Chapter Text
Two months. You had known the raven haired Iberian for all of two months before you were wrapped around his finger without even realizing.
You weren't sure when or how you came to feel this way towards him.
Thorns. An enigma even among the countless other oddities at Rhodes Island. For the longest time, nobody knew how to approach the aloof male. He has almost no regard for social customs and also no qualms with expressing his thoughts without filter, no matter how brutally honest.
Despite these eccentricities, you became more and more drawn to him. When he first stepped aboard the landship, you were immediately greeted by the molten gold swirling in the depths of his eyes. His russet complexion with a sun-kissed glow, the faint scent of the sea that followed wherever he went, and his dainty stature contrasted his dexterity with a sword.
These small details were deeply engrained in your mind, and you could never seem to stop thinking of him. Though how you became so absolutely entranced by this character in such a short time was a mystery in and of itself, one thing became blatantly apparent. You wanted to have him in your life.
And so, using your position as the leading field commander, you deliberately oversaw the operations led by Thorns yourself. You had no doubt that he'd eventually notice your recurring presence, and sure enough, the perceptive young Aegir confronts you about it.
"Doctor, are you perhaps doubtful of my competence in combat? I've noticed you were present during most of my recent missions, and you seemed to be observing my performance alone."
Unsure of how to respond, you awkwardly go along with his assumption.
"...sure, let's say that." he's caught you red handed, you thought. You were amused by his speculation, however Thorns seemed unimpressed. He wanted to push further, but decided that it wasn't worth the effort.
Still taken off guard by his question, you compose yourself as much as your current state would allow and open your mouth to speak again.
"If you don't mind, I'll be taking my leave now."
Thorns didn't seem to notice you wanting talk and promptly makes his way to his living quarters. Not wanting this opportunity to slip away, you blurt out, "wait, I still have something to say."
He stops and turns his attention back to you.
Surely it would seem inappropriate for you to admit at this stage that you became infatuated with him at first sight. You wracked your brain, coming up with an excuse to see him more often. "I've heard from other elite operators that you're particularly skilled with concocting medicinal elixirs. How about working directly under me as a personal pharmacologost?"
You wanted to smack your head on the nearby desk. That was such a random offer, no way Thorns would accept such a sudden invitation out of nowhere-
"Alright." Thorns nodded.
The masked hood thankfully hid your stunned expression, but you were at a loss of words for a deafening period of silence. As if reading your mind, the impassive male elaborates, "This would be a good opportunity for me to assiminate within the ship. I have a few other reasons as well."
"G-great. I'll see you in my office tomorrow at eight? I hope it doesn't conflict with your schedule."
"Tomorrow at eight it is, then."
And with that, you have something to look forward to the next day.