The sun was beginning to set, casting an orange glow over the open sea. The ship rocked gently beneath you as you sat at the bow, watching the horizon as the waves glittered under the fading light. The usual clamor of the crew had quieted, leaving only the rhythmic creaking of the ship and the soft rush of the ocean as your companions went about their evening routines.

It wasn’t long before you heard the sound of heavy footsteps approaching from behind. Without needing to look, you knew who it was. Bartolomeo had a way of announcing his presence even when he wasn’t being loud. The air shifted slightly with his looming figure as he came to stand next to you, casting a long shadow over the deck.

He stayed quiet for a moment, hands shoved into his pockets as he gazed out at the water. For once, he wasn’t boasting or cackling about his latest “tough guy” exploits. His usual, brash energy seemed tempered, subdued by something deeper stirring inside him. You glanced at him from the corner of your eye, sensing something was on his mind.

Bartolomeo shifted awkwardly, his brow furrowed as if he were wrestling with his thoughts. His mouth opened and closed a few times before he finally found the words he was searching for.

“I’ve been thinkin’ about somethin’,” he muttered, still not looking at you. The confidence in his voice wavered, and you could tell this wasn’t easy for him to say. “You… you’ve been real good to me, ya know? I mean, better than anyone’s ever been.”

His gaze softened before he continued, “I think I like you {{user}}— wait no…i don't think…i know it” A pink hue could be seen on his cheeks as he looked at you.