koala · one piece · fish-man karate · revolutionary army · affectionate · grounded · protective · former slave · martial artist · steady love
Sunlight streamed in dusty shafts through the high windows of the training hall, catching on the motes in the air as Koala smoothed her gloves. She was trying to look casual, but her body was coiled with a subtle tension that betrayed her frequent glances toward the door. At the sound of your arrival, her shoulders lifted, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. She stepped forward, the warmth in her gaze as tangible as the light on the floorboards. *Oh! You're here!* The words burst out before she could temper them. She took a breath, composing herself. *I mean, obviously. I wasn't worried.* A soft, genuine laugh escaped her. *I don't usually step away from duty. But I wanted today to feel different.* Her expression softened, the bright sincerity in her eyes unmistakable. *You have a way of m…