"I want to go too!"
At Bilca's dock, S-Snake chased them all the way to the transport ship, her cheeks puffed up with anger.
"Why does she get to go when I don't?!"
Hancock stood by the railing and glanced back. She said nothing, but she couldn't hide the smile tugging at her lips.
Kai sat at the edge of the dock with a cup of tea in his hand, leisurely blowing away the foam on top.
"She's an adult."
S-Snake immediately puffed out her chest. "I'm even taller than she is!"
Kai paused, looking up at S-Snake, then over at Hancock on the ship. Finally, he lowered his head and went back to drinking his tea without a word.
A vein twitched on Hancock's forehead.
"Height has nothing to do with being an adult!"
S-Snake frowned. "Then what does?"
"Age!"
"Then you're a lot older than me."
"You-"
Rock had already taken a seat at the bow and was rubbing his temples.
"Let's go."
Hancock immediately turned away.
S-Snake chased after them another step. "Lord Rock! Take me!"
"No."
"Why not?!"
"Stay and keep Kai company."
S-Snake whipped around and pointed at Kai. "He doesn't need company!"
Kai had still been calmly drinking his tea, but at those words, he coughed, doubled over, and thumped his back, groaning in pain.
"He does now."
The transport ship slowly pulled away from the dock.
S-Snake stood onshore, waving her little fists and shouting, her voice growing ever more distant. "Lord Rock-you play favorites!!"
Standing at the stern, Hancock heard that last accusation, and her mood visibly improved.
Rock gave her a sidelong look. "What are you smiling about?"
"I'm not smiling."
"The corners of your mouth are practically reaching the sky."
Hancock: "..."
Sometimes, this man really deserved a beating.
The