One Piece: My Crew Members Are Legendary 3D Heroines

Ethan Chen hadn't staged the earlier scene for amusement or manipulation. His only goal had been to impress upon Tifa the harsh reality of letting her guard down. He had wanted her to understand-deeply-what danger could mean in this world. There had been no ulterior motive.

Still, even he hadn't expected the impact it would have on her.

And since fate had handed him this unexpected moment of vulnerability, he wasn't the type to let such an opportunity slip away.

As Tifa's emotions slowly settled, Ethan gently shifted his hand from her back to her chin, lifting her face so their eyes could meet.

Her eyes were still red from crying. Long lashes trembled with lingering tears. She looked like a delicate flower after the rain, her vulnerability piercing and real.

In the silence, Ethan leaned in.

His hand rested lightly on her waist, feeling her instinctive flinch but she didn't pull away. She didn't turn her face or resist him.

And so, his lips met hers.

Softly, then more deeply, his kiss found her mouth, and then the warm pressure of her tongue. He didn't rush. The contact lingered, warm and intimate, a careful exploration rather than a conquest.

Tifa's hands were braced against his chest at first, as if unsure. But her resistance soon faded. The overwhelming wave of unfamiliar tenderness, the security in his touch, drew her in.

Her lips parted.

And she kissed him back.

That was all the encouragement Ethan needed. One hand pulled her just slightly closer. The other out of habit or desire started to move, but paused when he felt her tense again.

She broke the kiss first.

"No," she said softly, breathless. "It's too fast."

"Alright," Ethan answered without pressing. He remembered clearly Tifa was a temporary summon, and no matter what this moment stirred in him, there were limits he couldn't cross.

He respected that.

"Thank you," she whispered.

This time, she stood on tiptoe, circled her arms around his neck, and gave him a kiss of her own gentler, lingering, filled with unspoken emotion. She didn't pull away until she had to gasp for air.

When they finally separated, she glanced to the side and froze.

2B was standing a few meters away, watching with her usual calm expression. The realization hit Tifa like a splash of cold water.

She had just been so insistent that she wasn't looking for this kind of relationship. That love wasn't supposed to be like this.

And now she was kissing him like her life depended on it.

"I-I'm sorry," she stammered, flushed with embarrassment.

"It's okay," 2B said without hesitation. "Kissing is great. I like it too."

Tifa opened her mouth, unsure how to respond. In the end, she just nodded awkwardly. "It's... already noon. I should make lunch."

With that, she quickly turned and escaped into the dining room.

As she vanished from view, 2B stepped closer.

"She said no this morning," 2B noted. "Said this wasn't the kind of love she wanted. But now she's kissing you. People change fast."

"Girls can be like that sometimes," Ethan said lightly.

"I don't understand."

"You don't have to," he chuckled, slipping an arm around her waist. "But next time, maybe don't suggest something like that in front of others. It could backfire."

"Understood."

"Good girl," he smiled, giving her a gentle pat on the hip as he picked up the discarded cloak and long coat from the floor. "Time to get changed. This outfit's uncomfortable."

It had been bought hastily from a street vendor, designed more for intimidation than style. It didn't fit well and now that the act was over, it was time to ditch it.

2B, having nothing else to do, followed him.

Lunch wouldn't be ready for a while. There was still time to kill.

Ethan lay down on the bed, stretching comfortably as he peeled off the stiff outfit and tossed it aside. "I'm gonna rest a bit. If you want anything, help yourself."

2B knelt beside the bed and tilted her head. Her expression, unreadable as always, suggested more than curiosity. But she didn't say anything.

She simply moved closer, leaned in 

.....

Meanwhile, Tifa was trying to make sense of her emotions.

Why had she kissed him?

He already had 2B. She knew that. He flirted, teased, was reckless with women's hearts he was a textbook scoundrel.

But he'd also saved her. Given her shelter, purpose, protection.

And just moments earlier, in that terrifying ship's hold, when she was about to lose everything, the only thought in her mind was that her captain would come.

And he did.

So what if he was a bit of a flirt? He was dependable. Handsome. Protective. Brave.

Falling for him felt... inevitable.

She stirred the pot distractedly, letting the scent of food soothe her tangled thoughts.

By the time the dishes were plated and the table was set, she had made peace with herself.

Yes she liked him.

And maybe that was enough.

She took off her apron, brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, and went to call the others for lunch.

The deck was empty. Everyone was inside?

She made her way to the captain's quarters and opened the door 

Only for three sets of eyes to meet in a jarring moment of awkward stillness.

They weren't exactly subtle.

"I-next time, you should knock," Ethan said quickly.

"Agreed," 2B added without shame. Then, as if to make a point, she adjusted herself with a sharp bounce.

"Sorry!" Tifa yelped, slamming the door shut and fleeing with her cheeks burning red.

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