko raw sa 'yo."
I took the container, amazed and peek inside, seeing different shaped candies inside.
"We'd like to apologize about his behavior, on his behalf, Gab." I looked at Lucian, "he's unpredictable, really. He could be concern, playful and rude at the same time."
"Love language niya kasi 'yan, Cap, sinasabi ko sa 'yo." Romeo laughed, "ayaw niyang mamuri kaya iba-bash na lang niya."
"May point ka," Owen agreed. "Pansin mo, kapag gusto niya 'yong tao, komportable siyang lait-laitin. Kapag ayaw niya, o 'di kayo close, 'di ka niyan kakausapin. Ogag 'yan, eh."
"Ah..." I nodded, "you mean, if he didn't like the person, he won't talk?"
"Yup, yeah...you're actually right." Lucian nodded, "may mga babae rito sa barkong may interes. Madalas 'yong matagal na guests. Kakausapin 'yan si Sebastian, alam mo anong gagawin? Tititigan niya ng matagal sabay taas ng kilay at simangot. Aalis na walang pasabi."
Everyone laughed, remembering something.
"He's always like that ba?"
"Oo," Lucian smirked. "Even before Guin came here, ganyan na ugali niyan. Madalas kaming lait-laiting apat pero tahimik kapag sa iba. When my wife came, he's like that, too. I only see him whenever he's with the people he's comfortable with. Kapag gusto ka niya kasama, mas malala ang lait niya. Love language nga ata."
"Ogag nga, Cap." Owen smirked.
"Ah..." I nodded, smiling. I remembered it when Seb's been bashing me, like G called him. Basher. "Pero guys, I have tanong?"
They stared at me.
"What's ogag?" I asked.
Everyone was silent, I noticed the boys elbowing each other.
"Uh...it's..." Owen mumbled.
"Sabihin mo na 'yong totoo—"
"It meant sweet!" Lucian blurted out. Everyone looked at him, "malambing ba. Ogag."
"Cap..." Ian called but Lucian just eyed them seriously and smiled awkwardly at me when he noticed me watching.
"Ayon, 'yon lang, Gab." He smiled, "d-don't tell your cousin we said this, hmm?"
I was confused but nodded at them.
"You have a wide vocabulary pala in Filipino, 'no?" I smiled. "I heard from G once na if you're irritated at someone you can say pakyu." I then lifted my middle finger cutely. I was shocked when they screamed.
I had fun with the boys. They taught me my way around the kitchen. I said naman na I can cook so, they let me.
I was glad because they offered me company even if they have work to do. My cousin has been resting as per Lucian, she's sleeping daw and even if she's not here, she even sent me something I could do while I'm here.
They went to check on Seb first before they left for work. I cooked some porridge naman like how I cooked before in our cooking class.
I may not be that great but I think, I learned something naman? Our class wasn't that extensive before because first, we have chef to cook for us kaya super simple lang ng meals. Like this.
I was so confident. I put two teaspoon of salt and giggled happily.
I know this would taste splendid! He'd like it for sure!
I was so confident with my cooking skill I didn't bother tasting it and went to see him. The door was slightly open when I got inside but it shocked me upon seeing his eyes opening when I got in.
"You're awake! Tabi-tabi po!" I exclaimed. He frowned.
"Anong tabi-tabi? Ginawa pa akong nuno sa punso..." he whispered but shook his head, "babangasan ko talaga si Romeo paglabas ko."
"Tss, stop being violent. You're sick nga and you want to bangas someone? That's bad, you know? Mad sa 'yo niyan si Papa Jesus." I mumbled. He shook his head.
"Tagal mo naman," he yawned. "Namumuti na 'yong mata ng pasyente mo wala ka pa rin."
"Yeah, s'yempre," I answered. "I cooked porridge pa kaya for you."
"Uh-hmm?" he moved a bit from resting and rose. I lowered the tray first on the side of the table before I put some pillows to help him rest his back on the headboard. "Masarap ba 'yan?"
"Of course, it's masarap," I answered and put the tray in front of him. "I learned how to cook simple foods like that before in our cooking class, you know?"
"Cooking class? Edi master chef ka pala?" he asked, tilting his head to look at me and when our eyes met, I was blushing so hard again.
"N-No naman, I'm just an amateur," I answered. "Pero there, you should eat. Sorry kasi it's matagal. It's been a while na kasi since I last cooked so..."
He eyed me suspiciously. I frowned.
"If ayaw mo, edi don't—"
"Sino ba nagsabing ayaw ko?" he tsk-ed and held the tray, "akin na, titikman ko."
I nodded, smiling. I was about to lift the spoon to feed him but he took it. I stopped and glanced at me.
"Sorry," I smiled shyly, "I thought I should feed you, okay na pala. You can naman pala—"
"A-aww..." he dropped the spoon back on the bowl. My eyes widened.
"Seb?! Are you okay?"
"Parang nanghina 'yong kamay ko," he frowned, he showed me his hand. "Medyo nanginginig, walang lakas umangat ng kutsara. Subuan mo na lang ako."
My eyes widened when he weakly rested his back on the pillows again, closing his eyes as if he's in pain.
I watched him closely. His eyes are closed tightly while frowning but he opened his right eye a little, only to closed it immediately and touched his head.
"Aray, ang sakit...nahihilo na ako." He groaned.
I immediately felt bad and worried.
"Hala, sorry," I murmured. "A-Alright, I'd feed you, hmm?"
He slowly opened his eye and I realized it was a bit teary and exhausted. Sighing, I lifted my hand to fix his hair on the corner of his eye. He froze.
Our eyes met in the briefest instance and caught how an unreadable emotion filled the hollows of it as I brush my fingers on his hair. He swallowed hard. I gave him a small and sweet smile.
"Pagaling na you so, you could bash me again." I murmured.
Slowly, a smirk lifted from his lips.
"Silly," he moistened his lower lip, taking my fingers off his hair and held it on his hand. "Bakit gusto mong i-bash kita? You could ask me to shut up, I won't mind."
"Kasi you won't be Seb if you won't bash me," I chuckled a little. "And I am amused whenever you tease me, just that, sometimes you're super mean. I wanna slap your mouth."
He covered his mouth immediately in horror.
I shrugged and smiled cutely.
I gently took my hand away from him and took the spoon for the porridge. I blew it first and moved it closer to him but before he opened his mouth to have a taste, he eyed me.
"May nilagay ka rito 'no?" he accused.
"Huh? What?" I asked, "of course, I put some ingredients here. Edi no porridge if there's no sahog?"
He eyed me suspiciously, even sniffed on the spoon. I frowned.
"Dog ka ba?" I asked.
"Oh?" his eyes brightened, "bakit?" he asked excitedly.
"Kasi you're sniffing like a dog," I answered as a matter of fact but his shoulders slacked.
"Tss...akala ko naman babanat ka na." He shook his head, "what do I expect, anyway? Mabuti na lang maganda kang sirena ka."
"What?" I asked, "can you slow down? I can't catch your words. Why are you whispering? I'm here kaya?"
"Basta, wala." He shook his head, "oh, siya. Subuan mo na ang pasyente mo, Little Mermaid. Namumuti na mata ko rito, 50:50 na wala pa ring pagkain."
I nodded, moved the spoon again closer to him. He opened his mouth to eat but froze when he got a taste.
"How was it?" I asked excitedly, "it's masarap, right? That's the first meal I prepared for my sibling before because he's sick! Tho, he didn't recover immediately after eating."
"Halata nga," he whispered, having a sour expression on his face.
"Why?" I asked, "is it bad? I didn't taste it."
He didn't answer so I panicked, I held his hand.
"Pa-taste nga me—" but he took the spoon from me and shook his head.
"Masarap, Gabriela. Inaasar lang kita." He answered and ate on his own this time, looking so serious.
"But let me taste," I suggested, worried it might taste horrid. "Baka it's horrible?"
"H-Hindi, masarap nga!" he showed me how he ate another one. "Ako na kakain dito, kuha ka na lang ng planggana na may bimpo para mawala 'yong init ko."
"A-Alright!" I rose from my seat.
Gab! You forgot! Dapat you checked his temperature first!
I went to the bathroom first, remembered what the boys told me. I took a basin with a small towel, went out to check on Seb but saw him sticking his tongue out, his face crimson red.
"Seb?!" I called urgently, "a-are you okay?!"
"H-Huh?" he was too quick to change his expression. He nodded. "Oo, bakit naman hindi?" he asked, looked away from me and continued eating like nothing happened.
I eyed him seriously. He won't even look at me. I sat beside him after I lowered the basin and touched his neck with my palm.
He jumped.
"Why are you so jumpy?" my lips protruded. "Nag-touch lang naman me to see your temperature."
"H-Huh?" he's paler now that he's looking at me. "Wala, wala. Mainit nga kasi 'ko, h'wag mo na hawakan. Ayos lang."
I nodded, didn't mind him in the end. I proceeded into watching him finish the porridge for a moment.
"Tubig," he whispered weakly. I extended a glass to his direction, my forehead creasing when I saw him drinking it desperately.
"Careful, Seb," I reminded. "Baka ma-swallow mo rin ang glass!"
"Syet na malagket," he whispered lazily after finishing the water in one gulp, staring at me after. "Grabeng sarap no'ng porridge mo, Little Mermaid. Parang tinatawag na ako ni San Pedro."
"What do you mean?" I asked, "'di ba, San Pedro is in heaven? You mean, the porridge is heavenly?" I asked hopefully, my heart thumping.
"Oo, tama, tama..." he nodded and reached for my shoulder to tap it. "Tama 'yan, hija. Heavenly ang porridge. Literal na malalasahan mo ang sarap ng langit."
It made me smile.
"Yey!" I giggled happily, "'di ba? I told you kasi na yummy ang porridge ko! That's the first dish I learned! Everyone loved it, you know? Even my cooking teacher said it was perfect!"
"Who's your teacher, then?" he tilted his head to the side while I'm fixing the small towel.
"Hmm, my auntie." I answered, "I'm her favorite student."
He blinked, staring at me like I'm some apparition but agreed.
"Oh, sana all favorite student. Ilan ba kayo sa klase?" he asked and I didn't think twice when I answered him.
"One only. Me lang." I said proudly.
He sighed loudly. I smiled.
"Bakit pa ba 'ko nagugulat," he talked to himself again after I held his hand to clean it with the towel. "Alam mo, Baste, kapag Italyana tapos kauri ni terrorista, h'wag ka na magugulat. Maaga tayong mamamatay niyan sa konsumisyon."
I smiled secretly, biting my tongue.
I didn't comment and let him enjoy talking to himself. It might be his therapy. Baka mag-lower ang hotness niya if he talked to himself so I let him be.
Sebastian is weird, as per G. I shouldn't be shock.
"You should drink meds first and change your clothes," I suggested and gave him medicine. I watched him drink it and stood, walking closer to his cabinet. "Seb, I'd open this, ah? You should change your shirt before resting."
He only hummed so I assumed it's a go signal. I opened his cabinet and saw his clothes, mostly shirts and pants in plain colors. I decided to get a white shirt, went back to him and sat.
"Strip," I commanded, seeing how his eyes widened in exaggeration as he hugged himself.
"B-Bata pa 'ko, Ate..." he murmured in a scared voice. I rolled my eyes.
"Super OA," I showed him the shirt, "you should change. I won't look. Close lang eyes ko." I then lifted my palm to cover my face.
I felt him move. He took the shirt from me, his arm even bumped on mine so I took the opportunity to part my fingers and took a peek.
Oh my gosh, Gab! He really has a nice body!
He stretched his body a bit, making me see his muscles flexing more. I gulped.
"H'wag ka nang mahiya, lakihan mo pa." The inner manly voice said. I followed by parting the gaps in between my fingers more to see his packed abs and toned chest.
Dio mio, Gabriela! Mother would be terrified knowing I stared at a man's body like this! This isn't how a queen should act!
"H'wag ka na ring mahiya pa lalo, hawakan mo na. Nakakahiya naman sa 'yo." A hand grip my wrist, gently pulled my hand away from my face and put it on his hardened stomach.
My eyes widened. Seb smirked at me.
"Ganda ng katawan ko ba?" He brutally asked. My cheeks blushed in embarrassment.
"N-No, ah!" I exclaimed, "sakto only..."
"Sakto?" he spite, "sa gandang katawan kong 'to sasabihin mo sakto? Akala ko ba ako pinaka tang ina rito? Bakit sakto na lang ngayon?"
"Y-Yeah, you're the most tang ina of them all." I nodded, touching his abdomen more. "But s-sakto only, p'wede pa-touch din ng arms?"
He just sighed and let me. I giggled and poked his toned arms, smiling. I have never been this close to a man all of my life. They are all civil with me. The only moment I saw men in their bare chest was the guards training and sometimes if there is swimming.
Other than that? Nothing.
I was having fun while cleaning him and poking his muscles. He didn't seem to mind, he's just resting his back on the pillows with his eyes closed and sometimes, I am catching him watching me amusingly.
I then put the towel on his chest after I was done with his arms and neck. He stirred and watched me but ended up closing his eyes comfortably again so I did my part. I removed a bit of his comforter to clean the lower part of his chest but noticed something protruding just near his crotch.
Curiously, I poked it.
"Anak ka ng!" I've never seen Seb that panicking.
"S-Sorry..." I gasped, "o-oh my God, did I do something w-wrong?" I held my hand, afraid.
"Anong..." he gulped and sighed, "why did you poke my..."
"A-Ah, I saw a bulge kasi," I answered. "Isn't it your—"
"Oo, oo 'yon 'yon, h'wag mo nang ituloy." He's blushing as he shook his head, pulling a pillow up on his lap and covered it with the comforter again. "Nagulat ako sa 'yo, bakit mo sinundot, huh?"
"I'm just curious," I whispered and looked at him, "I have heard about that from the maids but I've never seen one."
"Aba, dapat lang, Gabriela!" he exclaimed loudly. I was stunned.
"Why so?" I asked.
"Anong why? Dapat lang hindi pa," he looked constipated saying it. "Ilang taon ka na ba, huh?"
"Twenty-five," I answered, smiling. "I'm turning twenty-six this year!"
"Totoo ba?" he eyed me seriously, "twenty-five ka? Weh?"
"Do you wanna see my birth certificate?" I smiled, "it's two pages because 'di fit ang name ko!"
He stopped after a while, his face relaxed.
"Oo nga, 'di ko pa pala alam pangalan mo." He said seriously. It made me stop and wonder.
Oh no, Gab! Wrong move! He shouldn't know your name!
"Well..." I moistened my lower lip, "I didn't know what's yours, too."
We stared at each other, I decided to speak first to lessen my thumping heart.
"Gabriela Isabelle Romanov," I introduced myself, not lying yet not telling the whole truth either. "I'm G's cousin, and I'm from Italy. I'm sheltered, naïve as some says. I-I have a strict household and yeah, parents too. I rarely go out so...I think I lack knowledge about the outside world. This actually the first time meeting other people and I was glad get to know you."
His eyes, a pair of intense liquid black ink stared through me. I haven't seen such beautiful eyes once that looking at it now made my breath hitch.
"Sebastian Leandro Gomez Baca," he introduced back. "I'm twenty-nine. I have Baca in the papers before but I am using Gomez now. Representing Philippines!"
I laughed at his silly, playful tone. His lips lifted and reached for my cheek to pinch it playfully.
"Representative ako ng Pinas, Gab. Kailangan kong astigan." He said, I didn't quite get it but his tone's funny I giggled and touched his palm on my cheek.
"Well, ano pa ba? Ayaw ko sa apelyido ng tatay ko." he moistened his lower lip to think. "My father left us before when I was little. My mother was depressed when he found out he had an affair, killed herself and that's when I ended up in an orphanage."
My eyes widened, my heart felt like squeezing upon hearing him.
"Seb, I'm sorry..."
"You don't have to, I just wanted to tell you my story now that I have the courage to. Can I?" he asked, I nodded immediately, squeezing his palm.
"I am not telling this to you because I want your pity, no, not like that. No one knew this but Cap and the crew. G knew about this too and you're the next person I'll tell this story. I'm telling this to you because I want you to get to know me, and why I am acting like an ass at times. I don't force you to understand me, mali naman kasi 'yong ginawa ko." He sighed loudly, as if getting enough strength to say his and I listened, intently.
"No'ng nasa ampunan ako walang umampon sa 'kin kasi masama ugali ko," he chuckled blankly. "Wala 'kong kaibigan iba, ni 'yong mga volunteer ayaw sa 'kin kasi lahat ng tao tinataboy ko, inaaway ko, iniinsulto. For them, it was just an act of rebellion but it's just me protecting myself from people who's just gonna leave me in the end."
"Seb..." I called, slowly resting my head on his shoulder when he gently pushed me towards him.
"My father left my mother for another woman. My mother left me too by killing herself. She didn't even think of me. I was a kid, nine? Ten? Malay ko ba sa mundo? Pero iniwan niya 'ko. No'ng nasa ampunan naman ako ni hindi ako binisita ng tatay ko, tapos no'ng sinubukan siyang hanapin ng mga nando'n sa ampunan, nasa ibang bansa na raw. Nanalo 'yong gago sa lotto pero 'di naman ako naisip."
I closed my eyes, listening to his story.
"Hinayaan ko na, nando'n ako sa ampunan lumaki. Wala 'kong kaibigan kasi ayaw ko. Inaaway ko silang lahat, alam mo 'yon?" he chuckled, "wala ring umampon sa 'kin kahit gwapo 'ko kasi kampon daw ako ni satanas."
"Why are you so mean to yourself?" I lifted my gaze at him, he only gave me a silly smile.
"It's fine with me. The more you show your bad side to other people, the earlier they leave. In that way, I won't be that attached. Hindi ako masasaktan kasi una pa lang umalis na sila, 'di ba?" He smiled, "matira-matibay, Gab."
The boys are right. It's his way to show you he cared. If you leave, you aren't worth it but if you stayed despite of his harsh attitude, you're already his friend.
"Pinaalis na ako sa ampunan no'ng eighteen ako kasi matanda na 'ko," he laughed, "edi lumayas ako. Nagtrabaho 'kong crew sa mga fast food, swerte na rin kasi may libreng paaral 'yong isang sikat na pamilya sa orphanage namin. 'Yong mga Sandejas. Kaya nakatapos ako tapos no'ng nagka-hiring sa Symphony, nakuha ako."
"Oh..." I suppressed my smile, "that's how you met the boys?!"
"Yup," he chuckled. "Tapos ayon, inaway-away ko sila no'ng una kaso nasasabayan nila 'ko kaya napagod na lang ako mang-away. Tapos dumating 'yong pinsan mong chaka doll, inaaway ko kaso inaaway lang ako pabalik nakakagigil lang, ang sarap busalan."
"You're bashing me, too." I said, "but now you're telling me your story. Does that mean we're friends now?" I asked hopefully.
"I don't wanna be friends with you." He answered, crashing all my hopes.
My chest squeezed painfully. I don't wanna show how disappointed I am so, I only smiled a little and stared at our hands while he's gripping mine.
Too bad, I like you so much, Seb...
"I don't know how to express myself. I've always hated the idea of love, caring and worrying for someone. I think love sucks. My parents were the first to break my heart. I found friendship with the people here in this ship but I hated it when Guinevere had to leave us, too. I might deny it but I felt like I lost a sister before tapos nagbago pa si Cap no'ng nawala siya kaya nagalit ako lalo. Sinabi ko sa sarili 'kong kahit kailan ayaw kong maranasan 'yang pakiramdam na 'yan. Nakakagago kasi."
I always loved the idea of love and he hated it.
"Kaya ngayon naninibago ako," he sighed. "This felt foreign and new to me. I hated the idea of it that I didn't know what to do when I encountered it. I tried pushing it away. Ilang linggo pa nga lang na kilala ko pero para 'kong tanga kakaisip sa 'yo."
My eyes widened. My chest thundered. I was about to look at him but he held my shoulder to stop me from doing so.
"Don't look at me, I'm blushing." He pleaded.
I bit my lower lip, my cheeks burning. When I felt his arms on my stomach from the back, attempting to give me a back hug, I imagined fainting in much anticipation. His warm skin touched my cold one, giving me his warmth and comfort.
"I tried so hard to ignore and push it away, only to end up crawling back towards it." His hot breath touched my ear when he whispered. "And I don't wanna be just friends with you, Gabriela. I want more of what you can offer. Please, princess..."
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