Chapter 1: #1 Cooking Chaos! A Sinister Scheme Unfolds!
Chapter Text
The Baratie, a floating oasis of culinary delights, bobbed gently upon the ocean waves. Its vibrant blue paint shimmered under the golden sun, while the colorful flags that adorned its exterior flapped playfully in the sea breeze. The steady hum of conversation and laughter filled the air as patrons savored their meals, eager to indulge in the gastronomic masterpieces the renowned restaurant had to offer.
As the diners savored their meals, their conversations ebbed and flowed like the ocean waves outside. Laughter and clinking of glasses filled the air, creating a symphony of joy and contentment that seemed to envelop the entire restaurant.
The Baratie was not just a restaurant; it was an experience. A place where strangers became friends over a shared passion for good food, and where the talents of the chefs were celebrated and appreciated in every bite. It was a true oasis for the palate, a haven for the senses, and a treasure to those lucky enough to dine there.
The charismatic and confident hostess welcomed a group of diners with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Welcome to the Baratie!" she exclaimed, gesturing grandly towards the restaurant's elegant interior. As she guided them to their table, her sleek uniform swayed gracefully with her stride, drawing appreciative glances from both men and women alike.
"Here you are," she announced, pulling out a chair for an older gentleman before deftly distributing menus to the rest of his party. "If I may recommend, our seafood platter is absolutely divine. The chef takes great care in selecting only the freshest ingredients, and it's truly a feast for the eyes as well as the palate."
"Sounds fantastic," the gentleman replied, nodding in approval. "And what about wine pairings?"
"Ah, excellent choice," she beamed. "Our sommelier suggests pairing the seafood platter with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, which enhances the delicate flavors of the fish. Alternatively, if you prefer red, a light-bodied Pinot Noir would also complement the dish beautifully."
"Thank you, ma’am," the man said gratefully, clearly impressed by her extensive knowledge of the restaurant's cuisine. "We'll follow your recommendations."
"Of course! I'll have your orders sent to the kitchen right away," she assured them, scribbling down their choices on her notepad before making her way back to the entrance, where a new group of customers eagerly awaited her greeting.
"Red Foot" Zeff, the wise and experienced owner of Baratie, stood behind the counter with a stern expression, observing his staff as they expertly navigated the bustling restaurant. His stern eyes followed the hostess’ movements as she attended to the customers with her usual charm and grace and he gave an approving nod. He made his way back into the kitchen where he taste-tested the sauce a certain blonde sous chef was working on.
"Sanji! That sauce needs more seasoning!" Zeff barked into the kitchen, his voice booming over the clamor of pots and pans. "You should know better by now!"
"Right away, old man!" came Sanji's response, the sous chef quickly adjusting the seasoning as he worked diligently over the stove, his fingers deftly moving in a passionate dance of culinary mastery.
Sanji couldn't resist stealing a glance through the kitchen window, locking eyes with the raven-haired hostess for just a moment. Their brief exchange was filled with tenderness and fondness, a welcomed break from the bustling chaos of their work. She winked at him and blew a quick kiss before returning to her tasks, leaving Sanji feeling light-headed and smitten.
My Hana…as sweet and beautiful as she can be…
"Oi, keep your eyes on the food, lover boy," Zeff grumbled,
“Sorry, Zeff. Just admiring the…uh…” Sanji looked up at Hana once again, who was chatting happily with a regular customer “Beautiful scenery…”
Sanji's sharp retort caused Zeff to roll his eyes. "You’re gonna be admiring the dish pit if you don’t stop that”
"Fine," Sanji replied, a faint blush coloring his cheeks as he refocused on his task. The sounds of sizzling ingredients and the aroma of delectable dishes filled the air around him, a testament to his unwavering passion for food.
In the dining area, Hana's laughter mingled with the clinking of glasses and the hum of conversation, her presence adding a touch of warmth to the lively atmosphere. Her thoughts briefly lingered on Sanji's stolen glance, and she felt her heart skip a beat, grateful for the connection they shared even in the midst of their hectic workplace.
"Excuse me, miss," a customer called out, snapping Hana back to reality. She turned her attention to the table, her face lighting up with a welcoming smile.
"Of course, how can I help you?" she asked, her tone professional and eager to assist.
As Hana continued to expertly handle the demands of her job, Zeff watched on with quiet pride. He knew that his tough but fair treatment of his chefs, particularly Sanji, had shaped them into the skilled and dedicated workers they were today.
"Keep up the good work, everyone," Zeff said softly, his voice barely audible over the din of the restaurant. "We're making magic here."
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Amidst the lunchtime frenzy, Hana's brown eyes eagerly searched the dining room for familiar faces. The door swung open as her older brother Ren entered, holding the hand of his six-year-old son, Ichiro. Ichiro skipped happily as his father led him into the familiar dining area. A warm smile spread across Hana’s face as she spotted them. In an instant, she gracefully navigated the sea of bustling tables to greet them with open arms.
"Hi guys!" Hana exclaimed, giving each of them a hug.
She scooped her nephew into her arms from her brother’s reach and placed a kiss on his cheek, making the boy squirm playfully.
"Hey, snot nose," replied Ren, his tone playful but his eyes twinkling with affection. "We thought we'd drop by for lunch. It's been a while since we last ate here."
"Uncle Sanji's gonna make us some yummy food, right?" Ichiro chimed in as he lifted his toy upwards, his eyes wide with excitement
"Of course he is, buddy," Hana winked at him before leading them to a cozy table near the kitchen. Sanji caught sight of them and immediately emerged from behind the counter, already wiping his hands on his apron.
"Ren, Ichiro! What a pleasant surprise," Sanji greeted warmly, extending his hand for Ren to shake and ruffling Ichiro's hair with a gentle laugh. "Leave lunch to me, I've got something special planned for you two."
"Thanks, Sanji," Ren said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Always appreciate your generosity, man."
"Anything for Hana's family," Sanji replied with a soft smile that spoke volumes about his love for her.
As Sanji disappeared back into the kitchen, Hana attended to other customers but kept an eye on her brother and nephew. She couldn't help but feel her chest swell with happiness at the sight of them enjoying their meal – a testament to Sanji's culinary prowess and the bond they all shared.
"Come on, Ichiro," Sanji said, returning to the table after serving a mouthwatering dish. "I've got something cool to show you."
"Really?" Ichiro's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he glanced at his father for permission.
"Go on, buddy," Ren nodded in approval. "Have fun."
Ichiro eagerly took Sanji's hand as they ventured outside onto the deck of the floating restaurant. Hana watched from a distance, her heart fluttering at the sight of the two most important men in her life bonding like true family.
"Look down there," Sanji pointed towards the water below them. "See those colorful fish?"
"Wow!" Ichiro's face lit up with wonder as he leaned over the railing to get a closer look. "They're so pretty!"
"Yep, and sometimes if you're lucky, you can even see a sea turtle or two," Sanji added, his voice gentle and filled with warmth.
"Really? That's so cool!" Ichiro exclaimed, his excitement contagious.
Hana couldn't help but smile as she witnessed the sweet interaction between Sanji and her nephew. As she turned back to her duties inside the bustling restaurant, she felt an immense sense of gratitude for the love and closeness that enveloped them all, binding them together like a tightly-knit family. Hana's eyes darted to the rowdy group of men, their laughter echoing through the restaurant as they clinked glasses and toasted their friend's impending nuptials. Their boisterous behavior had already drawn disgruntled glances from other patrons, but Hana, ever the professional hostess, approached their table with an unwavering smile.
"Is there anything else I can get for you gentlemen?" she asked, her voice steady despite the sinking feeling in her stomach.
"Damn right there is," One man slurred, eyeing Hana up and down like a piece of meat. "How about a lap dance from our lovely waitress here?"
The sound of boisterous laughter echoed through the restaurant as a group of men made their presence known. Their voices were loud and obnoxious, filled with crude jokes that made Hana's skin crawl. Despite their lewd gazes and offensive comments, she forced herself to remain composed, clenching her teeth in determination. The taste of bile lingered in her mouth at the thought of these men objectifying her. Hana caught sight of Ren's chair scraping against the floor as he stood up from his table. Her protective older brother always had her back, and the look of fury in his eyes confirmed that he was ready to defend her against these disrespectful men.
"Relax, Ren," Hana whispered low enough for only her brother to hear. "I've got this under control."
"Control? You call this control?" Ren hissed back, anger flashing in his eyes. "They're treating you like some kind of—"
"Hey! Is that your boyfriend over there?" one of the men interrupted, leering at Ren. "He looks pretty pissed. What's the matter, buddy? Can't handle sharing your girl?"
"Shut up!" Hana snapped, her professional facade crumbling. The last thing she needed was Zeff getting angry with her, but she couldn't stand idly by while these strangers insulted her brother. "Don't talk to him!"
"Ooh, feisty!" another man laughed, raising his glass. "I like that in a woman!"
"Enough!" Hana shouted, her voice cracking under the weight of her anger. She knew she had to regain control of the situation before it spiraled further out of hand, but with every lewd comment and disrespectful laugh, that task became more difficult.
Hana's eyes narrowed as the main bachelor raised his hand, attempting to smack her on her behind. Her instincts kicked in, and with lightning speed, she grabbed his wrist, stopping him in his tracks. Her eyes became stone-cold, a fierce determination burning behind them as she reacted with grace and ferocity to the man's lecherous advances.
"Keep your hands to yourself, sir," Hana retorted, whipping out a steak knife from her pocket and stabbing his sleeve onto the table, pinning him in place. The other men around the table gasped at her bold move.
"Watch it, bitch!" the bachelor snarled, his face red with anger. "I'm part of the World Government, you know! I'll have you fired for this!"
"Is that so?" Hana raised an eyebrow with a conniving smirk, not believing his claim. "Well then, allow me to bring out Zeff himself. I'm sure he'd love to hear all about how awful I am."
Her words were a challenge, a sharp and pointed sword ready to strike. The smirk on her lips was like a flickering flame, daring the bachelor to prove his threats.
As the tension in the room reached its apex, the front door of the restaurant suddenly swung open, revealing Sanji and Ichiro. Sanji’s gaze immediately honed in on the chaotic scene playing out before him, and he balled up his hands in anger. He didn't need an explanation; seeing Hana brandishing her steak knife was a clear indication that something had gone wrong.
"Go back to your dad, Ichiro," Sanji instructed, keeping his voice steady despite the anger boiling within him. The young boy hesitated, sensing the tension in the air, but ultimately obeyed and scurried back to Ren's side.
Sanji's tone was laced with venom as his steel gaze locked onto the bachelor table. "Hana, are these clowns giving you trouble?" he asked her tenderly.
Hana's eyes glinted with a mischievous glimmer as she turned to the man next to her and replied, "Yes, they are." Her lips curled into a sly smirk as she continued, "He couldn't seem to control his wandering hands, so I thought it was time for a lesson." Her narrowed eyes and defiant expression made it clear that she wasn't someone to be taken lightly.
Sanji's heart raced as he saw the man pinned to the table by Hana's knife. He couldn't believe someone would have the audacity to disrespect her like this.
"No one lays a finger on Hana!" he shouted, fiercely protective of his love. “Especially without her consent!”
The head bachelor was able to release his sleeve from the blade's grasp and held onto it tightly. Sanji and Hana positioned themselves, prepared for a potential confrontation.
"Hana, mon amour" Sanji said, his voice low and dangerous. "I won't let these pigs treat you like this."
Hana bit her lip, torn between wanting to handle the situation herself and feeling grateful for Sanji's fierce protectiveness.
"Let's see how brave you are without your little knife," the bachelor sneered at Hana, trying to regain some control over the situation.
Sanji's intense gaze bore down on him, and it was apparent that he had no grasp of the consequences of his actions. The atmosphere grew tense as the members of the bachelor party rose from their seats, fueled by anger at Sanji's provocation. They encircled him and Hana, prepared to engage in a physical altercation. Little did they know, they were facing a formidable team.
"Watch my back, Hana," Sanji muttered, not taking his eyes off the glaring men.
"Always, my love" she replied, her grip tightening on a pair of forks and butter knives she'd snatched up in anticipation.
The first man lunged at Sanji, fists raised, but Sanji easily sidestepped the attack, delivering a powerful kick that sent the man flying into a nearby table. The impact shook glasses and plates, some toppling to the floor with a crash.
"Nice one," Hana commented under her breath as she deftly used the forks to block another attacker's clumsy punch. She twisted his arm behind his back, forcing him to his knees with a yelp of pain.
"Sorry, sir, but we're fresh out of 'rude customer' specials today," she quipped, shooting a smirk at Sanji before shoving the subdued man aside.
As the brawl continued, Ren couldn't help but grin from his table, shaking his head in amusement. "Lunch and a show... cool," he remarked to Ichiro, who was watching the action with wide-eyed awe.
"Wow, Auntie Hana is so cool!" Ichiro exclaimed, his previous fear forgotten in the excitement.
"Damn right, she is," Ren agreed proudly, taking another bite of his meal. “YEAH! KICK THEIR ASSES!”
“Yeah, kick their asses!” Ichiro echoed his father, caught up on the excitement.
Ren's expression shifted to one of shock and concern as he realized his son was echoing his own words.
"Ichiro, please don't say things like that," Ren quickly hushed, hoping to correct his mistake.
The other patrons quickly scattered as Sanji and Hana seamlessly joined forces, their experience of working together serving them well in this unexpected confrontation. Their coordinated attacks and clever comebacks showed that the bachelor party had greatly underestimated their adversaries.
"Hey, Hana, think fast!" Sanji called, launching a pepper shaker at her with a flick of his foot. Her eyes widened, but she trusted him. With a swift motion, she smacked the airborne shaker with her makeshift steak knife, sending it hurtling into the face of an oncoming attacker.
"Nice teamwork," Sanji complimented, grinning at Hana as they continued to dispatch their adversaries. The pain in their adversaries' faces was evident, but so was the determination and unity between Sanji and Hana.
As the last of the bachelor party members collapsed in defeat, Ren raised his glass in a toast, his laughter echoing through the restaurant. "That's how we do it at Baratie!" he declared, his pride for his sister and Sanji shining brightly.
Sanji and Hana stood together, their backs pressed against each other as they caught their breath. The bachelor party, which had been rowdy just moments ago, was now scattered across the restaurant floor, moaning in agony. Sanji and Hana exchanged proud grins, reveling in the bond they shared as a team, and sealed the end of their victorious battle with a passionate kiss.
“Love you, mon amour” Sanji muttered.
“Love you too” Hana replied with a sly smile.
Sanji and Hana glanced away from the commotion, taking in the view of the restaurant and its panicked customers.
“Alright everyone, shows over!” Sanji called out to the customers as he adjusted his tie “Everything’s alright!”
Hana smiled with satisfaction as she and Sanji made their way towards Ren and Ichiro. "Please continue enjoying your delicious meals and your stay here at Baratie," she added.
"WHOAAAHHHH! THAT WAS SO COOL!" Ichiro's enthusiastic voice cut through the silence, his awe evident. Sanji and Hana exchanged amused glances before smirking at each other.
"Let this be a lesson, little man," Sanji said, addressing Ichiro with a playful seriousness in his voice. "Always respect women."
"Yeah, don't be like those idiots, son," Ren chimed in, gesturing toward the defeated men with a dismissive wave of his hand.
"Okay!" Ichiro beamed,
Hana gently tousled Ichiro's hair, her eyes warm with affection. "You're going to grow up to be a wonderful man, I can already tell."
With the situation resolved, Hana and Sanji quickly shifted their focus back to their duties. They moved gracefully around the restaurant, clearing away evidence of the altercation and ensuring that the remaining patrons were well taken care of.
As they worked, Sanji couldn't help but steal glances at Hana, admiration for her resilience and strength swelling within him. He knew she could handle herself, but seeing her in action had only deepened his respect for her.
From a distance, Zeff watched the pair with an approving nod. He'd seen how those men had treated Hana, and he was glad they hadn't gotten away with it. It was important for the staff of Baratie to stand up for themselves and one another – a lesson he hoped would continue to resonate with his employees.
"Nice job, you two," Zeff called out, giving them a thumbs-up. "Now let's get this place back in order and serve some delicious food."
"Right, chef!" Sanji and Hana replied in unison, determination evident in their voices.
As the restaurant hummed back to life, the bond between Sanji and Hana grew stronger – a bond forged through respect, love, and a shared commitment to protecting those they cared for.
As the sun set, casting a warm glow over Baratie, Hana and Sanji finally ended their busy shift. They walked out of the restaurant hand in hand, both exhausted yet satisfied with the day's work.
"Ah, young love," Patty teased as they passed by, a smirk on his face.
"Always in sync like two peas in a pod," Carne chimed in, chuckling at their own amusement.
"Thank you for the kind words, gentlemen," Hana replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "But we can spare ourselves the clichés tonight." She flashed them a confident grin, effectively silencing any further teasing.
Upon arriving at Hana's apartment, they kicked off their shoes and settled into the cozy living room. The scent of jasmine wafted through the air as they uncorked a bottle of wine, toasting to their well-deserved relaxation.
"Here's to another successful day at Baratie," Hana said, clinking her glass against Sanji's.
"Cheers to that," he agreed, taking a sip of the velvety red liquid. "And to spending time with my favorite person."
Hana rolled her eyes playfully. "You're such a hopeless romantic, Sanji."
"Only for you, my dear," he replied with a wink, causing her cheeks to flush slightly.
Watching her in this peaceful moment, Sanji reflected on their relationship. His lovestruck behavior, as over-the-top as it may have been, had remained consistent since they first crossed paths. He still saw her as nothing short of divine, striving to treat her with the reverence he believed she deserved. This was despite Hana's countless attempts to reassure him that she was merely a humble hostess who had fortuitously stumbled upon love.
As he uncorked another bottle of wine, Sanji found his gaze drawn to Hana. She was humming a soft melody to herself, her brush dancing across the canvas as she brought one of her signature ocean-themed paintings to life. His heart swelled with overwhelming love and admiration for her, so much so that he nearly fumbled the wine bottle in his hands.
"Sanji, you're gonna mess up my carpets if you keep getting lost in your thoughts," Hana teased, playfully nudging his arm with her elbow. "You need to focus."
"Ah, but how can I focus when I'm in the presence of such beauty?" Sanji retorted smoothly, his eyes flicking up to meet hers. The sincerity in his gaze made her heart flutter, and she felt a blush creep onto her cheeks despite her best efforts to suppress it.
"Flattery will get you nowhere, you know," she chided, though her voice held a hint of amusement.
"Maybe not, but it's worth a try," Sanji replied, a cheeky grin lighting up his face. Determined not to let him have the upper hand, Hana reached out and grabbed his tie, pulling him towards her until their faces were mere inches apart.
"Maybe you should put that charm of yours to better use," she whispered, her eyes locked on his. Unable to resist the magnetic pull between them, Sanji leaned in and captured her lips in a tender, passionate kiss.
"Believe me, I intend to," he murmured against her mouth, his hands coming up to cup her face. In that moment, surrounded by the scent of paint and canvas, Hana couldn't help but feel grateful for the love they shared – a love that had survived against all odds and flourished in ways she could never have imagined.
Their lips remained locked, as Hana's hands found their way to Sanji's chest, slowly pushing him backward. The playful passion between them intensified, and they stumbled toward the couch, the world around them fading away into a blur of heat and desire. As Sanji fell back onto the cushions, Hana followed, her fingers still tangled in his tie. Their laughter and sighs filled the air, creating a symphony that only they could understand.
As their love bloomed behind closed doors, a sinister presence was beginning to cast its shadow over their world. Unbeknownst to the couple, the winds of fate were changing.
The smell of potential danger permeated the air as a ship drew closer, the scent of seawater mingling with the perspiration and adrenaline of the pirates on deck. A faint trace of cotton candy and stale popcorn clung to the breeze, a remnant of past indulgences. The sound of boisterous chatter carried across the ocean, amplified by the wind like an ominous omen. The pirate crew held tight to their vessel, braving the spray of salty water that drenched their sun-kissed skin as they sailed toward their next target. Greed and malevolence fueled their journey, propelling them forward in search of their next conquest. They gathered around a well-worn map, their fingers tracing over faded lines that marked potential victims. As their food supplies dwindled, hunger gnawed at their stomachs and drove them to desperate measures.
One of the crewmen, a wiry man with grubby fingers and shifty eyes, leaned in closer to examine the map. He traced his finger over a particular island marked with a red X, a glimmer of hope in their dire situation.
"Captain! Look here!" he exclaimed, waving the map frantically to catch his captain's attention.
The captain, a menacing figure with long blue hair and a painted-on grin, sauntered over to take a look. His eyes scanned the map before settling on the marked location: Baratie. He let out a low chuckle, the sound echoing through the ship, filling his crew with a mix of anticipation and dread.
"Baratie," he drawled, his sharp gaze flickering towards his men. "A fine choice..."
His words were met with eager nods and murmurs of agreement from his followers. The captain's dark aura seemed to grow even more sinister as he began to lay out his plan. As the pirate ship approached, its worn sails flapping violently in the gusting winds, the true danger came into focus.
The tattered sails bore a familiar emblem: a Jolly Roger Skull and Crossbones, with the skull adorned with clown-like makeup and a bright red nose. The Buggy Pirates were infamous for striking fear into anyone who crossed their path. Standing at the helm was their leader, Captain Buggy the Clown.
"Looks like we found our next target, boys," Buggy announced, his voice dripping with malevolence. "Get ready to feast!"
Chapter 2: #2 - Takeout Takeover! Buggy at Baratie!
Notes:
Now we're getting the ball rolling with Buggy's interaction with the main OC.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The sun cast a warm, golden glow over the Baratie as laughter and the clink of glasses filled the air. Hana weaved through the dining room with practiced ease, her eyes sparkling with confidence. She approached a group of patrons waiting for their table, greeting them with a genuine smile and friendly small talk before leading them to their seats. With a flourish, she presented them with menus and assured them of the culinary delights that awaited them.
"Please enjoy your meal," she said warmly, giving them one last welcoming nod before turning her attention to the rest of the room. The atmosphere was one of contentment and peace, a harmonious symphony of voices and the tantalizing aromas of delectable dishes.
However, this tranquility was soon shattered by the cacophony of raucous laughter and stomping boots. A flamboyant band of pirates burst through the doors, led by Buggy the Clown himself. His vibrant red nose and mismatched attire drew gasps and whispers from the patrons, and even Hana found herself unable to look away. The pirate crew swaggered into the Baratie, bringing an air of chaos and unpredictability that sent shivers down the spines of those present.
Buggy's entrance was anything but subtle; his larger-than-life persona demanded attention, and he reveled in it.
“Alright, alright move it! Make way for the Great Captain Buggy and his crew!” He demanded of those around him.
The other diners scrambled to move out of the way, pressing themselves against walls and ducking under tables in an attempt to avoid the menacing newcomers.
Hana's heart raced as fear mixed with adrenaline at the prospect of dealing with such unpredictable guests. Despite the trepidation that gripped her, she stood tall and resolute, prepared to face whatever challenges these pirates would bring.
As the crew moved closer to the host stand, the tension in the air grew thicker and heavier. The once-peaceful atmosphere was now filled with unease, thanks to their presence. Hana braced herself for the inevitable confrontation, determined to remain composed and protect her cherished Baratie from any harm. The bizarre situation threatened to overwhelm her, but she refused to let fear overtake her composure. She couldn't afford to falter now, especially when her precious Baratie needed her most.
"Alright, Hana," she murmured to herself, steadying her resolve. "You've got this." Determined, she patted the pocket where she kept her trusty steak knife, a small reassurance that she wasn't entirely helpless against these unexpected guests.
"Can I help you, sir?" Hana called out to Buggy, her voice steady and professional, despite the pounding of her heart in her chest.
Buggy's gaze locked onto Hana's, and everything else seemed to fade away in that moment. A playful twinkle danced in his emerald eyes as he beheld the sight of grace and beauty standing before him. He couldn't help but be momentarily stunned by Hana's captivating presence, her irresistible allure ensnaring him completely.
His heart beat faster in his chest, a sensation he was not used to, but quickly attributed to the magnetic pull of her being. His eyes traced the elegant lines of her face, pleasantly distracted from the chaotic thoughts that usually occupied his mind. Propping himself against the counter, Buggy's grin grew wider, mischief gleaming in his eyes. The tension in the room grew palpable as the diners and staff alike held their breath, anticipating what would happen next between the fearsome pirate and the unyielding hostess.
"Well helloooo there, beautiful," he greeted, a touch of flirtation evident in his voice. "I can already tell we're in for a night to remember!"
As Buggy's intense gaze lingered on her, Hana felt a whirlwind of emotions roiling inside her - anxiety, fear, and a fierce determination to maintain her professionalism in the face of the dangerous pirate. She could feel her heart racing, but she refused to let it show, her posture remaining poised and composed, even as her mind raced with thoughts of what this encounter could mean for her and her restaurant.
Hana's voice faltered as she started to speak, her words barely able to break through the weight of the looming threat. "Thank you, sir..." she managed to say.
"Please," Buggy dismissed with a wave of his hand, "no need to have that formality bullshit with me. Call me Captain Buggy, Sweet Cheeks."
The patrons turned their attention to the peculiar pirate clown, curiosity piqued as they witnessed the unfolding scene. Hana's expression shifted from surprise to discomfort to some amusement, as she had never anticipated being courted by a pirate clown.
"Alright then...Captain Buggy," she conceded, forcing a polite smile onto her face. "What brings you and your crew to Baratie today?"
"Ah, just looking for a good meal and some entertainment," Buggy replied, playfully twirling a lock of Hana's hair between his fingers. "And it seems I've found both."
Hana tried not to cringe at the contact, her mind racing with potential ways to defuse the situation without causing further disruption.
The tension in the room grew, a tightrope stretched thin and ready to snap. The air became heavy and difficult to breathe, thick with the weight of onlookers' stares. She could feel their eyes bearing down on her like burdensome stones. Despite her fear, she held onto her determination. She would not let this clownish pirate intimidate her or disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of Baratie. Hana's mind was a whirlwind of mixed emotions - determination and annoyance clashed as Buggy continued his flirtatious advances. It was a dangerous game, walking the line between success and disaster with each step she took.
If only she could find a way to appease the boisterous pirate and ensure the safety of her customers and colleagues...
Hana's eyes glinted with determination as she responded, her voice steady and resolute. "Alright...Captain Buggy...While I acknowledge your hunger, I assure you that we treat all our customers with professionalism. Unfortunately, we are at capacity here." She paused for a moment, gauging his reaction before adding, "If you wish to dine, however, I can put in a to-go order for you and your crew."
Buggy's eyes gleamed with a mix of challenge and amusement as he took in Hana's no-nonsense demeanor, the corners of his mouth curling into a grin. Her firmness, coupled with her willingness to comply with his demands, intrigued him further.
“Well then, allow me to show my gratitude, pretty lady!”
With a flourish of his hand, he pulled a bouquet of vibrant flowers out of thin air, a token of his appreciation for her compliance – and her undeniable beauty. He expected her to be charmed by his antics; instead, she surprised him once more.
"Thank you for the flowers, but I'm afraid I cannot accept them," Hana replied, her tone light but firm, humor tinging her words.
The restaurant buzzed with tension in the background, other customers stealing cautious glances at them. The kitchen staff whispered and laughed nervously, while Patty and Carne tried to lighten the mood with jokes. Sanji's face darkened as he watched Buggy relentlessly pursue Hana, his anger barely suppressed. A palpable mixture of fear, unease, and curiosity hung in the air, putting everyone at Baratie on edge. Despite Hana's determined composure, it was not enough to completely diffuse the atmosphere, but it did seem to keep things from escalating – at least for the time being.
"Wh-what? Why not?" Buggy sputtered, his painted features creasing in confusion.
Hana's lips curved into a small, apologetic smile as she responded, "I must adhere to professional boundaries and standards. I can’t entertain a romantic relationship with a customer."
“Nevermind the fact I’m already with Sanji…and you’re being a little too much…”
She chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she tried to lighten the mood. "Who knows how many people here have gotten fired here because of that?"
The word "knows" seemed to strike a chord within Buggy, and the vulnerability that had briefly flickered across his face was replaced by a simmering anger.
It was as if a match had been struck against a rough surface, igniting a raging flame that burned with heat and intensity.
Buggy's painted features were now twisted in a scowl, his clenched fists shaking with rage. His eyes are cold and dark, locked onto Hana with an intense glare. His voice was filled with a barely contained fury, like a volcano on the brink of eruption. The tension and unease of the restaurant seemed to intensify as Buggy's anger pierced through the air like a sharp knife.
"Are you making fun of my nose?" he accused, pointing to his own prominently red, bulbous feature.
The air was thick with an electric charge, a tangible sense of unease that seemed to paralyze the room. Hana's features twisted from shock to worry as she desperately tried to calm the brewing storm. Her palms lifted in a desperate plea for peace, while her heart raced like a thunderous drumbeat.
"Captain Buggy, I assure you, I would never make fun of your or anyone's appearance!" she insisted, sincerity dripping from each syllable. "What I said was unintentional."
Hana couldn't ignore the vulnerability and pain evident in his intense stare, leading her to believe that he was struggling with a deep sense of self-doubt regarding his prominent nose.
“Someone wouldn't get this upset about their body if they weren't feeling insecure about it...”
The mere thought of provoking Buggy's wrath made her tremble, but she couldn't help feeling a twinge of compassion for him.
But Buggy's face continued to twist with anger, the muscles in his jaw working furiously as he struggled to contain his emotions. His green eyes were ablaze with a mixture of frustration and insecurity, and it was clear that the damage had been done.
"Unintentional, huh?" he sneered, unconvinced. The rest of the Baratie staff and patrons watched the unfolding scene with bated breath, their eyes darting nervously between the two. The atmosphere was thick with apprehension as if one wrong move could ignite an all-out brawl.
Just as the tension between Hana and Buggy threatened to erupt into outright conflict, the doors to the kitchen were thrown open. Sanji and Zeff emerged, their eyes narrowed in concern and determination. The protective atmosphere they exuded seemed to radiate throughout the dining room, giving the patrons a brief respite from the overwhelming sense of foreboding.
"Is everything alright out here, Hana?" Sanji asked, his voice tinged with worry as he took in the scene before him. Zeff, standing steadfast by his side, surveyed the situation with a critical eye, ready to step in and defend both the Baratie and Hana if necessary.
Hana, feeling strengthened by their presence, straightened her spine and met Buggy's glare head-on. "I…I've got it under control, Sanji," she assured him, her voice steady despite the lingering fear that fluttered within her chest. "Buggy and his crew are just...hungry."
Noticing the meaningful look exchanged between Sanji and Zeff, she recalled their shared belief in feeding those in need, regardless of their status or reputation. With renewed confidence, she turned back to Buggy and offered a solution to defuse the tense situation.
"Captain Buggy, I understand that you and your crew want to dine," she began, her voice unwavering. "As such, we would be happy to provide you with food free of charge. My only request is that you wait outside while we prepare it."
She hoped that this gesture would not only appease the notorious pirate but also help calm the turbulent emotions that had seized hold of him moments before as well as protect the patrons around them.
Buggy's eyes narrowed for a moment, seemingly weighing his options. Then, with a sly smile and a flirtatious wink, he agreed to Hana's terms.
"You drive a hard bargain, Sweet Cheeks," he teased. "Fine, we'll wait outside for our feast. But I expect the finest dishes this place has to offer!"
As Buggy and his crew began to exit the Baratie, he couldn't resist letting his curiosity get the better of him. He covertly detached one of his ears, slipping it into Hana's apron pocket as a makeshift eavesdropping device. With this in place, he hoped to learn more about the intriguing hostess who had captured his attention – and perhaps even gain some insight into the culinary delights that awaited them.
The restaurant seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief as the pirates retreated outdoors. While Hana moved to speak with the kitchen staff about preparing the food, Sanji and Zeff hovered close by, keeping a watchful eye on their beloved coworker. They were ready to spring into action at the slightest provocation, determined to protect both Hana and the Baratie from any further disturbances.
Hana's fingers brushed against the smooth fabric of her apron, a comforting anchor amidst the lingering tension in the restaurant. Her eyes flickered over to Sanji, who leaned against the kitchen counter with an air of casual concern.
Hana joked, trying to ease the heavy weight of anxiety and make light of her unique predicament. "That was definitely an interesting experience, wouldn't you agree?”
"Y'know, love," Sanji said, his voice low and thoughtful, "I can't believe you managed to keep your cool with that red-nosed freak…"
Hana glanced at him, her smile gentle yet firm. "Sanji, don't be so mean. Buggy may be a pirate, but making fun of someone's looks isn't right." She paused, remembering the flash of vulnerability she'd glimpsed in Buggy's eyes earlier when he mistakenly thought she made fun of his nose. It brought her back to many times she and her younger sister were teased as kids.
"It's not in our place to judge people based on their appearance. You don’t know what they’re going through."
Little did she know, Buggy's severed ear was hiding in her apron pocket, catching every word of their conversation. Buggy's mind was in a frenzy of astonishment, confusion, and gratefulness. The pirate captain listened closely, feeling a sense of comfort as Hana spoke with empathy and understanding. He was surprised by her willingness to defend him as there was something about her voice that both calmed and commanded attention at the same time. As someone who had established themselves as a fearsome and intimidating figure, the fact that someone could look past his facade and stand up for his greatest vulnerability by their own choice was truly remarkable.
The echo of Sanji's laughter filled the air, a sweet sound that Hana couldn't help but smile at. "You truly are one of the kindest people I've ever met, mon amour" he gushed, his eyes shining with admiration. "It's one of the many reasons why I love you so much."
Hana chuckled, her cheeks warming with the familiar blush that always seemed to appear whenever Sanji showered her with compliments.
Buggy was hidden away, but his sharp ear could still catch every word of their conversation from the safety of Hana's apron pocket. He couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions as he listened to Sanji speak, his words hitting Buggy like a powerful wave. At first, there was a sense of excitement as Hana stood up for him and his unconventional appearance. But then, the realization of their romantic connection struck him like bitter medicine, leaving a sour taste in his mouth and filling him with jealousy. The thought that Hana belonged to Sanji felt like venom coursing through his veins, causing his heart to beat faster with envy. The joy he felt in hearing Hana defend him now felt tainted by this new knowledge.
"Professional standards, my ass!" he hissed under his breath, the anger bubbling dangerously close to the surface. He quickly retrieved his ear and made it connect back to the side of his head with a pop
"Captain?" Mohji, one of Buggy's crew mates, asked with concern. "Are you okay?"
Without responding, Buggy stomped across the deck of the floating restaurant, his crew quickly standing at attention as they followed him.
"We're launching a surprise attack on that godforsaken restaurant. We'll steal every last morsel of food they have!"
His crew exchanged puzzled glances, confused by their captain's sudden change of plans. "But, Captain Buggy," one of them stammered, "we were just given free food…"
Buggy's usually calm face twisted into a mask of fury, his piercing green eyes ablaze with anger. "I don't care!" he bellowed, his voice like a whip cutting through the air. "We're taking everything, just like we planned! We're not letting that hostess call the shots on how we get our food!" His command reverberated through the room.
With a collective nod, the crew members leaped into action, seizing control of Baratie and wreaking havoc upon the dining room. The once elegant establishment descended into chaos as tables were overturned, dishes shattered, and patrons fled for their lives. The sound of shattered glass and panicked screams filled the air as Buggy's pirates stormed Baratie, the once tranquil restaurant now a battleground.
The whirlwind of panic and destruction was like a nightmare coming to life, and in the midst of it all, Hana stood frozen, her heart hammering in her chest.
“How could have everything gone so wrong, so quickly?!”
Hana's fingers clenched tightly around the steak knife she had picked up for defense. It suddenly hit her, like a heavy weight, that this small, seemingly insignificant weapon would be no match for the cruel marauders outside. Every clattering dish and shrieking scream only fueled her fears, and she prayed that somehow they would survive this terrifying ordeal unharmed. She stood rooted to the spot, not realizing that Sanji was rushing up behind her until he reached her side and startled her.
"Stay behind me, Hana," Sanji commanded, his eyes blazing with fierce determination. His protective instincts kicked into high gear as he stepped forward to shield her from the onslaught of chaos unfolding around them.
Zeff, the seasoned warrior and owner of the beloved establishment, fought alongside Sanji, their powerful kicks sending several of Buggy's crew members flying across the room. Tables were overturned, plates shattered upon impact, and the din of battle echoed throughout the restaurant.
"Get to safety, Hana!" Sanji yelled over the cacophony, his voice laced with concern and urgency.
As customers scrambled to leave, ducking beneath tables and shielding themselves from the fighting, Hana followed suit, her heart pounding in her chest as she sought refuge behind the bar counter. She peeked out cautiously, trying to keep an eye on what was transpiring while staying hidden from sight.
The battle grew more intense, with each side unleashing their full power upon the other. Sanji's leg slashed through the air, striking Buggy's head and launching it across the restaurant. Reacting with lightning speed, Hana leaped to her feet and gripped against the bar shelves, letting out a blood-curdling scream as the decapitated head rolled towards her. The head twisted to face her, sporting a manic grin and wild gaze in its eyes.
"Surprise!" Buggy's disembodied head taunted, his tone oddly cheerful despite his recent decapitation. "You can't get rid of me that easy, sweetheart. The Chop Chop Fruit makes me practically invincible!"
As Hana stared down at him in horror, Buggy's eyes flickered upwards, taking advantage of his unique vantage point to peer up her dress. A lewd grin spread across his face as he commented, "Now that's a view worth losing my body for!"
Hana's cheeks flushed with anger and embarrassment, her mind racing with a mix of terror and disgust at Buggy's crude remark. Fuming with anger and adrenaline coursing through her veins, Hana's hands shot out, grabbing Buggy's head by his bright blue hair.
"You really like playing with fire, don't you?" she spat through gritted teeth.
"Ah, a woman who pulls my hair – just how I like it!" Buggy joked, completely unfazed.
Hana mustered all her might and grabbed a broken piece of wood that was lying close by. With a firm and determined grip, she wielded it like an experienced baseball player about to hit a home run. Her target: Buggy's decapitated head. With one swift, forceful swing, she launched it through the window of the restaurant, causing the glass to shatter into thousands of glimmering pieces as his head flew out. Realizing their leader's defeat in this unexpected turn of events, Buggy's crew hurriedly began to retreat.
"Until next time, sweetheart!" Buggy's voice called from outside as his head snapped back onto his body.
With a wink and a blown kiss toward Hana, he disappeared into the chaos, leaving her seething with disgust.
As the dust settled and the sounds of retreating pirates faded, the once bustling Baratie was left in disarray. Hana's heart raced as she tried to process the whirlwind of events that had just transpired.
“Pirates, pirate clowns, and Devil fruits…”
This was far beyond anything she had ever experienced in her tranquil workplace. The floor was littered with shattered glass from the broken windows, and tables and chairs were overturned in the fight. The once neat and orderly restaurant was now in chaos. The taste of metal filled Hana's mouth, a combination of the fear and anger that still simmered inside her. She could also taste the saltiness of her own sweat, a reminder of the physical exertion she had just experienced.
Sanji, noticing Hana's wide-eyed bewilderment, approached her with a playful smirk. "Well, can't blame Buggy for being so infatuated with you, can I?"
"Really, Sanji? Now's not the time for jokes," Hana scoffed, rolling her eyes. Yet, beneath her irritation, relief and gratitude washed over her. She looked at both Sanji and Zeff, whose efforts had kept her safe amidst the chaos. "Thank you, both of you."
"Of course, mon amour," Sanji replied, his gaze softening as he pulled her into a hug. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”
Zeff nodded, his battle-hardened eyes also showing concern. "Just doing what needed to be done."
As they surveyed the damaged restaurant together, Hana knew that her life would likely never be the same again. But with friends like Sanji and Zeff by her side, she felt a flicker of hope that they could rebuild and face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Later on that night, the salty sea breeze filled the air as Buggy's ship cut through the waves, distancing itself from the chaos left behind at Baratie. Below deck, Buggy sat hunched over a table littered with stolen food, taking bites in between grumbles.
"Pretty boy sous chef," he muttered, stabbing at a piece of fruit with his knife. "Thinks he's so special with his fancy kicks and blonde hair." He scoffed, tossing the fruit into his mouth.
Despite the bitterness that bubbled within him even after the raid and after his not-so-pleasant encounter with Hana’s plank of wood, thoughts of her weaved their way into his mind. The way she carried herself with confidence and composure, even when facing danger, was a breath of fresh air. Despite having a brief encounter with her, she stood out from any other woman he had met, with a gentle yet determined nature, and a quiet confidence that commanded respect.
Buggy leaned back in his chair, recalling how she'd stood up for him in front of her boyfriend. Despite dismissing those words once he found out the depth of Hana and Sanji's relationship, he couldn't shake off the weight of her words completely.
"Never had anyone do that before," he whispered to himself, his fingers absentmindedly tapping on the table.
The memory of her unprompted kind words still stirred something inside him, sparking a newfound admiration and connection with her. Despite the chaotic situation they found themselves in, Buggy couldn't shake off the desire to get to know her better.
"Captain?" A crew member's voice interrupted his thoughts, causing Buggy to flinch.
"Wh-what?" he snapped, trying to mask the vulnerability that had crept into his voice.
"Uh, just checking if you need anything else, sir," the pirate stammered, clearly taken aback by Buggy's unusual demeanor.
"Nothing. Get out!" Buggy barked, frustration bubbling to the surface. Alone once more, slammed his fists against his table, sending plates clattering to the floor.
"Damn these emotions! Damn her!" Buggy snarled, his fingers tangling in the wild waves of his electric blue hair. The thoughts of Hana were like a persistent itch he couldn't scratch away – it was futile. She was miles away, nestled within the floating sanctuary of Baratie, and all they had done was rain chaos upon her peaceful haven.
His thoughts spun in a chaotic whirlwind, consumed by confusion. He had let jealousy control him like a rogue wave, leading him to act impulsively and recklessly. His entrance at Baratie was as loud and destructive as a typhoon, filled with anger and a desire for attention.
But it wasn't just about the food or asserting his power - it was about her. That hostess, with her fiery spirit and unwavering generosity that seemed to shine even brighter in the face of adversity. It was her relationship with that sous chef that sparked his envy, turning him into a stormy force that threatened to destroy the place she called home.
The realization hit him like an anchor sinking into the sea, dragging him down into a pool of regret. A deep sigh escaped from his lips as he reflected on his impulsive actions; perhaps he shouldn't have let jealousy cloud his judgment.
However, denial wrapped around him like a warm blanket in frigid waters. It couldn't be his fault - it just couldn't! The thought of taking responsibility for causing such chaos pricked at his pride. But deep down beneath layers of bluster and bravado, Buggy knew the truth.
He had allowed rage and resentment to guide him instead of reason - this realization echoed louder than any cannon's blast in his mind. And now, lost in self-reflection, Buggy grappled with an unfamiliar feeling gnawing at him - guilt.
"Shouldn't have stormed that restaurant, I guess…" he mumbled to himself, his anger giving way to a quiet contemplation. "Made things worse for her..." Buggy's gaze drifted to the porthole, where the endless expanse of ocean mirrored his own turmoil.
His jealousy continued to gnaw at him. But as quickly as it surfaced, he pushed the thought away, scolding himself for even entertaining such notions.
"Pfft what am I thinking?!" he shouted, pushing away his dinnerware. "I'm not gonna see her again, so why waste time thinking about her?"
With that declaration, Buggy forced himself to focus on the present – the wind in his sails, the stolen food in his belly, and the vast ocean that lay ahead. But try as he might, he couldn't entirely banish thoughts of the hostess from his mind, her kind yet feisty spirit flickering like a distant flame on the horizon.
Notes:
A/N: That scene of him smiling at the end of season 1 when he meets Alvida is exactly what I had imagined when Buggy first sees Hana. Also the way he said “Well hellooooooo, beautiful…” I was kinda inspired by Heath Ledgers Joker in The Dark Knight…
Chapter 3: #3 - A Leaky Ship! Hana engages in combat!
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
The air was filled with the scent of smoke and burning wood from the fire that had been started during the fight. Mixed in were the smells of spilled food, including fish, meat, and vegetables, as well as the stench of blood from any injuries sustained in the chaos. Zeff stood amid the chaos of the damaged restaurant. The walls of the once vibrant restaurant were now cracked and broken, bearing the marks of Buggy's ruthless crew. Tables and chairs were overturned, food was spilled across the floor, and the walls were covered in claw marks and scorch marks from the battle. The old pirate sighed heavily, his sighs carried the weight of years of experience and sorrow. He surveyed the wreckage with an old pirate's eye, taking in every detail with a mix of resignation and determination.
"Listen up, everyone!" Zeff called out, silencing the room. "Baratie will be temporarily closed for repairs. I've hired some help to speed things up, but everyone here needs to pitch in and clean this place up. We've got our work cut out for us."
The staff exchanged weary glances, their shoulders slumping at the prospect of even more work. Yet they all knew that there was nothing left to do but push forward – and hope that the restaurant would soon return to its former glory.
"Let's get to work," Zeff said, rolling up his sleeves. "We'll make this place better than ever – for the customers and for all of us."
Everyone was occupied with a task. Some of the more physically capable chefs lifted chunks of broken wood, while others took to sweeping different sections of the restaurant. Hana swept the shattered glassware from the dining room floor, her brow furrowed in concentration. The sound of brooms and mops echoed through the restaurant as the staff worked alongside her, trying to undo the damage caused by Buggy's crew. As she swept the dining room floor, she couldn't help but think back to the chaos of the attack, when she had cowered behind the bar, clutching a steak knife that seemed more like a toothpick against the pirates' weapons.
"Ugh!" Hana muttered under her breath. "Sanji and Zeff fought them off like it was nothing, and all I could do was hide."
Her cheeks burned with shame as she remembered how helpless she had felt, watching the battle unfold. Despite her headstrong nature and her ability to wield a knife in the kitchen, she knew that wouldn't be enough to protect herself – or anyone else – in a real fight. She needed to learn how to defend herself, not just for her own safety, but for the sake of everyone around her.
As Hana threw away the shards of glass she swept up, she glanced at Zeff, who was busy directing the staff as they repaired the restaurant. He moved with a sense of purpose and determination that she admired, and she knew that he would do anything to keep his Baratie family safe. If only she had some of that same strength...
An unexpected surge of determination coursed through her veins as she finished cleaning the dining room. She knew that now was the time to act, to take control of her own safety and become the kind of person who could protect those she loved. And she knew just who to turn to for help.
The following morning, at Baratie, Hana stood by the railing, watching the waves crash against the restaurant's hull. She took a deep breath, inhaling the salty sea air, and mustered up the courage to approach Zeff and Sanji.
"Zeff, Sanji," she called out as they coordinated the ongoing repairs together. "Can I talk to you both for a moment?"
"Sure thing, lass," Zeff replied, wiping the sweat from his brow.
Sanji nodded, looking at her with concern in his eyes. “What is it, mon amour?”
Hana hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I've been thinking about what happened during the attack, and I realized that I need to learn how to defend myself. I want to be able to protect not just myself, but all of you as well."
Zeff studied her for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he considered her request. He then nodded approvingly. "I see your determination, lass. Everyone needs to know how to defend themselves, regardless of their background. I'd be happy to teach you some self-defense techniques."
"Thank you, Zeff!" Hana said, relieved by his supportive response. She then turned to Sanji, her eyes pleading. "Sanji, will you help me too? You're one of the strongest people I know, and I could really use your help."
Sanji hesitated, his face showing a mixture of concern and reluctance. "My love, I worry about your safety. I don't want to risk hurting you during training."
"Sanji, please," Hana pleaded, desperation seeping into her voice. "I trust you completely. I know you'd never intentionally hurt me. Besides, the whole point of this is to make sure I can protect myself in the future. I need your help."
Sanji sighed, his eyes reflecting the inner turmoil he felt. "I understand your desire to learn, Hana my love. I want to help you but I can’t engage in violence with you, even for training purposes. I'm sorry."
Hana's heart sank, but she nodded, respecting his decision. "I understand.”
She couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment, but she knew that Sanji's concern came from a place of love and care for her well-being.
Sanji gently took her hand and pressed his lips against the back of it. “I’ll still be on the sidelines, cheering you on as your own personal cheerleader”.
A warm smile spread across Hana's face as she was grateful to have Sanji by her side, even if he wouldn't participate in training with her one on one.
"Alright then," Zeff interjected, sensing the tension between Hana and Sanji. "We'll begin your self-defense training tomorrow morning. Be prepared to work hard."
"Thank you, Zeff," Hana said gratefully. "I promise I'll give it my all."
She glanced back at Sanji and saw the love and concern in his eyes. She still couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment that Sanji wouldn't be a part of her training, but she admired his unwavering dedication to his principles. His love fueled her determination to become stronger – not just for herself, but for everyone she cared about.
As the days went by, Hana threw herself into her training, sweat pouring down her face as she practiced high kicks, low sweeps, and everything in between. Zeff guided her every step of the way, pushing her to her limits and beyond. The sound of their feet slamming against the wooden deck echoed through the air, accompanied by grunts of exertion and the occasional shout of encouragement from Zeff.
"Remember to keep your balance, Hana!" Zeff called out as she wobbled slightly after landing a particularly difficult kick.
"Got it!" Hana gasped, steadying herself and trying again.
During their breaks, Zeff would share his observations and insights, making sure Hana understood the reasoning behind each move. He was relentless in his pursuit of her improvement, never letting her give up or settle for mediocrity.
"Your footwork is getting better," he told her one day, his eyes scrutinizing her movements. "But don't forget to follow through with your hips. That's where the real power comes from."
Hana nodded, absorbing his advice like a sponge. She knew how fortunate she was to have such a skilled and experienced mentor, and she resolved to make the most of this opportunity.
Throughout her training, Hana couldn't help but occasionally glance over at Sanji, who often watched her progress from the sidelines. Though he never participated in her lessons, his presence was a constant reminder of his love and support.
"LET’S GO, HANA MY LOOOOOVE!" Sanji would cheer, clapping his hands enthusiastically. "You're doing great!"
Her heart swelled with gratitude, even as frustration sometimes threatened to overwhelm her. Hana knew that she had a long way to go before she could truly call herself capable of defending herself and those she cared about, but every drop of sweat, every bruise, and every sore muscle brought her one step closer to that goal.
"Focus, Hana," Zeff reminded her when she faltered. "You have it within you to become strong. Don't give up now."
And so, with Sanji's love and Zeff's guidance, Hana pushed herself harder than ever before, each day bringing her newfound strength, confidence, and determination.
Hana stood facing Zeff, the setting sun casting elongated shadows on the ground. Her muscles were fatigued from days of intense training, but her eyes burned with unwavering determination. She took a deep breath and braced herself for yet another round of practicing the intricate kick that Zeff had been instructing her on.
"Remember," Zeff said, his voice rough but patient, "keep your balance and twist your foot at the end."
Hana nodded, took a deep breath, and launched herself forward. Her leg swung high, but she lost her footing and stumbled, hitting the ground with a grunt.
"Get up," Zeff instructed firmly, and Hana obeyed, gritting her teeth as she rose to her feet.
"Again," he demanded, and she tried once more, only to falter just as before.
"Focus!" Zeff barked, and despite the harsh tone, Hana could sense his unwavering belief in her abilities. He wanted her to succeed just as much as she did, and that knowledge fueled her stubborn resolve.
"Zeff you old geezer, you better not tire out Hana and make her cry!!” Sanji yelled at Zeff.
"Sanji, not now," Zeff growled, irritated by the interruption, but Hana couldn't help the small grin that tugged at the corners of her mouth.
“YOU’RE DOING GREAT, MY LOVE! YOU LOOK SO SEXY RIGHT NOW!" Sanji's enthusiastic cheer and twirl of his feet cut through the tension, his bright cheers both encouraging and annoying.
"Thanks, Sanji," Hana whispered under her breath before refocusing on the task at hand. With renewed vigor, she attempted the kick again, this time managing to maintain her balance and execute the technique properly.
"Ha! Well done!" Zeff exclaimed, clapping her on the shoulder. His praise sent a warm glow through her chest, though she knew there was still much progress to be made.
"See? I told you she could do it!" Sanji crowed triumphantly from the sidelines, drawing another scowl from Zeff. However, Hana couldn't help but feel grateful for his unwavering support.
Hana's determination burned brighter than ever, sustained by the knowledge that she was surrounded by those who truly cared for her. And with each passing day, she grew more confident in her ability to protect not only herself, but her newfound family as well.
A few days later, Hana gritted her teeth as she attempted a particularly difficult kick. Sweat streamed down her face, and her muscles ached from hours of practice. But she refused to let herself falter, remembering the fear that had gripped her when Buggy's crew attacked and her own helplessness in the face of danger.
"Concentrate, Hana!" Zeff barked, watching her intently. "You're getting closer, but you need to put more power into it."
"Right," she muttered to herself, taking a deep breath and launching another kick. This time, she stumbled, barely catching herself before she hit the ground.
"Damn it!" She couldn't help but curse, her frustration mounting with each failed attempt.
"Hey, don't be so hard on yourself," Sanji said, rushing over with a smile. "You're doing great! Just keep trying, and you'll get it!"
"Thanks, Sanji," Hana replied, wiping the sweat from her brow, touched by his encouragement. His cheerful attitude was contagious, and she felt a renewed determination swell within her.
"Alright, Hana, one more try," Zeff urged, sensing her resolve.
Drawing upon all her strength and focus, Hana launched into the kick once more. Her foot connected solidly, and she felt a thrill of accomplishment surge through her. It wasn't perfect, but it was progress.
"Ha! There you go!" Zeff cheered, grinning proudly at her success.
"See? I knew you could do it, Hana!" Sanji beamed, clapping his hands together in an exaggerated display of excitement.
"Thank you both," Hana said, panting slightly from exertion. She took a moment to appreciate their unwavering support, knowing they were the reason she was able to push past her limits.
"Remember, Hana," Zeff cautioned, his voice serious. "The road to mastery is long and full of challenges. But you've got the determination and the heart to make it."
Hana nodded, taking his words to heart. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but she refused to let them fall. Instead, she clenched her fists, gritted her teeth, and prepared herself for the next round of training.
"Let's do this!" she exclaimed, her resolve stronger than ever. With Sanji's infectious enthusiasm and Zeff's unwavering guidance, Hana knew she could face whatever challenges lay ahead on her journey towards self-improvement.
As the days turned into weeks, Hana's skills steadily improved. Her kicks grew stronger and more precise, and she learned how to channel her anger and frustration into each powerful blow. Zeff continued to coach her with patience and expertise, pushing her to exceed her own limits.
"Excellent work, Hana," Zeff praised one day, after she executed a particularly difficult combination. "You've come a long way in a short amount of time."
"Thank you, Chef," Hana replied, her chest swelling with pride. "I couldn't have done it without you and of course Sanji’s cheerleading."
"Ah, don't mention it," Sanji said, blushing slightly as he rubbed the back of his head. "We're just happy to see you become stronger and more confident."
Hana smiled at him, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. She knew that, despite his initial hesitation, Sanji was genuinely proud of her progress and would always support her, no matter what challenges they faced. And with each passing day, she grew more determined to prove herself not only to him but to herself as well, embracing her newfound strength and resolve.
===
The sun began its descent, painting the sky in a fiery orange as Hana took her place in front of a worn training dummy. She focused intently, beads of sweat forming on her forehead and her leg muscles coiled like a tightly wound spring. Inhaling deeply, she pictured her opponent and let out a resounding war cry.
"Yaaaaah!" Hana's leg shot out with the force of a cannonball, connecting with the dummy's head. The impact sent it flying clean off its moorings, leaving the headless body swaying back and forth.
"Wow, Hana! That was amazing!" Sanji cheered, clapping his hands enthusiastically.
"Thanks, Sanji," Hana replied, grinning from ear to ear as she wiped the sweat from her face. She could feel the energy coursing through her veins, fueling her newfound confidence. "I've come a long way, haven't I?"
"Indeed, you have," Zeff agreed, nodding approvingly. "You're ready to handle whatever comes your way."
Hana couldn't help but beam at their praise, her chest swelling with pride. She had put in so much hard work, and it was finally paying off. Her thoughts wandered briefly to Buggy and the danger he had brought into her life. Although she still harbored feelings for him, she knew that she needed to be strong enough to protect herself and her loved ones.
"Zeff, Sanji, thank you for everything," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "I wouldn't be here without your guidance and support."
"Hey, don't mention it," Sanji replied, scratching his head bashfully. "We just wanted to make sure you could take care of yourself."
"Besides," Zeff chimed in, his eyes twinkling with mischief, "it's about time someone else around here learned how to kick some ass."
A soft chuckle escaped from Hana's lips, a sound as light and refreshing as the ocean breeze that brushed against her cheeks. The sun was setting, casting warm tones of amber and gold onto the restaurant, creating long shadows that seemed to dance on the wooden floorboards. A strong sense of determination filled her, fueling her resolve to face any challenges that lay ahead.
At her side stood Sanji and Zeff, their presence exuding confidence and strength. With them by her side, she felt invincible - ready to take on even an entire pirate crew if necessary.
Her gaze landed on an empty table nearby where a knife lay innocuously, its blade glinting under the fading sunlight. Her heart started to race with excitement as she made her way towards it, each step filled with newfound courage.
She picked up the knife delicately, its frigid handle fitting perfectly in her grasp as if it was made just for her. She closed her eyes briefly and when she opened them again, instead of an empty space, she saw Buggy standing there with his signature clownish grin.
With a swift flick of her wrist, she flung the knife at the wall where Buggy's imaginary figure stood. It sliced through the air with astonishing speed before firmly embedding itself into the wooden panel with a satisfying thud. The knife dangled dangerously from its new spot - a testament to Hana's skill. A triumphant smile spread across Hana's face as she gazed at her successful throw.
"Bring it on," she whispered to herself, feeling more prepared than ever to face whatever came next.
The first crack appeared in the hull of The Big Top, just below the waterline. Seawater trickled into the ship like a snake slithering through the grass, and Buggy felt his heart drop. The air was thick with the salty scent of the seawater, mixed with the musty smell of old wood and dampness. He knew his ship had taken a beating from the recent run-in with the Marines, but he never imagined it would be this bad. The wooden planks beneath his feet were wet and slippery, reflecting the dangerous situation they were in.
"Captain! We're taking on water!" yelled one of Buggy's crew members, confirming his worst fears. Panic set in as the pirate crew rushed to grab anything that could patch up the leak – planks of wood, nails, even a bit of cloth they'd stolen off an unlucky merchant ship.
Buggy barked orders at his frantic crew, trying to keep some semblance of control over the situation. "You there, grab some tar! And you, hold those planks in place while we hammer them down!"
But despite their best efforts, the water continued to seep in, and the makeshift repairs couldn't withstand the pressure. Planks caved in, and the cloth was soaked through, rendering it useless. With each failed attempt, Buggy's frustration grew, and soon enough, he exploded.
"Are you all completely useless?!" he roared, his face reddening with anger. "We can't even fix a simple leak?!"
His crew shrank back, their fear of their captain momentarily overpowering their fear of drowning. In the chaos, Buggy's mind raced, thinking of ways to save his beloved ship from sinking.
"Captain, what do we do?" asked one of the pirates, looking to Buggy for guidance. As a notorious pirate known for his cunning and clownish antics, Buggy was typically quick on his feet with a plan, but this time, the solution eluded him. He couldn't fathom losing The Big Top, especially when it meant he would be even further from Hana.
"Keep trying to patch up the hole!" Buggy commanded, masking his growing dread with anger. "And someone get me a list of nearby islands where we can dock for repairs!"
As his crew scrambled to obey his orders, Buggy couldn't help but feel an intense mix of hopelessness and determination. He was resolved to save his ship at any cost. With that thought in mind, he set his jaw and prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead. The sight of his crew's frantic attempts to patch up the leaking ship, their faces twisted with panic and fear, gnawed at Buggy's insides. He gritted his teeth, feeling helpless as The Big Top took on more water. Any hope of reaching Water 7, the famed shipwright haven, faded away with each desperate bucketful of seawater thrown overboard.
"Captain!" one of his crew members called out breathlessly. "There's a nearby island we could dock at….but…but…”
"Spit it out! What's the problem?" Buggy snapped, his patience wearing thin.
"Uh, well," the pirate stuttered, nervously wringing his bandana. "The island is home to Fang and Reaper, sir. You know, those notorious pirate loan sharks?"
Buggy's heart sank, but he quickly masked his dread with a scowl. "I don't care if they're the nastiest sea monsters this side of the Grand Line! We're docking there. I'd rather risk meeting those thugs than losing my ship!"
"Y-yes, Captain!" the crew member stammered, saluting before hurrying off to inform the others.
As The Big Top limped towards the island, Buggy couldn't help but feel torn. On one hand, he knew that fixing the ship was his top priority. But on the other hand, he couldn't shake the nagging suspicion that he was leading his crew into a dangerous situation, one that might cost them dearly.
"Damn it all," Buggy muttered under his breath, clenching his fists. "Why does everything have to be so difficult?”
As The Big Top neared the isolated island, Buggy braced himself for the impending confrontation, resolved to combat for his beloved ship. The vessel advanced warily towards the distant speck of land – its hull protesting with each wave that clashed against it. Perched on the bow of the ship, Buggy's eyes darted across the horizon, vigilant for any looming threats. His jaw tightened as he acknowledged this was a gamble they had to take - they needed funds to mend their battered ship and Fang and Reaper were their only shot at securing a loan.
"Captain," one of his crew members approached hesitantly, "are you sure about this? Fang and Reaper are not to be trifled with."
"Trust me," Buggy replied, determination etched onto his face, "I don't like it either. But we have no choice. Our ship won't make it to Water 7, and we need Berry for those repairs."
"Alright, Captain," the crew member nodded, swallowing hard.
"Prepare to dock," Buggy ordered, though his stomach churned at the thought of facing the notorious pirate loan sharks.
Notes:
I'm sorry if this was all over the place. I meant to make it like a fighting/training montage since it would be unrealistic for Hana to be good at combat right off the bat. Plus, it will have a role in the future 🙃
Chapter 4: #4 Promises and Perils: Hana's Wistful Wish!
Chapter Text
The sun blazed overhead as Hana practiced her high kicks, sweat glistening on her brow. The ocean breeze offered little respite from the heat, but she didn't falter in her relentless training. Zeff stood by, observing the young woman's progress, his arms folded across his chest and a stern expression on his face.
"Higher, Hana! You can do better!" Zeff barked, pushing her to her limits.
Hana gritted her teeth and complied, kicking even higher, her leg almost parallel with the ground. She was determined to prove herself, not just to Zeff and the other cooks at Baratie, but to herself. Her body ached with exertion, but she refused to let it show, focusing all her energy on perfecting her technique.
"Good! Now, work on your balance," Zeff instructed, nodding approvingly as Hana shifted her weight, steadying herself before unleashing another powerful kick.
"Like this?" she asked, eyes locked on her target as she struck with precision.
"Better," Zeff said with a gruff nod. "Keep practicing."
Though her muscles screamed for rest, Hana persisted, each kick more powerful and controlled than the last. She could feel herself becoming stronger, her body adapting to the rigors of combat. It was exhilarating, this newfound sense of control and power coursing through her veins.
===============
As the hours wore on, Hana's kicks grew faster and more fluid. The once clumsy motions had been honed into a formidable weapon, capable of felling even the most determined adversary. It was a testament to her unwavering dedication and hard work, proof that she had what it took to stand her ground.
"Alright, Hana. That's enough for today," Zeff finally called, allowing her a moment of respite. "You've come a long way in a short time, but remember: this is just the beginning. Being strong isn't just about physical prowess; it's about determination, resilience, and the willingness to face whatever challenges life throws at you."
Hana nodded, wiping the sweat from her forehead. She understood what Zeff meant, and she was more than ready to embrace the challenges ahead, her newfound strength and skills only bolstering her resolve.
"Thank you, Zeff," Hana said sincerely, her eyes shining with gratitude. "I won't forget your words, and I'll keep pushing myself to become even stronger."
As Hana continued her training, her mind wandered to her other preferred weapon: knives. Though she had grown more skilled in kicking, there was something about wielding a knife that felt more natural to her. It was an extension of her own hand, giving her a sense of control and precision that resonated deeply within her.
Hana's hands tightened around the hilt of her knife, her knuckles turning white. She knew she had come a long way in her training, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she was asking too much of Zeff.
“I can't keep imposing on him like this,” she thought.
With a sigh, Hana decided to table her concerns for now and focus on her training. She didn't want to be a burden, but she also knew that she needed to improve if she wanted to protect herself and those she cared about.
=====================================
Meanwhile, the dimly-lit pirate bar was filled with rough-looking patrons, their faces obscured by shadow and smoke. In the center of the room, two figures stood out, making their way through the crowd with an aura of power and danger.
The air was thick and heavy with the smell of tobacco and alcohol, mixed with the faint scent of sweat and fear. Fang and Reaper, dressed in dark, tattered clothes, their eyes keen and calculating, were known as the most feared loan sharks in all the seas. Their imposing figures and cold expressions elicited fear from those around them, causing them to part like the Red Sea as they strode through the room. The taste of fear and desperation lingered on the tongues of those in the bar, as they watched Fang and Reaper move through the crowd with an air of danger
Fang's presence was like a thunderstorm, his huge frame dominating the room and his fiery hair setting him apart from the dark and dingy surroundings. His eyes held a sharp and calculating glint, sending chills down the spines of those who crossed him. Reaper, on the other hand, was a dark and enigmatic figure, his face hidden behind a skull mask that struck fear into the hearts of all who saw him. Together, they were a force to be reckoned with, leaving only chaos and despair in their wake as they moved through the bar.
As the pair calmly took their seats at the bar, the patrons around them tried their best to look busy, desperately avoiding eye contact. The air was thick with tension, the usual raucous laughter replaced by uneasy silence.
"Two glasses of rum. Now." Fang ordered, his voice commanding. The bartender nodded quickly and hurried to pour their drinks, not daring to look either man in the eye.
"Cheers," Reaper said with a sinister grin, raising his glass to toast with his partner. "To another successful collection."
"Indeed," Fang agreed, clinking his glass against Reaper's before downing the contents in one gulp.
The uneasy silence in the pirate bar was palpable, like a thick fog that weighed down on the patrons. Fang and Reaper's arrival had effectively snuffed out any semblance of merriment or camaraderie, leaving only tension and fear in its place. Both men sat at the bar, nursing their glasses of rum as they scanned the room with predatory gazes.
"Pathetic," Fang muttered under his breath, his lip curling into a sneer. "They're all too afraid to even look at us."
"Let them be afraid," Reaper replied coolly. "Fear is an effective motivator."
It was then that one daring patron, emboldened by liquid courage, stumbled towards the two loan sharks. He was a young man with unkempt hair and a scruffy beard, a far cry from the intimidating figures that were Fang and Reaper.
"Oi!" he slurred, slamming his mug down on the bar between the two men. "Who do you think you are, waltzing into our bar and scaring everyone away? You ain't so tough!"
Fang and Reaper exchanged a glance before turning their attention back to the clearly intoxicated man. Their eyes narrowed in unison, a silent warning that went unheeded.
"Ah, we've been mistaken for nobodies again," Fang said, feigning disappointment. "How unfortunate, Reaper."
"Indeed," Reaper agreed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Perhaps we should remind this gentleman who we are."
Before the drunkard could react, Fang's hand shot out, grabbing him by the throat and lifting him off the ground. The man's eyes widened in terror as he struggled to breathe, clawing at Fang's vice-like grip. Reaper leaned in close, his skull mask inches from the man's face.
"Allow us to reintroduce ourselves," Reaper hissed. "We are Fang and Reaper, collectors of debts and bringers of death. You would do well to remember that."
The man's face turned a sickly shade of purple as he choked out a feeble apology. Fang released his grip and let the man crumple to the floor, gasping for breath.
"Consider yourself lucky," Fang growled as the man scurried away, too frightened to look back. "Not everyone gets a second chance with us."
"Speaking of second chances," Reaper said, his voice low and dangerous. "Do you recall those pirates we dealt with last month? The ones who thought they could avoid paying their debts simply by fleeing to another island?"
"Ah, yes," Fang replied, a malicious grin spreading across his face. "I believe we made quite an impression on them when we tracked them down and delivered our… message."
"Indeed," Reaper agreed, chuckling darkly. "Let's just say they won't be making that mistake again."
As the two men shared a sinister laugh, the other patrons in the bar did their best to sink into the shadows, hoping to avoid becoming the next targets of Fang and Reaper's wrath.
The door to the bar then creaked open, and Buggy the Clown strolled in, trying his best to look intimidating despite the butterflies wreaking havoc in his stomach. He kept his face stoic and scanned the room until his eyes settled on Fang and Reaper – two hulking figures causing the whole place to simmer in terror.
"Alright," Buggy muttered under his breath, "time to put on a show."
With a deep breath, he sauntered over to the duo, making sure not to cringe when the floorboards groaned beneath his weight.
"Hey there, fellas," Buggy greeted casually, attempting to exude confidence. "Fancy seeing you two here."
Fang and Reaper exchanged a glance before turning their attention to the brightly colored pirate standing before them. Their expressions remained unreadable behind their fearsome masks.
"Can we help you with something?" Fang asked, sizing up Buggy with a cold, calculating gaze that made the clown's heart race even faster.
"Actually," Buggy began, forcing a grin onto his face, "I could use a little favor. You see, my ship got damaged during an unfortunate encounter with some Marines, and I need some funds to get her fixed up."
Reaper cocked his head at Buggy, his voice dripping with skepticism. "And why should we lend you any money?"
"Because," Buggy said, puffing out his chest and injecting as much bravado into his voice as possible, "I'm Captain Buggy! My crew and I are destined for greatness, and I assure you, I'll be able to pay you back in no time!"
Inside, Buggy was praying that they wouldn't see through his bluster. The truth was, he had no idea how he'd come up with the money to repay them, but he couldn't let them know that. He needed to make them believe he was a pirate worth investing in.
Buggy's grin widened as he leaned against the bar, one leg casually crossed over the other. He twirled a coin between his fingers, trying to catch their attention. "You know, I've been hearing some great things about you two," he said, his voice dripping with false admiration. "Fang and Reaper, the most fearsome loan sharks on the high seas. It's an honor to meet you."
Fang's eyes narrowed, and Reaper clenched his fists at his sides. They exchanged another glance, clearly growing irritated by Buggy's obnoxious behavior.
"Look," Buggy continued, forcing himself to maintain his smirk, "I'm not just some random pirate asking for a handout. I've got a reputation too, you know. People fear the name 'Buggy the Clown,' and they should. I've got power, influence... and more importantly, I've got connections."
His heart pounded in his chest as he laid it all out before them, hoping they'd take the bait. It was true that he had some connections, but they were tenuous at best and certainly not the kind of relationships that would help him pay back a loan from these two brutes.
"Connections, huh?" Reaper said, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow.
"Indeed," Buggy replied, nodding enthusiastically. "And let me tell you, once my ship is repaired, there won't be any stopping us. We'll rake in so much treasure, paying you back will be a breeze."
He could see the skepticism in their eyes, but he pressed on, desperate to make them believe his words. "Just imagine the prestige that comes with being associated with Captain Buggy and his crew. Why, people will be lining up to get in your good graces!"
Fang and Reaper exchanged one final look, their expressions unreadable. Buggy held his breath, praying that they'd take a chance on him and give him the money he desperately needed.
Reaper's face twisted into an almost sinister grin as he finally broke the silence. "Alright, Clown, we'll loan you the money." He leaned in closer, his breath hot and heavy on Buggy's face, the stench of alcohol mingling with the menacing aura he exuded. "But you better pay us back in full, plus interest, within a month. Understand?"
"Absolutely," Buggy replied, masking his relief with a cocky grin. "You won't regret this, I promise."
"See that we don't," Fang growled, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder.
As Buggy took the bag of coins from Reaper, his mind raced with possibilities. His heart swelled with overconfidence, drowning out the voice of reason that warned him of the consequences of failing to repay these dangerous pirates. He shook hands with them, sealing the deal. "Don't worry about a thing, gentlemen. My crew and I will repay this loan in no time."
"Your crew?" Reaper scoffed. "If they're anything like you, they're more clown than pirate."
Buggy bristled at the insult but brushed it off with a forced chuckle. "You'd be surprised what we can accomplish when we put our minds to it."
"Your funeral if you don't," Fang muttered ominously, his eyes piercing Buggy like daggers.
"Ha! You don't have to worry about us," Buggy replied with bravado, slapping his own chest to emphasize his point. "We've faced worse than you two, trust me."
In reality, Buggy had no idea how he was going to come up with the money needed to repay Fang and Reaper. The thought of actually working hard and earning the required funds felt like an impossible task. Instead, he secretly entertained the idea of taking out the terrifying duo before they could cause any trouble for him and his crew.
"Remember, one month," Reaper warned as Buggy turned to leave the bar. "Don't make us come looking for you."
"Wouldn't dream of it," Buggy called back with false cheer, clutching the bag of coins tightly against his chest. As he walked away, his thoughts churned with plans to eliminate Fang and Reaper, all while keeping up appearances and maintaining his coveted reputation as a cunning pirate captain.
========================
Hana basked in the warmth of the setting sun as she stood outside Baratie, her brow glistening with sweat. She had set up a makeshift target using wooden planks and scraps of cloth, and her impressive aim was evident from the marks on it. With every knife she threw, she felt a surge of exhilaration and renewed motivation.
"Nice throw," Sanji approached, his eyes gleaming with pride. "You've really come a long way since we first met, mon amour."
Hana turned to face him, flushed but smiling. "Thanks, love.”
He leaned against the wall, watching her intently. "I'm truly proud of you, Hana. You're becoming stronger every day."
"Your faith in me means everything," she replied, throwing another knife at the target with unwavering precision. The satisfying thud of metal meeting wood was music to her ears.
"Hey, I have an idea," Sanji began, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "When we get some time away from the restaurant, how about we take a little vacation together?"
"Really?" Hana's eyes lit up, and she playfully swiped at him with a teasing smile. "I thought you might be too busy trying to woo all the pretty ladies in town?"
"Only one lady has my heart," Sanji said, his voice filled with genuine affection as he wrapped his arms around Hana’s waist. "And she's standing right here in front of me."
"Smooth talker," Hana chuckled, though her cheeks were painted with a rosy hue. "Alright, I accept your offer. A vacation sounds perfect."
Hana couldn't help but feel grateful for the life she was building, brimming with love, laughter, and newfound resilience. As she stood in front of Sanji, her heart overflowed with excitement for the unknown adventures ahead. Her fingers ran over the handle of a knife, comforting in its familiarity as she pondered the future. She gazed at him, who returned her look with a gentle smile full of affection and encouragement. A surge of emotion stirred within her, a blend of appreciation and eagerness for what was to come.
"Sanji," she began, her voice quivering ever so slightly with vulnerability, "if we were to have an adventure together… would you be there for me?"
"Of course, mon amour," he replied without hesitation, his gaze never leaving hers. "I'd be by your side every step of the way."
"Promise?" she asked, needing to hear it – needing that reassurance as much as she needed air in her lungs.
"I promise," he vowed, taking her hand and pressing it to his heart.
Hana's eyes filled with tears, but they were tears of joy – a testament to the overwhelming sense of happiness and security that washed over her. This was it; this was the start of something new, of a life where fear and doubt had no place, replaced instead by love, trust, and adventure.
"Thank you,” she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "You don't know how much that means to me. After everything with my dad, I…"
Her words faded away, the emotions too strong for her to contain as she fought back tears.
"Hey," he said softly, lifting her chin with a gentle touch, "We're in this together. Always."
As they stood there, surrounded by the fading light of day, Hana could feel the pieces of her life beginning to fall into place. It was like a puzzle, once scattered and chaotic, now coming together to form a beautiful picture of hope, strength, and unshakable bonds.
And as the last rays of the sun disappeared beyond the horizon, Hana knew, deep in her heart, that this was just the beginning - another chapter in a story that was theirs and theirs alone to write. With Sanji by her side, there was nothing they couldn't face, no challenge too great or obstacle too daunting. Together, they would forge a path through the unknown, walking hand in hand into a future filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities.
"Let's do this," Hana said with determination, gripping Sanji's hand tightly. "Together."
"Always," he agreed, their voices blending together in a chorus of love and commitment that echoed through the twilight air. And as the stars began to sparkle in the ink-black sky above, Hana knew that this was where she belonged – with Sanji.
==========
Far from Hana's dedicated training, an important event was taking place at Pangea Castle. The Levely, a gathering of kings and queens from World Government affiliated nations, convened every four years to discuss and debate plans for the future. Only fifty rulers out of over 170 affiliated nations were allowed to partake in these discussions; their decisions held the power to affect the entire world.
Esteemed monarchs like Nefertari Cobra found themselves deep in conversation with fellow leaders, discussing pressing matters and sharing ideas in the grandiose halls of Mary Geoise. The atmosphere was both tense and electric, as each ruler held their own vision for the future.
"Your Majesty," a nearby servant addressed Nefertari Cobra, bowing deeply. "Would you care for some refreshments?"
"Thank you, but not right now," Cobra replied, his focus unwavering. He knew that the weight of their decisions here would carry far beyond the confines of Pangea Castle, shaping the course of history in ways that none could fully predict.
Amidst the opulence of Pangea Castle, a moment of respite arose as the rulers took a break from their intense discussions. Nefertari Cobra, his regal demeanor softening, engaged in casual conversation with one of his guards, Johnson.
"Johnson, I heard you recently got married. How was your wedding?" Cobra inquired, genuine interest in his voice.
"Your Majesty, it was wonderful! The ceremony and the honeymoon were perfect," Johnson replied, his eyes lighting up as he spoke. However, a shadow crossed his face as he added, "But my bachelor party... well, that was another story."
Cobra raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? What happened?"
"Well, Your Majesty, there was this hostess at Baratie who ruined everything. She was such a…" Johnson trailed off, frustration evident in his tone as he couldn’t dare curse in front of the king. "She was completely unsuitable for her role as a hostess. And to make matters worse, she had a companion - a man who worked at the restaurant - who accused me of mistreating her. Some guy named Sanji or whatever. As it turned out, they were actually a couple."
Unbeknownst to them, Vinsmoke Judge, a powerful figure within the World Government hierarchy, stood nearby and overheard their conversation. His ears perked up at the mention of Sanji's name, and his eyes narrowed dangerously as he processed the information.
"A peasant girl..." Judge muttered under his breath, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. "That pathetic so called son of mine is in love with a commoner?!" He could barely contain his contempt for the idea of Sanji associating with someone so far below their social standing.
As Johnson continued recounting the tale of his bachelor party gone awry, Judge's mind churned with thoughts of how he could protect his family's reputation and bring Sanji back into line. It wouldn't do for the Vinsmoke name to be tarnished by such a scandalous association.
"That boy must learn his place," Judge thought, his eyes cold and determined. "I must ensure our family's honor remains intact."
Unaware of the storm brewing in Judge's mind, Nefertari Cobra and Johnson continued their conversation, oblivious to the potential consequences that could arise from a simple story shared between friends.
Following the Levely, Judge returned to his home in Germa Kingdom and immediately set to work on his plan. He knew that in order to bring Sanji back under his control, he would need something to hold over him - a secret or a weakness that would make him comply with their family's wishes.
With the help of his connections within the World Government, Judge began digging into Hana's background, searching for any information that would give him leverage over Sanji and his relationship with the commoner girl. His initial investigations turned up nothing out of the ordinary - she was a simple girl from the East Blue with no noteworthy connections or history.
Frustrated but undeterred, Judge continued his search, determined to find something that could be used against Hana and ultimately against Sanji.
As Judge continued to scrutinize Hana's life, he suddenly stumbled upon a piece of information about Hana and her family that caught his attention.
“No…it can’t be…”
His brow furrowed in disdain as he came upon Hana's family background, his gaze piercing through the pages as if searching for any sign of redeeming qualities. With the newfound knowledge behind Hana’s lineage, a grimace crossed his lips as he considered the potential implications of this new knowledge.
The papers before him were like a deck of cards, revealing the shameful truth behind Hana's humble origins. The mere thought of her being with Sanji and possibly polluting the Vinsmoke bloodline in the future was enough to make Judge's skin crawl.
"Even that failure of a Vinsmoke deserves better than this... filth. How could he stoop so low as to fall for someone of such lowly birth?”
His words were like venom dripping from his lips, each syllable heavy with contempt and disgust.
“I need to nip this in the bud before this blossoms.”
That seething hatred Judge felt for Hana and her family only intensified as he unearthed more information, fueling his resolve to sever their relationship before it could tarnish the prestigious Vinsmoke reputation any further.
“This is going to end. I’m going to make sure of it.”
Chapter 5: #5 Why did he have to go? Hana's Heartache.
Chapter Text
The early morning sun peaked through the curtains, illuminating Sanji's room with a warm and inviting glow. As he stretched out on his bed, he couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and optimism for the day ahead. Working alongside Hana at Baratie for another day brought him both excitement and contentment. Lying there, he couldn't help but imagine sailing away with her from the restaurant, their hands intertwined as they traveled the world together, falling more deeply in love each day.
"Oh what I would give to just sweep Hana-Swan away from here and just live happily ever after…”
However, even in his reverie, Sanji couldn't forget the life he owed to Zeff, the man who had saved him all those years ago on that desolate island. His mentor's gruff voice and stern gaze were etched into his memory, a constant reminder of the debt he could never fully repay.
"Hey, Sanji!" a familiar voice called from outside his door. "You got some mail."
"Thanks," Sanji replied, snapping back to reality.
He opened the door and took the envelope, his heart catching in his chest as he recognized the insignia embossed on it. The letter was from Judge, his father, much to Sanji's dismay.
The air in the room grew heavy and suffocating, trapping Sanji within the confines of his inner turmoil. The envelope in his hand felt like a brick, weighing down his heart as he braced himself for what was to come - a reckoning with his past and a reminder of the inescapable ties that bind us to our roots.
There was no taste, but Sanji's mouth felt dry and his throat constricted, unable to swallow past the lump of anxiety building within him.
"Is everything alright?" the voice asked, noticing the sudden change in Sanji's expression.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just an unexpected letter," he muttered, forcing a smile. "I'll see you downstairs."
As the door closed behind him, Sanji sank onto the edge of his bed, his hands trembling as he held the envelope. He had fought so hard to leave his father's world behind, but now, it seemed that past had caught up with him. Thoughts raced through his mind, each more terrifying than the last.
What did Judge want from me after all this time? And what would it mean for my life with Hana and Zeff?
Taking a deep breath, Sanji steeled himself and tore open the envelope, determined to face whatever challenge lay ahead. Sanji's fingers trembled as he unfolded the letter, his touch hesitant and almost reverent. The paper was smooth against his fingertips, but it felt like a weight on his chest, suffocating him with its unspoken message. He forced himself to focus on the words, each one seeming to cut deeper than the last.
He felt as though a hand had reached into his chest and squeezed his heart, his vision blurring and his stomach plummeting as he realized the implications of his father's words. The letter was like a noose, tightening around his neck as he struggled to swallow the sharp, bitter taste of fear rising in his throat.
"I've uncovered the truth about your little affair, and I demand you sever this inappropriate liaison immediately. You are bound by an arranged union that has been carefully orchestrated for you. If you dare to defy me, be prepared to witness her life hanging in the balance," Judge's voice dripped with menace through the letter. "There's something unsavory lurking in her past, something unbefitting of our lineage. She is not who you think she is."
But no matter how many times he studied the lines, the message remained the same: Break up with Hana, or she would be in danger.
Furrowing his brow, Sanji searched for any hint of an ulterior motive behind the harsh words.
“Was this simply a cruel ploy to control me? Or was there something more sinister at play?”
"Damn it all," he muttered, his voice barely audible as he clenched the letter in his fists. “How could I possibly choose between my love for Hana and her safety?” “How could I face Zeff and everyone at Baratie knowing that I had caved to my father's demands?”
In the whirlwind of his thoughts, Sanji felt himself inexorably drawn back to the letter, each word a relentless thud echoing in his mind. Every sentence became a labyrinth of torment as his eyes raced across the page, seeking a flicker of hope or an elusive route to freedom. Yet, no matter how desperately he searched, the chilling truth persisted: Judge's command loomed ominously, pressing down like a suffocating weight, threatening that any resistance from Sanji would condemn Hana to an unfathomable fate.
"God, what do I do?" Sanji whispered, his anguish evident in the lines etched across his face. "How can I protect Hana without losing her completely?"
He stared down at the letter, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions and fears. Deep down, he knew that he could never forgive himself if Hana was hurt because of him. But the thought of losing her was unbearable. His hands balled into tight fists, his knuckles whitening with tension. Emotions raged inside him, torn between his deep affection for Hana and his duty to shield her from the immense threat of his own father.
"Damn it," he muttered, his voice strained with anguish. "I can't let him hurt her. I just can't."
Sanji's mind raced as he considered the power his family wielded and the lengths they were willing to go to enforce their wishes. He knew all too well how ruthless his father could be, how viciously he would lash out if Sanji dared to defy him. The thought sent chills down his spine.
"Is there really no other way?" he wondered aloud, his eyes brimming with tears as doubt gnawed at the edges of his resolve. "Can I truly save her only by sacrificing our love?"
For a long moment, he stood there, deep in thought, struggling to reconcile his heart's desire with the harsh reality of his situation. With every passing second, his agony seemed to deepen, the weight of his decision pressing down upon him like an unbearable burden.
"Zeff... Hana... I'm so sorry," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "This isn't what I wanted. But I must protect you, no matter the cost."
His eyes filled with a steely determination, Sanji took a deep breath and steeled himself for what he knew had to be done. He couldn't allow his love for Hana to cloud his judgment or jeopardize her safety. It was a painful realization, but one that he had to accept.
Sanji stared at the worn photograph by his nightstand, his fingers tracing the contours of Hana's smiling face. The corners of his mouth lifted ever so slightly, a bittersweet memory tugging at his heart. A single tear escaped the corner of his eye, rolling down his cheek before splashing onto the picture.
"I need to protect her..." he cried to himself, his voice strained with emotion. "I would rather be miserable than have her in danger in any way. No matter what... I hope she understands."
He clutched the picture tightly, as if trying to hold onto their love for just a moment longer. "Hana, my love. Mon amour... I'm so sorry. Please forgive me..."
===================
With trembling hands, Sanji reached for the transponder snail, his heart pounding in his chest. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the difficult conversation that lay ahead. As the snail began to ring, he prayed that he would find the strength to say the words that needed to be said.
"Hey, it's me," he said softly when Hana answered, his voice betraying the anguish he felt within. "I need to see you tonight. By the beach, at our usual spot."
"Sanji?" Hana's voice was cautious, her concern evident even through the static crackle of the transponder snail. "Is everything okay?"
"No," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I'll explain everything when I see you. Please, Hana... just meet me there."
"Of course, Sanji," she replied, her tone filled with worry and confusion. "I'll be there."
As Sanji ended the call, he knew that the most difficult part was yet to come. He had to find the strength to let Hana go, even though every fiber of his being screamed in protest. But he had no other choice – her safety was all that mattered, and he would do whatever it took to ensure that she remained unharmed.
"Please forgive me, Hana," he murmured once more, his eyes glistening.
=====================
Under the dim glow of the moonlight, Sanji stood by the shoreline, his feet sinking into the wet sand as he anxiously awaited Hana's arrival. The distant crash of waves against the shore provided a haunting soundtrack to his racing thoughts. He clutched the letter from Judge in his hand, the paper crumpling beneath his grip.
"Sanji!" Hana's voice broke through his reverie. He looked up to see her running towards him, concern etched across her features. "What's wrong?"
"Thank you for coming," he said softly, his voice barely audible above the sound of the waves. He took a deep breath and forced himself to meet her eyes.
He caught her gaze and saw the warmth in her eyes as her dark, wavy hair danced around her face like a halo.
“My beautiful flower…”
He forced a small smile onto his face, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Hana, my love, I need to talk to you about something... It's tearing me apart, but I have to make a difficult decision in order to protect you."
The happiness drained from her face, replaced by confusion and concern.
"What are you talking about?" she asked, stepping closer to him. There was a vulnerability in her eyes that broke his heart.
His gaze faltered, unable to bear the pain in her eyes as he struggled to find the right words. "Hana, you mean the world to me, and it breaks my heart to do this. But I have to make a sacrifice, even if it means breaking my own heart."
"Sanji," she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. "What is going on?"
He took a deep breath, searching for the courage to continue. The message from Judge echoed in his mind, threatening everything he loved, everything he had built with Hana.
"There's a threat, someone powerful who knows about us, and he’s not happy. He wants to keep us apart, and I can't let him hurt you."
"Who?" she demanded, her voice shaking. "Who would want to hurt us?"
Sanji hesitated, torn between his desire to be honest with her and the need to protect her from the truth.
"I can't say," he finally whispered, his voice barely audible over the crashing waves. "But trust me when I say that I'm doing this because I love you more than anything in this world."
"Then…" Hana cried, tears streaming down her face. "Then…we'll fight this together, whatever it is!"
He reached out to touch her cheek, wiping away a tear with his thumb. "I wish I could, my love. But this is something I have to do alone"
With a heavy heart, Sanji looked into Hana's eyes, the waves crashing behind them like a mournful symphony.
"Hana, I…I have to break up with you," he choked out, feeling as though his soul was being torn apart. "It's to protect you from a threat in Germa Kingdom who found out about our relationship. This man... He's someone I knew as a child before I met Zeff."
Hana's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat as his words struck her like a dagger to the heart. "What do you mean?" she questioned, the pain evident in her voice. "You're breaking up with me because of some man from your past? Who is he? And why does he not want us together?"
Sanji hesitated the weight of the truth bearing down on him. "I can't tell you, but please understand that I'm doing this to keep you safe," he implored, his voice cracking with emotion.
Anger and confusion bubbled within Hana, her hands shaking at her sides. "No!" she cried, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I won't accept this! Why is this happening all of a sudden?"
He could see the desperation in her eyes, and it tore at his heartstrings.
"This person knows about your family background, Hana," he confessed. "They're using it against us."
Her face paled, her fists clenching as her body trembled. "What do they know about my family?" she demanded, her voice icy. "Why should that matter to anyone?"
As the wind whipped around them, Hana's tears mingled with the salty sea spray. She stared at Sanji, her anguish and betrayal etched across her face. "I don't understand," she whispered, feeling as though her entire world was collapsing around her.
Sanji could see the fire burning in Hana's eyes as if even the raw waves crashing against the shore couldn't quench her anger. "I don't know exactly why they're doing this, and I don’t understand what your family has to do with anything" he admitted, his voice trembling with fear and frustration. "But I can tell you that this threat is powerful enough to tear us apart, and I'm terrified he'll hurt you – or worse."
Hana's teeth clenched as she glared at him, her hands balled into fists at her sides. "So you're just going to let him win?" she cried out, her voice rising above the wind. "You're not even going to allow me to fight by your side?!"
Sanji shook his head, his golden hair whipping across his face. "That's not it, love." His blue eyes were filled with a storm of emotions as he tried to make her understand. "This threat is evil. He has influence in the World Government! I can't tell you who it is, but trust me when I say he will stop at nothing until they get their way."
Hana stared at him, her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to process his words. She could see the sincerity in his gaze, but it only fueled her determination. "I don't care how powerful they are, Sanji!" she shouted, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I won't let anyone take you away from me without a fight!"
As much as Sanji wished he could grant her request, he knew he had to protect her. The thought of losing her was unbearable, but the possibility of her getting hurt or worse was unthinkable.
"Hana, please," he implored, his voice cracking under the weight of his emotions. "I'm doing this because I love you. I need you to stay safe."
Hana's eyes flickered with uncertainty as she studied Sanji's face, searching for any hidden truths behind his words. The ocean breeze tugged at her hair, framing her delicate features as the sun dipped below the horizon. She swallowed hard and asked in a whisper, "Sanji, are you...are you in love with someone else?"
"Absolutely not," he replied without hesitation, his eyes never leaving hers. "I love only you, Hana."
"Then why?" she demanded, her voice breaking. "Why are you doing this to us? Why can't we fight this together?"
Sanji reached out to tenderly brush a stray tear from her cheek, his touch lingering for a moment before he withdrew his hand. "Hana, I can't risk your safety. Please please know this. I have to make this sacrifice, even if it breaks our hearts."
Hana's eyes, once filled with warmth and love, now brimmed with tears that threatened to cascade down her cheeks.
She clenched her fists, struggling to keep the pain from overwhelming her. "But you promised me we would always be a team!" she cried out, her voice choked with emotion. "You promised to be by my side always! You even said that to Ren, Sara, Ichiro, and my Mom after the funeral!"
Sanji's jaw tightened as he remembered that fateful day, holding Hana by her side while they stood together in front of her father's grave. The sorrow in her eyes had been unbearable, but with a solemn look on his face he had offered his shoulder for her to cry on, vowing to never leave her.
"Please, Hana," Sanji pleaded, his own heart aching as he watched her struggle to come to terms with his decision. "I know I made those promises, but this is the only way I can protect you. And I will do anything to make sure you're not hurt."
"Anything?" Hana scoffed, her voice raw with hurt. "Even if it means tearing our family apart? Ren, Sara, and everyone else - they've been there for us, and you've been there for them too, Sanji. What about your promise to help them?"
Sanji's mind raced back to a quiet conversation he'd had with Ren on the porch of Hana's family home, where they had embraced like brothers and vowed to support each other at all costs. He swallowed hard, trying to find the right words to express how much those relationships meant to him.
"Helping them doesn't mean I have to stay, Hana," he said softly, his voice heavy with regret. "I will always be there for them, even if it means I have to do so from a distance."
"From a distance?" Hana repeated, anger flashing in her eyes. "You think that's what they need right now? More distance from the people they love?"
Sanji felt his heart shatter as he looked at the woman he loved, desperately searching for a way to make her understand.
"Ren, Sara, Ichiro, and your mom... all of you mean so much to me, Hana," Sanji told her gently, his voice thick with emotion. "I promise, I'll always be there for you and your family, no matter what."
The memory flickered like a flame caught in a sudden gust of wind, and Sanji was pulled back into the present moment. Hana's eyes blazed with anger and hurt as she confronted him, her voice rising with each word.
"So not only are you losing me, you're losing another group of people who love you!" Hana yelled, hot tears streaming down her cheeks.
Sanji felt a deep, aching pain in his chest, as if a vise were tightening around his heart. He knew that by leaving Hana, he wasn't just severing ties with the woman he loved; he was also abandoning her family - people who had come to rely on him for support and solace after their own devastating loss.
"Please, Hana," Sanji pleaded, his hands shaking as he reached out to her. "You have to understand why I'm doing this. I can't bear the thought of putting you or your family in danger."
He swallowed hard, fighting to keep his emotions in check as he struggled to find the words that would make her see reason. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't escape the simple truth: in his quest to protect Hana and her family, he was causing them even more pain.
"Sanji," Hana whispered, her eyes searching his face for some sign of hope. "I don't want to lose you."
"I don't want to lose you either," Sanji admitted, his voice barely audible. "But I can't risk your safety or the happiness of those you love."
As he spoke, Sanji couldn't help but think of all the smiles and laughter he would miss - the comforting embrace of Hana's arms, the easy banter with Ren over a game of cards, the warm glow of candlelight as they shared a meal with Sara, Ren, and Ichiro, the quiet moments spent listening to Hana's mother reminisce about her husband. All those precious memories would be forever lost, scattered like leaves on the wind.
The waves crashed against the shore, painting a picture of turmoil that mirrored the storm raging in Sanji's heart. He looked into Hana's tear-filled eyes, his own vision blurring as he struggled to find the words that would cause her even more pain.
"Listen, Hana," he began, his voice strained with emotion. "I need you to understand something. This is the hardest decision I've ever had to make. But I'd rather be apart from you than see you get hurt...or worse."
Hana's breath hitched in her throat, and she clutched at her chest as if trying to keep her heart from breaking entirely. Her voice trembled as she cried out, "But I wanted a life with you, Sanji! I want to travel with you and start a family of our own! I love you!"
Sanji's heart clenched painfully at her words, and tears streamed down his face. He desperately wanted to share those dreams with her too. But he knew that to do so would put her in grave danger.
"I have to go, Hana," he whispered, his voice heavy with sorrow. "I have to go and find a way to...destroy this threat. When...if...I defeat him, I'll come back to you and your family."
He watched as Hana dissolved into uncontrollable tears, her body racked with sobs that tore at his very soul. A part of him longed to reach out and comfort her, but he knew that doing so would only make things harder for both of them.
"Please," he begged to her, his thoughts a jumbled mess of love, fear, and regret. "Please, Hana...just try to understand why I'm doing this. I can't bear the thought of losing you, but I also can't live with myself if something were to happen to you because of me."
The crashing waves against the shore filled the air, contrasting with Hana's muffled sobs as they echoed through Sanji's heart. Desperate to share one last moment with her, he reached out to kiss her, his eyes brimming with tears.
Hana pulled away, her eyes swollen and red from tears. "No," she struggled to say, her voice trembling. "You've already called things off, Sanji. So I won't kiss you until you can assure me that whoever is threatening us won't affect our lives anymore. You're right, we should be apart. And your kiss would only make things more painful than they already are."
Sanji's chest tightened, pain surging through him at her words. He nodded slowly, struggling to maintain his composure.
With a strained voice, he spoke softly, "I know you may never want to see me again. But I want you to have the chance to live your life without me. You deserve a life filled with joy and peace. Please, Hana, make the most of every moment, and remember that my love for you will always remain, even if I am not there with you physically.”
As the wind blew through their hair, it seemed to carry away the remnants of their shared laughter and tender moments, leaving only the bitter taste of heartache. Sanji couldn't help but wonder if he was making the right choice, but deep down, he knew he had to protect Hana, even if it meant losing her forever.
Tears welled up in Sanji's eyes as he gazed into Hana's, his voice barely a whisper. "I love you, mon amour. I'll never forget you for as long as I live. You'll forever be my first love."
Hana's anguished expression cut through him like a knife, but she held his gaze with the fierce determination that he had always admired. He took a deep breath, summoning every ounce of courage within him to convey his unwavering commitment to her well-being.
"Please believe me when I say that this decision is tearing me apart," he continued, his hands shaking as they reached out to touch hers one last time. "But I have to do this. I hope someday we can find our way back to each other, and until then, know that my love for you will remain unchanged."
The wind picked up, whipping their hair around them as if it too was mourning the loss of their love. Hana looked down at their intertwined fingers, clenching her jaw to hold back the sobs threatening to escape. As much as she wanted to fight for their love, she couldn't deny the sincerity in Sanji's eyes, nor the gravity of the danger they faced.
With that, he reluctantly released her hand, stepping away from her warmth and comfort. The distance between them seemed to grow exponentially with every step, and as he turned to walk away, his heart felt heavier than ever before.
He could feel Hana's gaze on him, and he knew that her tears were streaming down her face just as his own flowed freely. Every fiber of his being screamed for him to turn back, to hold her in his arms once more and tell her that they would find a way through this together.
But he couldn't. Not with the danger that loomed over them like a dark cloud, threatening to consume all that he held dear. And so, he continued to walk away, his steps heavy and deliberate, carrying him further from the love of his life and into the unknown.
As Hana watched Sanji's retreating figure, her heart shattered into a thousand pieces. She clung to the promise he had made, desperately hoping that it would be enough to see them through the storm that lay ahead. But as the last traces of his presence disappeared into the horizon, she couldn't help but feel as if a part of her soul had vanished with him.
=======================
Sanji's footsteps echoed on the wooden pier as he approached the ship that would take him away from Hana and towards the Germa Kingdom. The cold ocean breeze tugged at his clothes, trying to pull him back to the shore he was leaving behind. With a heavy heart, he climbed aboard, feeling as if every step brought him further away from the life he had known and loved.
"Is everything alright, sir?" The ship's captain asked, watching Sanji's somber expression with concern.
"Fine," Sanji replied curtly before turning his gaze out to the vast sea before him. He clenched his fists tightly, willing himself to stay strong for Hana. She deserved a life free from fear, and he would do whatever it took to ensure that.
As the ship began to pull away from the harbor, Sanji reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. His hands trembled as he opened it, revealing the delicate ring he had planned to give Hana when he proposed. The sun's rays caught the sparkling diamond, casting glimmers of light onto Sanji's face.
"Please, don't let this be in vain," he whispered to himself, clutching the ring tightly in his hand. "I'll find a way back to you, Hana. I swear it."
Unbeknownst to Sanji, Hana stood atop a cliff overlooking the harbor, her eyes red and swollen from crying. Her heart was heavy with grief and anger and the pain was unbearable, threatening to consume her completely. As she watched the ship carrying him away grow smaller in the distance, she called out his name, her voice cracking under the weight of her despair.
"Sanji!" Her voice echoed in the empty expanse, filled with longing and despair. "Why did you have to leave?" She cried out, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Why did you promise to stay by my side if you were just going to leave me like this?"
Hana's heart ached as she gazed into the distance, watching the ship carrying Sanji shrink until it vanished from her view. She was consumed with feelings of powerlessness; there was nothing she could do to change his decisions. Her hands trembled, her emotions finally seeping out entirely.
In a fit of frustration, she let out a primal scream and tossed rocks into the ocean.
Maybe one of these rocks will somehow strike his vessel and force him to come back to shore...
"DAMN YOU, SANJI!" She screamed into the vast emptiness.
Hana's body crumpled to the ground, her knees giving way under the weight of her despair. The rough ground scraped against Hana's hands and knees as she collapsed, adding physical pain to the emotional turmoil she was experiencing. She lay there, trembling and crying, her face contorted in anguish. Tears streamed down her face, leaving wet trails on her cheeks. Her body shook with the force of her sobs, and her muscles tensed and ached with tension.
"Why did you and Dad have to leave?!"
================
A few days later, the imposing walls of Germa Kingdom loomed before Sanji as he disembarked from the ship. The cold, gray stones seemed to mirror his heavy heart. With a deep breath, he stepped onto the land of his estranged family, preparing to face the inevitable storm.
"Ah, young Master Vinsmoke," a voice greeted him with a tinge of disdain. "Your father has been expecting you."
"Of course he has," Sanji muttered, forcing a polite smile as he followed the servant through the castle's grand halls. His eyes darted around, searching for any sign of vulnerability within the fortress that was his birthright. But the facade of compliance was vital. He couldn't let anyone suspect the turmoil that raged inside him.
"Remember, Hana," he whispered to himself, clutching the small box containing the ring in his pocket. "I'm doing this for you."
When Sanji finally found himself alone in his assigned quarters, the weight of his situation came crashing down on him. He slid to the floor, allowing the tears he had held back for days to stream down his face, and he sobbed – for the love he left behind, for the choices he had been forced to make, and for the uncertain future that lay ahead.
"Damn you, Judge," he cursed, pounding a fist against the wall. "Why must you control everything? Why can't I just be happy with my Hana?"
Through the window, the moon shone brightly, casting its silver light across the room. As he stared at it, Sanji couldn't help but wonder if Hana was gazing up at the same celestial body from the other side of the world.
"Are you looking at the moon too, mon amour?" he thought, wiping away his tears. "I'll find a way back to you, Hana. And when I do, we'll be free from my family's clutches. Together."
With renewed determination, Sanji stood up and faced the challenges that awaited him in Germa Kingdom. He wouldn't let his father dictate his destiny any longer. He would fight for Hana, for their love, and for the life they both deserved. And no matter how long it took, he swore to himself that he would find a way back into her arms.
Chapter 6: #6 Destination Unknown! Hana and Buggy’s fates!
Chapter Text
Four months had passed since Sanji's departure from Hana’s life, and her heartache only seemed to grow heavier with each passing day. The absence of Sanji weighed on Hana like an anchor chained to her heart, dragging her deeper into the murky depths of despair. Hana held onto the image of Sanji walking back through the door, his arms open for an embrace and a smile on his face. The thought of his gentle touch was like a lifeline, keeping her spirits lifted. It was a soft caress that she clung to in times of uncertainty.
She hoped to receive a letter from him, written with his familiar scrawl, which brought a glimmer of hope to her eyes. But as weeks turned into months and still no sign of him, the light in her eyes began to fade, replaced with a dull emptiness.
He really is gone…
The once vibrant and feisty hostess now found herself merely going through the motions at Baratie, her smile dimmed and her laughter hollow. Hana's once bright and lively eyes now look dull and sunken, her normally rosy cheeks now pale and gaunt. The usual bustling atmosphere of the Baratie now feels somber, with the few customers that come in now barely making a peep.
"Table six needs their drinks," she muttered to herself as she carried a tray of beverages, her eyes dull and unfocused. She barely registered the appreciative glances from the patrons as she set down the drinks, murmuring thanks before moving on to the next task.
As she walked by, she saw a couple sharing tender words and clinking their glasses in celebration of their love. The hostess's expression turned sour as she quickly looked away, not wanting to be reminded of what she had lost.
Zeff watched Hana from his vantage point near the kitchen, concern etched on his weathered face. He had seen his fair share of heartbreak in his time, but the transformation in Hana was particularly distressing.
"Enough is enough," he decided, striding over to the young woman who was struggling to balance a towering stack of plates.
"Oi, Hana!" he called out gruffly, causing her to startle and nearly drop the dishes. "Take a break. Now."
"Zeff," she stammered, her eyes wide with surprise, "I still have tables to–"
"Leave them," he interrupted firmly. "You're not doing yourself or anyone else any favors by working like this."
Hana hesitated, then nodded reluctantly and set the plates down on a nearby table. Zeff led her to a quiet corner of the restaurant, away from the bustle of hungry patrons.
"Sit," he ordered, and Hana obeyed without question.
"Listen, I know you're hurting," Zeff began, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. "But you can't keep going on like this. You need to take some time for yourself. Heal."
Hana blinked back tears, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. "I don't know if I can, Zeff," she whispered, the pain in her voice unmistakable. "I feel so...lost without him."
"Aye believe me, I understand," Zeff replied, his eyes clouded with memories of his own heartbreaks long ago. "I know how much you loved Sanji and your father was a good man. It’s a shame he went the way he did. But you need to find a way to move forward, Hana. You're stronger than you give yourself credit for."
A tear slipped down Hana's cheek, and she wiped it away quickly. "You really think so? I don’t feel very strong right now…" she commented, her voice barely audible.
"I know so," Zeff answered firmly, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Now, take some time off. Focus on yourself, do things that make you happy. And when you're ready, we'll be here waiting for you."
Swallowing hard, Hana nodded her understanding, grateful for the unexpected support from her mentor.
“Thank you, Zeff.”
As she walked away from the restaurant she made her way towards the boat taxi to take her back on land. She looked behind her at the floating restaurant, the place that gave her the job she loved and where she met the man she thought was the love of her life.
“This is gonna be a long journey…I hope I can heal and find happiness soon…”
===========================
Hana sat on the soft, velvety couch in her brother's living room, her dark hair cascading down her shoulders in loose waves. Her eyes were red-rimmed from crying as they gazed at the glass coffee table in front of her. Her sigh, a mournful melody, spoke of her heartache for Sanji and the dull ache that lingered after their split. Hana's throat felt tight, as if trying to hold back her emotions and trying to make sense of the shattered fragments of her relationship.
Just then, Sara, Hana's teenage sister, sauntered into the room, her long brownish-red hair swaying behind her as she babbled on to her friends over her transponder snail.
“So like I hated the way she was looking at me, like who does she think she is…?”
Sara glanced down at her sorrowful sister, and she paused her conversation.
Sara's face as she took a moment to truly see her sister's pain. The sound of her friends' voices faded into the background as she focused on the sorrow in Hana's eyes, her own heart aching in sympathy.
“Hey, let me call you back later…”
Sara disconnected from the snail and took a seat next to Hana, playfully nudging her with her elbow.
"Hey," she greeted.
Hana remained still and didn't respond.
Sara's usual loud and energetic voice was now replaced with one that sounded gentle and concerned as she asked, "How are you holding up?"
She placed a soft hand on Hana's shoulder, trying to offer comfort. Hana responded with a nonchalant shrug, not even bothering to make eye contact with her sister. Sara let out a sigh of frustration.
"I understand that you're hurting, but you can't let it take over you," she said, her voice laced with worry. "You need to start putting yourself out there and meeting new people. It'll help you move on from Sanji.”
"Easy for you to say," Hana muttered.
"Well, she's not wrong," Ren interjected, propping himself up against the doorframe with a grin that was too understanding for his own good. "Nothing like a fresh face to help you forget an old flame, am I right?"
"Whatever" Hana rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.
"Hey, I'm just trying to help." Ren shrugged, his fun-loving sarcasm shining through. "Besides, it's not like you ever had trouble attracting guys."
"Ugh," Sara scoffed, rolling her eyes. "You’re so lucky you could have your pick of dates. I wish I had that. I can’t even get the cute boy at the grocery store to look my way.”
"There’s more to someone than just their looks" Hana groaned, remembering the countless times she had been hit on since her breakup. “Even before I officially was with Sanji, I thought he was handsome but he was so annoying…”
Hana’s eyes shone with tears at the memory. “God, I’d give anything to have him back and be annoying again.”
“I know it’s going to be hard,” Ren softened “Trust me, it still hasn’t been the same since…she left…”
The reminder of his ex leaving him and their son Ichiro behind flooded his mind, bringing back all the emotions of worry, anger, and sorrow he experienced when they were left on their own.
"Hana, there's a special someone for everyone," Sara chimed in, making an effort to sound upbeat. "But you won't discover who that person is unless you give dating another shot."
Hana's eyes flickered with uncertainty. The idea of moving on felt like a betrayal, as though she was dishonoring the love she and Sanji once shared. Her heart clenched at the thought of him, the memory of their last night together still painfully fresh.
Ren noticed her hesitation and added gently, "Sanji would have wanted you to find happiness again, Hana."
His words echoed in her mind along with Sanji's parting words: "You deserve a life of happiness." Those were his final wishes for her.
“But could I truly let go and find that happiness he so desperately wanted for me?”
Despite her reluctance, Hana knew her brother and sister were right. Dating might be what she needed to help erase the void left by Sanji. At least partially. It might not be the cure all, but it would help find herself and what she would want in a partner.
She bit her lip nervously, her vulnerability showing, before finally nodding in agreement. "Okay, fine. I'll give it a try."
"Good," Ren smiled, his voice softening. "I just want you to be happy, Hana."
"Thanks, Ren. I know you do," she replied, touched by her brother's concern.
Ren glanced out the window, a wistful look in his eyes as he thought about Sanji. Despite their breakup, Ren couldn't help but respect the man who had treated his sister so well and loved Ichiro like a true uncle. It was hard to imagine anyone else being able to fill that role, especially after the death of their father.
"I know this is gonna be hard" Ren said, voicing his thoughts. "But I'm sure the right guy for you is out there somewhere."
"Here's hoping," Hana sighed, steeling herself for the tumultuous world of dating.
==================================
Hana fidgeted nervously in her seat, adjusting her purple blouse for the third time that evening. She had reluctantly agreed to a blind date set up by Ren, hoping it would help her move on from Sanji. The restaurant buzzed with laughter and clinking glasses, but Hana could only focus on her own shallow breaths.
"Relax, Hana," she muttered under her breath. "It's just a date."
"Are you Hana?" a male voice asked hesitantly. She looked up to see her date, a tall man with slicked-back hair and an unsettling grin. Something about him immediately made her uncomfortable, but she tried to push her instincts aside.
"Um, yes. You must be Kenji," she replied, forcing a smile.
"Guilty as charged." He pulled out the chair across from her, sitting down with a smug smirk. "So, tell me about yourself."
As Hana began to share small details about her life, she noticed Kenji's eyes wandering over her body, lingering inappropriately. Her skin crawled, and she found herself clutching her purse tightly, suddenly wishing she were anywhere but here.
"Your brother didn't mention how gorgeous you are," Kenji said, his voice dripping with sleaze. Hana felt her cheeks heat up with anger rather than flattery.
“That’s because he’s my brother and that would be weird for him to say” she replied curtly, her patience wearing thin.
When Kenji attempted to place his hand on hers, she pulled away, glaring at him. "I think I should go."
"Come on, don't leave so soon," Kenji protested, but Hana was already on her feet, storming out of the restaurant.
"Ren is going to hear it when I get home," she fumed, feeling betrayed by her brother's choice in men.
====
Over the next few weeks, Hana went on several more dates, each one more disappointing than the last. One man turned out to have a girlfriend who discovered them on their date and caused a scene. Another was only interested in sex and made no effort to get to know her.
"Are all men like this?" Hana asked herself in frustration after yet another terrible evening. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, feeling defeated and disheartened. Her attempts at dating had only left her longing for Sanji's warmth and kindness even more.
Despite the failure of these dates, Hana refused to give up. She was determined to find happiness, even if it meant enduring countless more disasters.
"Maybe I should take up a new hobby instead," she mused, trying to shake off the sting of disappointment. "Or join a support group for people with a terrible love life."
The thought made her chuckle, but deep down, she wondered if she would ever find someone who could truly make her happy again.
=====================
The sound of a sibling squabble reverberated through the walls of Ren's apartment. Inside, Sara was brandishing the TV remote like it was a sword, her voice shrill with frustration. "I swear to you, we need to watch 'Seas of Love'! I heard it’s such a good show and one of the lead actors is so hot!”
"We’re not watching that garbage under my roof!" Ren retorted, his eyes rolling skyward as he leaned nonchalantly against the kitchen counter, arms folded defiantly across his chest. "It's just another cliché poorly written drama."
Their bickering came to an abrupt halt as the door burst open and Hana stormed into the room, slamming it shut behind her with a resounding bang.
“Uh excuse me, don’t slam the doors like you live here, ma’am!” Ren attempted to joke.
Hana's face was flushed with anger, her usually calm and composed expression twisted into a scowl. Her eyes were ablaze with frustration, and even her usually neat hair was disheveled from the force of her entry. She flung her purse onto the couch, the straps bouncing off the cushion and landing in a tangled heap before
she collapsed onto the cushions with a dramatic huff, her body a tumultuous wave of frustration and exhaustion.
Sara glanced up and raised an eyebrow.
"Wow, you look like you had a great time," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Mmmmmph” Hana’s muffled voice was barely audible from her face being buried in a pillow.
“So what happened?!” Sara asked her sister
"Nothing happened," Hana grumbled, lifting her face up from the pillow.
"Really?" Ren asked, emerging from the kitchen with a steaming cup of coffee. "I thought this guy was different."
"Me too," Hana admitted, sitting up and running a hand through her hair. "He seemed so nice when we first met!"
"Wait, you didn't tell us about this one," Sara said, abandoning her pursuit to watch her show and scooting closer. "How'd you meet him?"
"At the Market. I was shopping and I wanted to get something to eat," Hana explained, rolling her eyes at the memory. "It started out fine, but then..."
"Spill it," Ren urged, sitting down beside her and passing her the cup of coffee.
"Thanks," Hana mumbled, taking a sip before launching into her story.
"Alright, so picture this," Hana began, her hands gesturing dramatically as she launched into her story.
"It was a freezing cold day, and I had just bought myself a meat skewer at the market. But before I could even swallow a piece, it got cold so easily. I was so disappointed." She shook her head, her eyes distant as she remembered the moment.
"Enter the hero of our story," Ren quipped, smirking. Sara elbowed him in the side, but he only grinned wider.
"So then," Hana said, ignoring her brother's comment. "As I stood there with my cold lunch, someone came up to me and reheated my skewer with his hand. He lit it up with fire! It was like magic!”
Sara looked confused “Wait…he didn’t use a lighter? He…lit your lunch…with his hand?? By using fire??”
Hana nodded her head, “I couldn’t believe it myself!”
"Wait, wait," Ren interrupted, holding up a hand. "This guy had fire powers? Like, actual devil fruit abilities?"
"Apparently so," Hana replied, her eyes wide in disbelief. "Anyway, I finally got a good look at him, and let me tell you, he was gorgeous.”
Sara perked up, her interest piqued. “He was?!”
“Freckles on his face, shaggy black hair... and very muscular," Hana added with a sly grin. “You could bounce quarters off those abs”
Sara's expression brightened, her excitement shining through as she released a wistful sigh. "Oh my god! I can't resist guys with toned muscles," she exclaimed. "He just seems too good to be true!"
Ren gave a slight shake of his head, his gaze drifting upward in a subtle display of skepticism. "And who," he asked, his voice steady with just a hint of dry humor, "is this paragon you're so taken with?"
Hana's tone grew gentle as she recounted her encounter with the handsome stranger.
"His name was Ace," she said. "We flirted and ended up having a casual conversation. He talked about his adventures and how much he missed his younger brother."
Ren responded with a smirk, his eyes twinkling in amusement. "Oh, so he's not just a pretty face, but he’s sensitive too?"
“So he asked if I wanted to have lunch together. We hit it off immediately and agreed to go on a dinner date later."
"So you’re telling me that you’re into Devil Fruit freaks now?" Ren teased, earning himself a pillow thrown at his head by both sisters simultaneously.
"Can you be serious for two seconds and not interrupt?" Hana groaned, exasperated.
But despite her annoyance, a small smile tugged at her lips. It was hard to stay mad at Ren when he was just trying to lighten the mood.
"Alright, alright," Ren conceded, holding up his hands in surrender. "I'll be good. Now tell us what happened on your dinner date with this hot guy. Literally."
Hana sighed, her gaze drifting to the ceiling as she resumed her story. "So, we met up for dinner, and there he was, still shirtless even in the chilly weather! I don't know how he didn't freeze to death!”
“At least he didn’t hide those abs!” Sara giggled.
“That’s not even the weirdest thing!” Hana continued with an amused look in her eyes. “You should have seen him eat! It was like a starving animal had been let loose at the table."
"Sounds like quite the catch," Ren quipped, barely containing his laughter.
"Ren, shut up!" Sara scolded, but Hana waved her off, continuing with a roll of her eyes.
"Anyway, after he finished inhaling his food, Ace leaned back in his chair and—can you believe it?—he fell asleep right there at the table!"
"Wow," Ren said, snickering. "You must've been a real bore for him to pass out like that!"
"Hardy har har!" Hana snapped, throwing another pillow at him.
Her cheeks burned, but deep down, she knew her brother's teasing was just his way of trying to cheer her up. She appreciated the effort, despite the sting of his words.
"Alright, alright," Ren chuckled, holding up his hands in defense. "But seriously, what happened next?"
"Nothing much," Hana admitted, her voice growing quieter as she recounted the bittersweet memory. "He woke up eventually, apologized for dozing off, and then he told me... He told me that his crew was only docked here for a few more days."
"Oh no," Sara murmured sympathetically, reaching out a hand to comfort her sister.
"Did you say goodbye?" Ren asked, his tone finally softened with genuine concern.
Hana swallowed hard, trying to push down the lump in her throat before replying. "He mentioned keeping in touch, but... I don't know. I had genuine feelings for him, but he has his own life and priorities. I can't intrude on that.”
Ren and Sara exchanged glances, understanding the pain in their sister's words and how hard it was for her right now.
"I'm sorry, sis," Sara said softly.
"Yeah, me too," Ren added, his expression serious for once. "But maybe it's better this way. Long distance relationships are tough."
Hana nodded sadly, knowing her siblings were right. But still, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret for what could have been with Ace.
"Hey," Ren said gently, placing a hand on Hana's shoulder. "You're strong, and you'll find someone who's just as interesting as Ace, I promise. It just takes time."
Hana nodded, appreciating her brother's support despite the lingering ache in her heart.
Sara's hand found its way to Hana's, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You'll find someone perfect for you eventually. You just have to keep trying," she said with a determined smile.
"Without a doubt," Ren interjected, his teasing grin morphing into a look of understanding. "There's definitely some poor soul out there willing to put up with you."
Hana stared at her siblings, feeling the weight of their support like an anchor tugging at her bruised heart. She wanted to believe them, but the string of disastrous dates had left her doubting herself and her chances at happiness.
"Thanks, guys... but I think I just need some time alone to clear my head," Hana announced, pulling her hand free from Sara's grip. Her voice wavered ever so slightly, betraying the whirlwind of emotions churning within her.
"Are you sure?" Sara asked, her brow knit with concern as she glanced at Ren, unsure if they should let their sister wander off in this state. “It’s foggy outside”
Hana replied with a forced smile that failed to reach her eyes. "Yeah, I'm positive. I was thinking of taking a stroll on the beach, breathe in some fresh air, and maybe even dip my feet in the water. Plus, I have my trusty knife with me," she added confidently, patting the pocket where it was kept. "I'll be back before you know it."
"Alright," Ren sighed, knowing better than to argue with his stubborn sister. "Just remember, we're here for you whenever you need us."
"Thank you," Hana whispered, her gratitude genuine despite the storm raging inside her. With one last nod toward her siblings, she turned on her heel and strode purposefully toward the door, leaving Ren and Sara shaking their heads as they watched her go.
"Think she'll be okay?" Sara wondered aloud, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.
"Eventually," Ren mused, his gaze lingering on the empty doorway. "She's got a lot of healing to do, especially after dad. She'll bounce back though…”
"Right," Sara agreed, the siblings sharing a knowing look before turning their attention back to the living room, awaiting Hana's eventual return.
=============================================
As Hana made her way to the beach, Buggy and his motley crew were desperately wrestling with the turbulent seas, their ship groaning under the intense pressure. Hot on their tail, Fang and Reaper's ominous ship doggedly kept pace.
Inside their vessel, Fang's fists clenched in fury as he glared at the distant silhouette of Buggy's ship.
"That scoundrel," he growled, veins throbbing in his neck. "He thinks he can just take our money and never pay it back?"
Beside him, Reaper echoed his sentiment with a venomous sneer.
"Aye," he spat out bitterly.
Their resolve hardened; they were hell-bent on retrieving what was rightfully theirs - no matter what it took.
Buggy's eyes scanned the horizon, where a thin line through the fog mocked him. He shifted his gaze between the approaching ship and the endless stretch of ocean before him. The wind howled like a wild animal, lashing his bright blue ponytail and fur coat, adding to the chaos on deck. Buggy's crew scurried around, their expressions a mix of fear and determination. His heart raced as he thought about Fang and Reaper, knowing their relentless pursuit could mean more than just having to pay off debts.
"Captain! They're gaining on us!" cried one of the crew members, his voice barely audible over the crashing waves.
We won't make it past that without getting caught!" one of the other crew members shouted, pointing towards a rapidly approaching rock formation.
"Then we'll just have to be more creative, won't we?" Buggy replied with a sly grin, his mind racing with possible escape plans. He wasn't about to let Fang and Reaper catch him, not when he had so much at stake.
Buggy clenched his jaw, his mind racing. He glanced at the sky, noting the dark clouds gathering overhead. A storm was rolling in – possibly a dangerous one – but it could also be their salvation.
"Listen up, you shitheads!" he bellowed, his painted face contorted with fierce resolve. "We're going to lose those bastards in the storm. Prepare to change course!"
As the crew hurried to follow his orders, Buggy couldn't help but let out a dark chuckle.
"Fang and Reaper think they can catch me? Ha! They've got another thing coming."
The ship veered sharply, heading straight into the heart of the storm. Thunder cracked overhead, and rain pelted the deck as if seeking to drown them all. But Buggy held firm, his eyes locked on the tumultuous seas before him, calculating each wave and swell with the precision of an artist. He had honed his skills on these waters, and he knew every trick to navigate through even the deadliest tempests.
"Captain, are you sure about this?" asked one of the crew members, his voice shaking with fear.
"Of course I’m sure," Buggy replied, his painted grin never faltering. "We'll make it through this storm, and those sorry excuses for pirates will be left in our wake."
The ship bucked and swayed like a wild stallion, but Buggy held on tight, navigating them through the worst of the storm with a determination that only came from someone with their back against the wall. Although he knew that Fang and Reaper were still out there, waiting for him to slip up, he couldn't help but feel hopeful that he had finally given them the slip.
"Keep going!" he yelled to his crew, a spark of triumph lighting up his eyes. "We're not out of this yet!"
As the storm closed in around them, Buggy couldn't help but feel a strange sense of exhilaration amidst the terror. This was what it meant to be alive – to face insurmountable odds and come out victorious on the other side. He clenched the wheel tightly, his knuckles turning white as he guided the ship deeper into the heart of the tempest.
"Captain, we're losing sight of them!" a crew member shouted over the howling winds, relief flooding his voice.
"Good," Buggy thought, smirking to himself. "Now let's just hope we can make it through this storm in one piece."
As they plunged deeper into the storm, the pursuing ship seemed to vanish, swallowed by the towering waves and torrential rain. Buggy felt a surge of triumph as he guided the vessel through the tempest, his cunning and resourcefulness winning out over brute force and intimidation. He couldn't be certain that Fang and Reaper had met their demise in the storm, but at the very least, they had been shaken off their trail.
The storm eventually began to subside, and the exhausted crew could hardly contain their relief. They had managed to evade their pursuers, and now, they were free to continue their journey across the open seas. For Buggy, the victory was bittersweet; while he reveled in his triumph over Fang and Reaper, he knew that danger still lurked around every corner.
The storm had finally subsided, leaving behind a sky decorated with stars twinkling like diamonds against the inky black canvas. Buggy surveyed the damage from the ship's helm, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the extent of the destruction – broken sails, fallen ropes, and dented railings. He knew they couldn't continue like this; they needed to find a place to make repairs and lay low for a while.
But for now, he would allow himself a moment of respite, a brief chance to catch his breath before diving headfirst into whatever challenges lay ahead.
"Captain," one of his crew members called out, pointing towards the horizon. "There's an island up ahead!"
"Organ Island," Buggy muttered under his breath, recalling the name from various visits and maps he'd studied over the years.
He eyed the island warily, knowing that every port came with its own set of risks. But right now, it was their only choice. The sight of land after their harrowing escape filled him with a sense of relief and renewed determination. He turned to his crew, addressing them with a mixture of authority and camaraderie.
"Listen up, freaks! We're going to lay low on this island for a while; restock our supplies and give ourselves a chance to recover," he said with a sly grin.
"Captain Buggy, are you sure about this?" asked one of his crew members cautiously, eyeing the island's verdant landscape with uncertainty.
"Of course I am!" Buggy snapped, jabbing the man in the ribs with an elbow. "We've earned ourselves a little break, haven't we? Besides, Fang and Reaper won't find us here."
Buggy's vessel approached the island, concealed by the shroud of nightfall. His crew was busy securing the ship in a secluded inlet, while Buggy himself gazed at the mysterious land ahead with a mixture of intrigue and unease. There was something unfamiliar about this place, despite his prior visits, and he struggled to identify what it could be.
"Captain," a crew member called out, interrupting his thoughts. "We're all set to go ashore."
"Good," Buggy replied, his voice tinged with the slightest hint of hesitation. "Let's see what this island has in store for us."
With that, Buggy and his crew prepared to venture onto Organ Island.
===============================
Unbeknownst to him, Hana was currently walking along the same island's shores, her bare feet sinking into the cool sand as she tried to clear her mind. The salty sea breeze tugged playfully at her hair and whispered secrets in her ear while the waves crashed against the shore in an endless symphony.
"Maybe coming here will be good for me," she thought, her gaze locked on the moonlit horizon. "I can focus on myself and forget about everything else."
As Hana strolled along the shoreline, feeling the damp sand between her toes, she couldn't escape her swirling thoughts about her complicated love life. Would she ever find someone who truly comprehended and cherished her as much as she did them? The crashing waves mirrored her inner turmoil, almost as if the ocean empathized with her suffering.
“Cupid, draw back your bow And let your arrow go Straight to my lover's heart for me Nobody but me…
Cupid, please hear my cry And let your arrow fly Straight to my lover's heart for me”
Hana couldn’t help but recall the familiar tune from her childhood, the one her father would play on the piano and sing to her and her siblings. It reminded her of the bittersweet moments when he would come home from his job, a rare event for him, and sing songs that were close to his heart and upbringing.
“Now I understand that song more than ever…”
Hana stood at the water's edge, the salty breeze played with her hair and carried the distant laughter of seagulls. She wrapped her arms around herself, seeking comfort in the solitude of the beach as she pondered her tangled emotions.
"I hope this loneliness wont last forever," Hana muttered under her breath, watching the waves retreat back into the ocean, only to crash against the shore once again, much like her heart.
Unbeknownst to her, Buggy, accompanied by his crew, stealthily made their way towards the shores of the island. Every step they took on the sandy path felt deliberate and measured, like seasoned predators stalking their prey.
Buggy's thoughts raced as he calculated their odds of escaping Fang and Reaper. He couldn't shake the feeling that something significant awaited them on this island – a feeling that both excited and unnerved him.
"Come on, hurry up!" Buggy urged his crew, picking up the pace. "The sooner we get settled the sooner we can leave this place behind."
Hana's gaze lifted to the horizon, guided by a mysterious feeling of excitement. A surge of unfamiliar vigor coursed through her body as she peered at an enigmatic vessel moored just off the shore. Despite the thick fog obstructing her view, she couldn't help but wonder if it posed any potential danger.
"Who are they?" she whispered to herself, her curiosity piqued by the unexpected arrival of these strangers on her island home.
Meanwhile, Buggy continued to step onto the sandy shore, his boots sinking into the damp earth as he took in the surroundings. He squinted up at the shoreline, drawn to a mystifying figure who seemed to watch them from afar. A gust of wind suddenly tore through the night, wrenching his brightly colored hat from his head and sending it cartwheeling down the beach.
"Damn it!" he cursed, his eyes narrowing with annoyance.
"Captain, should we go after it?" inquired one of his crew members, eyeing the retreating accessory as it danced along the sand.
"No," Buggy replied, the shadow of annoyance playing across his painted lips. "I'll fetch it myself."
His strides were long and purposeful as he walked along the shoreline, the lost hat taunting him as it tumbled ever closer to the spot where Hana stood mesmerized by the sea. She glanced up, startled by the sudden intrusion, her dark eyes widening in surprise as she spotted the approaching figure.
"Who is that...?" she murmured, her voice trailing off as her pulse quickened. She quickly grabbed her knife as she prepared to attack this potential threat.
"Almost got you!" Buggy exclaimed, lunging forward and snatching his hat from the clutches of the wind.
As he straightened up, his gaze met a woman’s figure. He couldn’t quite make out who was there due to the fog, but seeing long wavy hair being blown by the winds made him briefly think about the woman whom he had met a few months ago.
That hot hostess who defended my honor in front of her pretty boy boyfriend…
"Who is that?" he wondered, his curiosity piqued by the maybe-beautiful stranger.
A restless eagerness brewed within Buggy, fueled by his increasing curiosity about the alluring figure who lingered along the shoreline. As he delved further onto the island's shores, a paradoxical sense of distance seemed to stretch between him and Hana.
Simultaneously, Hana was consumed by her own growing anticipation. She found herself waiting for a man's approach - perhaps even a pirate's - her hand poised over her knife with an intent as sharp as its blade. Each passing moment only heightened her readiness to strike, intertwining with Buggy's curiosity to create an intricate dance of suspense and expectation.
The winds of destiny seemed to be conspiring against them, drawing them closer and closer together, until...
Chapter 7: #7- A Repulsive Reunion. Hana and Buggy Meet Again
Notes:
Hey y'all. I know I don't upload here as much as I do on Tumblr, but I'm doing my best to update the story on both sites.
Chapter Text
Hana stood on the shoreline, the cold waves lapping at her feet. The fog hung heavy in the air, obscuring the horizon and shrouding the world around her. She clutched her knife with white-knuckled intensity, her dark brown eyes wide and alert, scanning the misty landscape for any sign of movement. Her breath came in short, sharp bursts, as if she were trying to match the rhythm of her pounding heart.
"Show yourself," she whispered under her breath. "I'm ready."
Her hand trembled ever so slightly, but not from fear. No, Hana was consumed by her own growing anticipation. She found herself waiting for a man's approach - perhaps even a pirate's - her hand poised over her knife with an intent as sharp as its blade. Each passing moment only heightened her readiness to strike, her senses sharpened like a predator stalking its prey.
Unbeknownst to her, Buggy the Clown, wandered the same foggy shoreline. Driven by curiosity and a pang of something deeper, he moved forward cautiously, his bright blue hair swaying gently in the breeze. As he approached, the winds of destiny seemed to be conspiring against them, drawing them closer and closer together.
"Damn this fog," Buggy muttered, squinting into the haze, his painted face a mask of determination.
With each step, the tension between Hana and Buggy grew more palpable, their conflicting emotions intertwining like strands of rope pulled taut. And then, just as suddenly as the fog had rolled in, it began to clear, revealing the two figures on the shoreline. Hana and Buggy were officially face-to-face with each other.
"Oh" Buggy mused.
"Shit…" Hana cursed.
For a brief moment, they locked eyes, their respective desires colliding in a fiery dance of suspense and expectation. The fog swirled around them like ghostly tendrils, thick and damp, clinging to their skin. The only sound that could be heard was the pounding of their hearts, the beats echoing in their ears like a battle drum.
Hana's dark eyes bore into Buggy's with fierce determination, her hand still poised over her knife. “Buggy…”
Buggy's eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the beautiful woman from what felt like so long ago, his mouth falling open slightly.
“Holy shit…it’s her!”
He couldn't comprehend the fact that the woman who had confidently defended his insecurities was once again standing in front of him. The memory of his impulsive outburst at Baratie came rushing back, and he felt a pang of remorse for his unnecessary actions fueled by jealousy.
Before he could show any sign of happiness or awe, he snapped into a sly grin that seemed to stretch from ear to ear.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the Baratie Babe!" he exclaimed, his voice a mixture of mock delight and genuine curiosity. "Long time no see, huh?"
Hana's body tensed involuntarily, her grip on the knife tightening like a vice. Her heart pounded furiously within her chest, betraying her fear even as her eyes narrowed with anger. She couldn't believe her luck.
Of all the people I could have run into, why did it have to be him?
"Oh hell no," she muttered under her breath, her voice barely audible above the sound of the crashing waves.
Hana suddenly grabbed a handful of thick wet sand and held it in the palm of her hand.
"Stay. Back." Hana warned, her voice wavering but firm. She had to stand her ground, she knew that much.
"Aw, come on," Buggy teased, taking a step forward. His arms were wide open, as though inviting her into an embrace – or perhaps trying to disarm her with the absurdity of the gesture. "Didn’t you miss this flashy fool just a little bit?"
She couldn't let herself be intimidated by some flamboyant pirate with a penchant for dramatics. All of a sudden it seemed like the training she learned from Zeff went straight out the window as she found herself unable to use her legs, almost like she was frozen in fear. Without giving it a second thought, she hurled the wet sand aiming for his eyes, but Buggy quickly dodged the attack as he disconnected his head and popped it back into place.
“Shit…I forgot he could do that…”
Buggy rolled his eyes in annoyance at her weak attack. “Trust me, toots. I’m just as surprised to see you here as you are with me…”
Searching frantically amidst the debris of a wrecked ship that was washed ashore, Hana seized upon a large plank of wood and brandished it at Buggy like a shield.
“Get the hell away from me!”
Her eyes blazed with determination, daring him to take another step closer.
"Whoa there," Buggy said, raising his hands in a placating gesture. He eyed the plank warily, his grin faltering ever so slightly. "No need to get all worked up!"
"Like hell I won't," Hana snapped, her anger bubbling to the surface. "You've got some nerve showing up here after everything you've done!"
"Hey, now, that's all in the past," Buggy insisted, his tone taking on a more serious edge. He held her gaze, searching for any sign of forgiveness – or at least understanding – in her dark brown eyes.
"Can't change the past, Buggy," Hana replied, gritting her teeth. "But I sure as hell can make sure you don't cause any more trouble!"
Undeterred, she swung the board at the persistent clown who deftly dodged each blow.
“Shit!” he muttered, as he was nearly hit by one of Hana’s swings
"Are you stalking me? Huh?!” Hana yelled as the anger began to rise and she continued swinging “LEAVE ME ALONE!"
Buggy hesitated, deflecting on Hana's swings with each disconnection of a limb. "I'm…not…stalking you!" he finally managed to blurt out. "I-swear-on my life!"
"Then what are you doing here?!" Hana asked angrily, as she momentarily stopped swinging.
"I uh...was trying to avoid paying some people I kinda...owed money to..." Buggy replied with a worried look as he looked behind him to make sure he wasn't being followed. “It’s, uh…not important right now…”
He turned his attention back to Hana where he noticed the remains of her tears that stained her makeup, causing her to have marks down from her eyes to her cheeks.
"So what's a pretty thing like you doing here? All mopey at a view like this, and whatnot," Buggy leaned into her downturned face with mock concern. "Don't be so sad, the show must go on!"
"Your 'show' is the last thing I need," Hana spat, bitterness coloring her words. "Especially after what you did at Baratie!"
"Ah, you wound me, little miss professional!" Buggy clutched at his chest theatrically, then grinned, undeterred. "Tough crowd. Surely a laugh or two from the great Buggy the clown would brighten your day?"
Hana spat out the words with increasing frustration and anger as Buggy continued to stand in front of her. "Get lost!"
"Oh Come on, don't be like that!" Buggy prodded, his tone teetering between concern and mischief. "I've got a song that'll turn that frown upside down!"
"Save your breath, Buggy," Hana warned as her legs began to feel charged up.
He needed to go away as quickly as possible before Hana did anything brash.But Buggy was already stepping into an exaggerated jig, his feet kicking up sand as he launched into a bawdy shanty.
“Ohhhhh It was on the good ship Venus, by God you should’ve seen us! The figurehead was a whore in bed and the mast was a mammoth pen—“
WACK
Hana swung her leg with surprising strength, her foot making contact with Buggy's neck. In an instant, his head popped off, soaring through the air with a look of comical surprise frozen on his face.
"I told you!" she growled as she watched Buggy's body scamper after his airborne head. “I warned you to stop, but NOOOOOOO! You just HAD to be annoying!!”
As Buggy reattached himself with a pop, he rubbed at his neck ruefully. "Well, look at you with your fighting skills!” he quipped, though the joviality didn't quite reach his eyes. “Those kicks are a way to get a-head in life!"
"Just do us both a favor and disappear, okay?!" Hana warned, her fists clenched at her sides,
"Look," he began, his words tumbling out like mismatched pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, "I was just trying to... you know, make you laugh."
Hana turned towards Buggy slowly. As she locked her gaze onto him, her emotions intertwined, creating a storm within her.
"Laugh?" she repeated, her voice trembling with a mixture of disbelief and anger. It was as if she couldn't fathom how Buggy could even consider his actions as humorous.
The venom in Hana's voice was palpable, a bitter echo of the heartache she bore from her recent losses. The raw wounds still throbbed in her chest, the agony intertwining with her rising fury to create a potent cocktail of emotion that refused to be ignored.
Her mind was a tumultuous sea of memories - the sting of rejection from the breakup, the gaping void left by her father's loss - each recollection piercing through her like shards of fragile glass. The anguish from these experiences melded with the shocking revelation of Buggy's true intentions, amplifying the tempest within her.
This maelstrom wasn't just born out of heartbreak and rage but also sprouted from a fierce determination - a resolve to regain her self-esteem and piece together the trust that lay broken.
In this moment, Hana snapped. Her teeth gnashed together as if biting down on all her pain, while darkness clouded over her expressive brown eyes, transforming them into pools of danger. Even Buggy could not help but recoil slightly at this display; he had never expected such an intense tempest raging behind those eyes.
She brandished her knife once again, ready to protect herself. "You think after everything I've gone through…the tears I have shed…”
"Hey, hey," Buggy stammered, holding up his hands defensively, the red bulb of his nose wiggling slightly at the sight of her weapon.
“The anger…” Hana continued as she continued her dangerous trek towards the clown “The sleepless nights…You think after all that… I'd find your song FUNNY?"
She spat out the last word with such venom that a rattlesnake would have been envious. The silence was deafening until Buggy decided to break it.
"I uh…may have misjudged the mood, alright?"
In a sudden burst of energy, Hana let out a primal scream and knocked Buggy down onto the sandy ground with incredible force, her knife poised at his neck. His eyes widened in surprise before breaking into laughter.
“Well, getting pinned down by a hot lady with a knife to my throat wasn’t on the agenda today, but here we are! Now, get off of me before I get turned on.”
Hana couldn't tell if he was trying to distract her with jokes before attacking, or if he had no intention of attacking at all. Her emotions were a tumultuous tempest, bubbling beneath the surface and threatening to erupt at any moment as she pressed her knife harder against his throat.
“Don’t. Try. Me.” Hana growled through clenched teeth.
Buggy seemed more annoyed with the situation rather than afraid or angry. He rolled his eyes and sighed as if she was wasting his time.
“You do realize you won’t kill me, right Sweet Cheeks?” Buggy replied flatly “You don’t have the gall!”
Buggy began to prod Hana’s emotional state even more, his words getting more mean spirited.
"You're just a sad, weak hostess!" Buggy's voice echoed in the room, his words dripping with a venomous tone. "I remember how you defended me when your boy toy ridiculed me! You just HAD to show your emotions and stand up for a pirate!"
Hana's breath hitched at his harsh words, her eyes widening in surprise. "What are you talking about? What did I say about you?" She questioned, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Your precious cook called me a red-nosed freak!" Buggy retorted, his anger flaring as he recalled eavesdropping on their conversation through his detached ear that had somehow found its way into Hana's pocket. "But it seems you were soooo distressed by it that you told him to stop labeling me as a freak. You even argued that no one should be mocked for their appearance!"
Yet behind his biting words and feigned outrage, Buggy was attempting to manipulate Hana's inherent kindness.
As Hana thought back to her previous words and fully absorbed his, her expression softened. She couldn't help but remember the hurt and anger on Buggy's face when he had misunderstood her teasing about his nose. The guilt she had felt in that moment washed over her once again, even though she never intended to mock him. She would never stoop so low as to make fun of anyone.
But now, here she was, holding a knife to Buggy's throat. What had started as self-defense had spiraled into a frenzy of rage and deep emotional pain.
What am I doing?!
Buggy tried to sound blasé as he continued “Even though you were weak, I thought that was…y’know…nice of you to do.”
With the anger burning in her eyes and the tears welling up, Hana couldn't help but see the sincerity shining in Buggy's green eyes as she held him down with her knife. His words tried to make her seem like she was weak for showing emotions but the sincerity in his eyes said he was...touched? Grateful?
She gazed at Buggy, and something stirred in her that she couldn't find it in her heart to act on the emotions of rage and hurt, despite the pain and hurt that threatened to consume her. Buggy may not have been a good person, but he was innocent in this situation. He didn’t break her and Sanji up…he didn’t cause her father to die…
Hana couldn't bring herself to harm him.
“He still remembers what I said after all this time?! Wait but…
HOW?
HOW did he even know about it?!”
“How…” Hana began, staggering her words “How did you hear that?”
Buggy smirked “I got eyes and ears everywhere, babe. I just wanted to know what we were gonna eat…before we raided the place of course.” he added with a chuckle. “I just so happened to overhear you.”
Hana removed the knife from his throat and slowly stood up, turning away from him with a frustrated huff. She still clutched her knife, a symbol of the pain and anger that she couldn't seem to let go of.
“Just do yourself a favor and leave me alone” she demanded with a hoarse voice. “I’m not in any sort of mood to deal with your antics.”
Buggy continued to have a bewildered look on his face as he stood up from the sand.
“First, she attacks and then she doesn’t. She attacks again…and then doesn’t…”
“What the hell was all that about?!” Buggy's voice cut through the air, abruptly interrupting her thoughts.
“Just forget it” Hana replied as she began to drag her feet and walk away from him.
Buggy noticed her body language and the hurt that radiated from her as he tried to piece together everything in his state of confusion.
"Hey, I just realized something! What's with the solo act? Where's that curly-browed cook, huh?" he inquired with a mischievous grin. "Shouldn't he be here?"
Her blood boiled like tea over a hot flame, bubbling with resentment at Buggy's taunting words.
It was as if the ocean had suddenly risen and crashed against her, fierce and unyielding, raging with a storm of emotions that swirled and churned within her. Her eyes burned with a fiery anger, her body trembling with a mix of exhaustion and adrenaline. But beneath it all, there was a deep, searing pain that threatened to consume her, leaving her feeling raw and vulnerable. And in that moment, she could do nothing but stand still, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts and her heart aching with a sense of loss and betrayal. She longed to lash out at him once more, but her energy was spent from the wild ride of emotions she had just experienced.
"He's not here anymore." She replied hoarsely
She continued her trek away from the clown as Buggy began to piece together what happened.
“I guess that means she’s single now…”
"So I guess Blondie thought he was too good for you so he just packed his bags and up and left, huh?." He wondered out loud "Well, I say good riddance to him. Although I don't understand why you're wasting your tears on him anyway."
Buggy persisted with his questioning, causing Hana to become increasingly irritated as he followed her on foot.
"What does that pretty boy have that I don’t, anyway?!” Buggy’s voice cut through her reverie like a jagged rock thrown into still waters.
Hana rolled her eyes without turning to face him, her posture stiff as if bracing against a cold wind. “Knowledge on how to treat a lady, for one thing,” she retorted, her words sharp yet hollow, echoing her inner void.
"Hey, I know how to treat women!" Buggy rebuffed defensively, his hands gesturing wildly, red nose twitching in indignation. "I always make sure they finish first."
Hana suddenly paused in her tracks. Her eyes twinkled with mischief and her lips curved into a playful grin, her entire being radiating a captivating aura. As she turned towards him, she moved with an effortless grace, her every step imbued with an enticing allure that held him captive.
"Is that so?" Her voice was a soft purr, dripping with an enticing charm that wrapped around him like velvet.
His gaze was transfixed, like a moth drawn to a flickering flame, as he observed her metamorphosis from harried to ethereal. With each step she took, she shed the burdens of her worries and emerged as a radiant creature, bewitching and irresistible. His heart raced with the thrill of witnessing such a transformation, and despite his confusion at her sudden change of behavior, he couldn't help but return her smile with one of his own, beaming with unadulterated joy.
"Absolutely," he responded, his voice husky and filled with desire.
As Hana bridged the gap between them, her voice dipped into a sultry murmur. Every syllable she uttered drew Buggy further into her captivating charm, spinning an enchanting web around him. "Well, guess what," she cooed, her words rich with allure.
Drawn in by the irresistible gravity of her aura, Buggy leaned closer. His eyes were aflame with anticipation and curiosity. "What?" he asked, his voice barely more than a whisper.
A subtle twitch at the corner of Hana's mouth was the only indication of the amusement simmering within her. The glint of playful mischief in her eyes sparked brighter as she prepared to play her trump card. Unbeknownst to Buggy, while his attention was riveted on Hana's face, her nimble fingers had stealthily reached for his captain's hat perched atop his head.
In one swift motion, without giving him any chance to react or resist, she shoved his hat onto his face blinding him momentarily. Taking advantage of this sudden disorientation, she pushed him away with such force that he stumbled backward onto the sandy beach below them.
"Sanji made sure I finished first too," she retorted playfully, letting loose suppressed laughter through a cunning smile that danced on her lips.
Buggy removed his hat from his face. his face contorted as a range of emotions flooded his features - from shock and surprise to confusion and anger. He was completely caught off guard by the sudden push, and his emotions were thrown into disarray as His thoughts scattered in all directions like leaves in a strong gust of wind.
“She…she just tricked a trickster…”
“Well, anything he can do, I can do better, Sweet Cheeks!” Buggy replied through gritted teeth, his pride wounded.
Yet, beneath the irritation, there was a subtle acknowledgment of Hana's playful antics that he couldn't help but be amused by. A laugh—genuine and hearty—escaped Hana, unbidden and surprising even to her. It was the first since her world had crumbled.
“I highly doubt that, but whatever you say, Clown,” she scoffed, but her laughter hinted at cracks in her armor, moments where light could seep through.
Buggy tilted his head, the hat atop it flopping comically to one side. He closed the distance between them with a few confident strides, a grin creeping onto his lips. “You know, the offer still stands if you're…”
Hana turned to face him fully now with a familiar icy stare as the salty breeze whipped her hair into a wild dance. Hana's arm swung back with the force of her mounting frustration. Buggy's eyes widened, a comic strip of exaggerated fear that could almost be endearing—if not for the circumstances.
"Don't you even think about it!" she snapped, the sharpness in her voice slicing through the air like the jagged rocks that lined the shore.
Buggy winced, stepping back, the tassels on his costume jingling softly—a stark contrast to Hana's thunderous tone.
"Okay okay! Fine! Fine! I thought we had something going on!" he protested, his hands raised defensively, as if warding off both her words and her fists.
"We had nothing going on!" Hana spat, her voice filled with disgust.
The idea itself was ludicrous. Her heart still ached for Sanji, the wound fresh and raw.
How could this clown even entertain the notion?
Buggy's mouth twisted into an irritated line.
"Well the fact that you were willing to be so open about Blondie's habits in bed seemed like an open invitation to me!" he shot back, annoyance etching deep lines on his painted face.
Hana rolled her eyes, exasperated. His logic was as twisted as the path that had led her here—to this sea side confrontation where the only thing more maddening than the man before her was the gnawing emptiness Sanji had left behind.
"Well, I can assure you it's not," she stated flatly, her words final, punctuated by the crash of waves below.
"Look babe—" he tried, but she was quick to correct him.
My name isn’t Babe!" Hana's voice was a whip crack, leaving no room for argument. "It’s not Toots or Sweetie either!" Each word was a brick in the wall she built around herself, a fortress meant to keep out the likes of him.
As the last syllable hung in the air, Hana's fists unclenched, just slightly. There was a weary resignation setting in, the kind that came from fighting battles one never wanted to wage. Would there ever come a time when she would not have to assert herself and clarify her worth beyond misguided nicknames and unwelcome advances? The thought was as exhausting as the ocean's relentless pounding against the shore.
“Well then, what is your name, praytell?” He asked with a hint of frustration, “Can’t exactly call you by your name if I don’t know it, now can I?”
Buggy’s question hung in the air, an unwelcome interruption to Hana's solitude. She exhaled sharply, a gust of wind battling against the stiff sea breeze. She debated about whether she should give him her real name but decided to just be truthful
"It's Hana," she said, her voice carrying over the cliffside like a bird determined to reach its nest.
"Alright. Hana, then. Short, sweet, and simple." Buggy's gaze carried a hint of admiration, though it was hard to tell if he was admiring her or his ability to remember three syllables.
"Yup." The affirmation was curt, clipped—Hana's patience fraying like the hem of the blue skirt that fluttered around her knees.
With a heavy sigh, Buggy took on a more serious demeanor, rare for the clown pirate known for his raucous laughter and outlandish antics. "Well, short and sweet Hana, now that I have you here... I want to um…I guess apologize…for my...uh…behavior at Baratie.”
Hana raised her eyebrows at his declaration, surprised that a pirate let alone Buggy would apologize for his actions. For a moment she considered lettering her guard down at his words, until she remembered who she was talking to. Her arms folded protectively over her chest, creating a shield as palpable as the jagged cliff that loomed above them.
"Where did this come from?" She asked skeptically.
Buggy shifted uncomfortably "I don’t know...I’m not good at this kinda stuff. I was…yknow…hungry and impatient for food.”
Buggy winced inwardly at the lie, but he didn’t want Hana to know the truth that he invaded out of spite and jealousy over her having a boyfriend. A good-looking one at that who didn’t have to worry about the size and color of his nose.
“So uh…I’m sorry and…all that."
Hana's eyes narrowed suspiciously. She knew better than to trust pirates, especially one like Buggy who had a reputation for being unscrupulous and unpredictable.
Her foot drummed against a pebble in the sand, each tap echoing like a clock ticking away the seconds of her anticipation. Her brows arched in surprise, an unspoken question hanging in the air between them.
"And?..." she prodded, her voice laced with disbelief and curiosity at this unexpected turn of events - Buggy wanting to apologize without being coerced into doing so. The notion was almost too startling to comprehend.
He rolled his eyes, lids lifting to reveal the expanse of white—a silent protest to her demands. “Okay and I’m sorry for fighting Blondie and Mr. One Leg…”
“And?...” The word was more of a challenge now, a gauntlet thrown at his feet.
“And for wrecking the place…” His voice trailed off, the admission forced from him as if drawn by a winch.
“And?” The repetition was relentless, mirroring the waves below that crashed against the rocks without respite.
Buggy groaned, his colorful face scrunching up as if the very act of recollecting his misdeeds was a physical discomfort.
He rolled his eyes heavenward, perhaps seeking some sort of absolution from the seagulls overhead. “Well shit, what else is there?!”
Buggy pressings for forgiveness were as empty as a deflated balloon—colorful on the outside, but devoid of substance within.
Hana's laughter crackled like dry leaves in the wind—sharp, brittle, and full of disbelief. "You tried hitting on me and got mad when I rejected you, and when Sanji knocked your head off, you saw up my skirt!" Her words were laced with incredulity, each syllable punctuated by the cool sea breeze.
“Oh yeah, I did do that…” Buggy chuckled “Would it make you feel better if I said I thought you had legs?”
Hana's hands tightened into a fist and she raised it threateningly at him.
"Okay fine, fine!" Buggy's exasperated sigh mingled with the salty air as if trying to disperse his frustration into the ether. "I’m sorry I did all those things too. Happy, now?!"
“Hmmmm…” Hana thought out loud, building the anticipation of her answer.
The silence between them lasted for a few seconds as he anticipated her answer.
"No" Hana shot back, her voice a whip that sliced through the tense atmosphere. With a smirk, she began to walk away again. As she spun on her heel, sand squished beneath her boots, a small symphony of escape.
But Buggy was quick, darting in front of her path like a jester performing an unwelcome encore. "Hey c'mon! I apologized, didn’t I?"
"Yes. I know," Hana teased, her tone softening just enough to betray a hint of vulnerability. She gazed at the horizon where the sky kissed the ocean, her eyes reflecting the tumultuous dance of waves. "But you need to show how sorry you are! Words are meaningless if you can't follow them up!"
"Fine fine… uh…" Buggy floundered, a clown stripped of his props, desperate for redemption. "Can I maybe make it up to you?" he ventured, his usual flamboyance reduced to a hesitant stammer.
Hana quirked an eyebrow, a silent challenge etched onto her face. "Oh? And how do you plan on doing that?"
Buggy’s mouth opened—a gateway to a flurry of lewd suggestions—but Hana's sharp interjection clamped down on his intentions. "And don’t say anything sexual!"
Her rebuke was swift, leaving him momentarily speechless, his mouth snapping shut like a bear trap without bait. His brain churned, scrambling for purchase on an idea, any idea, that might salvage this wreckage.
Hana observed him, the gears turning behind her skeptical gaze. Her arms were folded, a barrier as formidable as the cliffs themselves. Could he scale such heights of genuine remorse? The thought scratched at his pride like barnacles on a ship's hull.
The clown pirate felt the weight of her scrutiny, as palpable as the chains of guilt that now seemed to anchor him to the spot. He needed to conjure a trick, a sleight of hand or heart, to prove he was more than his past misdeeds.
"Ummm... well. What do you like to do?" Buggy ventured again, the colors of his face paint seemingly duller under the weight of the moment.
Hana exhaled, her breath mingling with the salty air, her heart heavy with an ache she couldn't shake.
"I don’t even know anymore," she admitted, her voice barely louder than the murmur of the waves below. "Getting a drink sounds good right now..."
"That’s it!" Buggy's eyes lit up, the spark of an idea igniting something within him. He clapped his hands together, the sound sharp against the quiet of the evening. "Let me buy you some drinks, huh?! I know a great place! Pirate bar. Real nice people."
A laugh escaped Hana, breaking through the fog of her sullen mood. "Are you sure I should be going with you?" The question was light, but it carried the weight of reality – a reminder of the world they inhabited.
Buggy bristled, his shoes digging into the sand as if anchoring himself against a sudden tide. "What does that mean?”
“I don’t think I should be seen with you, that’s all. Sounds like a bad idea” Hana chuckled
Buggy suddenly began to get defensive “Are you scared to be seen with me?! Because you’re so pretty and I’m so... well... me?"
Hana blinked, confusion knitting her brows. She hadn't expected the clown pirate to take offense and jump to such an unrelated conclusion.
"Uh... I just meant because you’re literally a wanted criminal, and I could get into a lot of trouble just being within a few feet of you."
The defensiveness in Buggy's posture deflated like a punctured balloon.
"So... you aren’t bothered by my face? Or being seen in public with me?" he asked, his voice a mix of hope and incredulity.
"You're a clown." Hana shrugged, almost amused by the absurdity of the conversation. "It’s expected of you to look like that. No, I’m not bothered by your face! Besides, you’re not the scariest pirate I’ve met."
Buggy was taken aback by her words, his heart fluttering at the acceptance that filled them. Buggy felt a clandestine thrill surge within him - it was not every day that someone overlooked his unconventional appearance, much less a woman like her.
For a moment, they remained frozen in time, two figures etched against the fading glow of the sunset. A soft wind brushed Hana's face, evoking memories of nights spent on Baratie's deck where joy was her constant ally and grief an infrequent visitor.
Buggy's eyebrows arched, a comical expression of surprise painting his weather-beaten face as he tried to hide his inner joy.
"Oh? And who would be the scariest pirate you've ever met?" he asked, his voice threaded with a mix of curiosity and mischief.
Hana's arms folded across her chest, a barrier against both the chill in the air and the probing nature of his question. She held his gaze, the green of his eyes reminding her of turbulent seas.
"The pirate who threatened to kill my father when I was a kid," she said, her voice carrying the weight of a memory long buried but never forgotten. "My father was a fisherman and accidentally sold him bad fish. He got sick from it, so that pirate found out where we lived and threatened us until we escaped from him when he was killed at sea."
Buggy fell silent, his eyebrows raised as he processed the unexpectedly dark nature of her childhood terror.
"Alrighty then…that’s reasonable," Buggy conceded, his typically exaggerated demeanor softening for a moment, eyebrows still hoisted high on his forehead.
He cleared his throat, regaining his flamboyant posture. "Look, I’ll buy you your drinks. No one’s gonna know who you are, anyway. If they ask, I’ll just say you’re my date."
"But you’re not my date," Hana replied, an edge of defiance sharpening her words like a knife honed by skepticism.
Buggy rolled his eyes theatrically as if her retort were part of a rehearsed act. "They don’t have to know that! Trust me, once they know you're with me, they will NOT mess with you."
Inside, Hana felt a tumultuous whirlpool. The idea of surrendering to the numbing embrace of alcohol, letting it erode the sharp edges of heartbreak, was enticing.
But with a pirate? A clown pirate at that, whose jester's grin might well mask a prowling predator's intent.
Her thoughts became a chaotic dance, the rhythm of which matched the crashing waves below.
"Actions speak louder than words,"
Yet here she was, contemplating throwing caution to the wind for the sake of temporary solace. How sweetly dangerous it sounded to get plastered drunk to drown out the ache in her heart.
"But with a pirate?!!" The notion circled her mind, a shark scenting blood in the water. "A clown pirate…a clown pirate who undoubtedly has a thing for you."
"Come on, short sweet Hana," Buggy prodded, his tone light, almost sing-song. "What do you say?"
Hana's gaze flickered across the shadow-draped beach, a mosaic of moonlight and trembling seafoam. The distant lanterns of the pirate bar glimmered like bioluminescent creatures, beckoning with the promise of oblivion. Her heart, still tender and bruised from Sanji's departure, fluttered with uncertainty.
Hana began to ponder his words and his offer. It wouldn’t hurt to get her mind off of the breakup. She would just need to be on top of her game and be guarded at all times. Yeah sure Buggy seemed friendly with his offer, but he’s talking about a pirate bar. Other pirates are probably not going to be as nice as him. If anything, Hana should be on her guard as she enjoyed her drinks. At least Zeff’s training might come in handy if she ever needed to defend herself.
"Are you sure there’s not gonna be any funny business?!" she demanded, her voice slicing through the evening's calm, carrying the weight of her skepticism.
"Pirates honor!" Buggy proclaimed theatrically, his hand pressed dramatically over his heart while the other swept upwards towards the star-studded sky. "Just have fun and drink your sorrows away! That’s what I would do."
The corner of Hana's mouth twitched into a wry smile, a brief respite from the gloom that had claimed her. "Okay then. How about a few drinks and then I’m off back to my apartment? Deal?"
"Whatever you say, babe," he replied, the word rolling off his tongue with an all-too-familiar audacity.
"It’s Hana…" she corrected sharply, her patience fraying at the edges.
"Whatever you say, Hana," Buggy acquiesced with a sly grin, his green eyes twinkling under the brim of his bandana. "Follow me, I think we’re not too far from there!"
Reluctantly, Hana fell into step beside him, her shoes leaving fleeting impressions in the cool sand. She could feel the prickle of risk on her skin, the dangerous allure of casting aside her woes alongside a man as unpredictable as the tides.
"Keep it together, Hana," she muttered under her breath, her internal monologue a mantra against the lure of recklessness. She imagined herself, just another faceless patron in the smoky haze of the bar, a ghost amid the boisterous crowd of outlaws and adventurers. It was a disguise worn not on the body but on the soul.
As they approached the establishment, the clamor of raucous laughter and clinking glasses filtered through the night air, a cacophony of life unabashed and unfiltered. Hana's pulse quickened, her senses sharpening as she prepared to enter the lion's den.
"Remember, no one messes with Buggy's date," he said, puffing out his chest with feigned bravado.
"Date," she echoed internally, the word souring like curdled milk. "Right, just keep telling yourself that," her thoughts chided, weaving through the maze of doubt and the ache for comfort.
"Here we are," Buggy announced as they neared the entrance, the door swinging open to reveal a world drenched in shadows and secrets.
With a deep breath that tasted of salt and trepidation, Hana crossed the threshold behind Buggy.
Chapter 8: #8 - Let the Good Times Roll! Drunken Dances and Tumbles!
Summary:
Hana and Buggy get drunk at a pirate bar, but Hana gets a little bit (a lot) more drunk.
Notes:
I know i've been slow in updating this story on here, but it's more up to date on tumblr.
Chapter Text
Hana stood at the threshold of the pirate bar, its boisterous laughter and vibrant tunes echoing out towards her. She exhaled a weighted sigh before crossing over into its lively chaos.
The pirate bar was dimly lit, the flickering candles on the tables casting a warm glow over the wooden floorboards. The walls were adorned with colorful pirate flags and various weapons, adding to the atmosphere of adventure and danger.
Even as she yearned to drown her sorrows in the bottom of a glass, Hana couldn't shake off an undercurrent of unease that prickled at her skin in this infamous pirate's company. Her posture was tense, her shoulders pulled up to her ears and her fingers tapping nervously against her sides. Her eyes darted around the room, scanning the faces of the patrons and the exits.
Buggy was just a step behind, his flamboyant presence drawing curious gazes from more than a few patrons.
The scent of spilt beer and sweat lingers in the air, mixing with the pungent smell of wood and sea salt. Hana's face crinkles in disgust, but she takes a deep breath anyway, trying to calm her nerves.
"Hey, don't worry!" Buggy reassured, noticing her apprehension. "We're just here for a good time, right?" The paint on top of his mischievous grin seemed to sparkle under the dim lights.
Hana hesitated, then nodded. "Right."
Buggy scanned the crowded room, spotting a seating area near the back. He led Hana through the boisterous crowd, his devil fruit powers easily parting the sea of pirates before them. Hana marveled at this display, the tiniest of smiles gracing her lips.
The wooden floor was slightly sticky under Hana's boots, evidence of the countless spilled drinks and reckless behavior that took place in this bar.
"Here we are," Buggy announced as they reached the bar top.
Hana took a seat, still unsure if engaging with the clown pirate was a wise decision. Despite her desire to escape into the numbing comfort of alcohol, her instincts were on high alert, her senses still on edge as she searched for any sign of the looming threat.
"Look, I know I'm not exactly the type of guy you'd expect to be a shoulder to cry on," Buggy admitted, leaning in closer. "But I promise, I just want to help you forget your troubles for one night." His voice held sincerity that Hana hadn't expected.
Taking a deep breath, Hana decided to take him at his word.
"Alright," she said, a hint of determination in her tone. "Let's see what kind of fun we can have tonight."
With a hearty laugh, Buggy clapped his hands together. "That's the spirit! Let's start with some drinks, shall we?" He waved down the bartender, ordering a round for both of them.
Her eyes still held a lingering sadness, but she was determined to enjoy herself tonight, even if it meant relying on Buggy for company and keeping her guard up. She swirled the liquid in her glass, thoughts of Sanji and her father momentarily pushed to the back of her mind.
Just as Hana was about to take a sip from her drink, Buggy's arm snaked around her waist, yanking her out of her seat and away from the bar counter onto the floor. A group of rowdy pirates, lost in their drunken brawl, were charging heedlessly towards them. Buggy sprang to his feet, his face contorted with anger and protectiveness.
"HEY SHITHEADS! WATCH WHERE YOU’RE GOING!” he roared at the pirates, his fists clenched with his knives between his fingers, ready for a fight. “You almost crashed into her!”
The pirates skidded to a halt just in time, their laughter dying down as they registered Buggy's menacing stance.
One of the pirates glanced at Buggy with a worried look in his eyes, “Oh it’s you! I’m…I’m sorry Captain Buggy!”
"Yeah you better be," Buggy's voice was a low, controlled rumble. His words hung heavy in the air, a veiled threat. "Because I suggest you maintain your distance from her. If I catch even a glimpse of you near her..."
He trailed off, his gaze dropping to the knives he held with an eerie calmness, their gleaming blades catching the light menacingly. The implication was clear and chillingly dangerous.
“I’ll make sure it’ll be the last time you step foot in here…”
The pirates quickly hurried out of Buggy and Hana’s sight, not even risking anything.
Hana blinked up at him in surprise, her heart pounding against her ribs. As she took in Buggy's protective posture and the fierce look on his face, she realized that he had kept his promise - he had protected her from harm without a second thought. Buggy turned to Hana, concern replacing anger on his painted face.
“You alright?”
Hauled to her feet by him, Hana found herself staring up into Buggy's face. The lanterns of the bar bathed his features in a soft glow, casting flickering shadows that emphasized the ruggedness of his stubble-strewn jawline. His eyes, usually so bright and full of mischief, seemed to hold an intensity she hadn't noticed before. Their radiance was amplified under the lantern lights, making them appear almost incandescent.
The length of his eyelashes caught her off-guard as they framed those captivating orbs; they were longer than any man's had any right to be. They added an unexpected touch of gentleness to his otherwise hardy appearance, a contrast that intrigued her. In this newfound light, Buggy appeared surprisingly handsome - rugged and rough around the edges yet undeniably attractive.
“…Yeah I’m alright” Hana replied, not taking her eyes off of him.
A strange sensation fluttered in her stomach as she took in this different side of him.
"See, I told ya no one messes with my date...I mean...my friend!" Buggy declared, smirking as he did so. The other patrons in the bar gave them a wide berth, their jeers turning into murmurs of apprehension.
She wrestled with her thoughts internally, torn between the rationality that it could simply be gratitude for his recent heroics and the possibility that she might genuinely find Buggy attractive in a way she hadn't considered before.
Cut it out, Hana. He just protected you from those rowdy pirates and you’re grateful. That’s all. That doesn’t mean he’s attractive…
Either way, Hana couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude towards Buggy. With a newfound sense of trust, she decided to let down her guard and accept his offer of drinks.
"Alright, Buggy, let's do this."
"Now back to where we were" Buggy waved over the bartender, ordering two more glasses of rum. He slid one towards Hana, raising his own in a toast.
"To new friends and wild nights!"
Hana raised her glass, clinking it against Buggy's. She took a tentative sip, and the warmth of the alcohol spread through her body like liquid fire.
The rum was sugar cane sweet with a hint of spice, causing a tingling sensation on Hana's taste buds. She can taste the slight burn of the alcohol mixed with the sweetness of the drink. As the potent drink coursed through her veins, she felt her worries and inhibitions slowly melting away.
“Whoa! This is new!” She commented as she took in the sweetness “Definitely not what I’m used to!”
“What did you think rum tasted like?” Buggy teased “This ain’t like your fancy ass wines back at your restaurant. It’s cheap, sweet, and just what you need.”
Hana savored another small taste of the rum, gradually growing accustomed to its sweetness and unique vanilla flavor. Even though it was still unfamiliar to her, she couldn't deny that she was enjoying it. She couldn't resist taking another sip, and with each taste, she felt herself slowly succumbing to the allure of the rum.
"Thanks," she said with a small smile, her eyes meeting his for a brief moment. "I think tonight's going to be just what I needed."
With each passing moment, the heaviness in Hana's heart grew lighter, replaced by the intoxicating thrill of letting go and living in the moment.
=============================
As the hours ticked by, Buggy and Hana both began to feel the effects of the rum and their time together. The evening had begun with sadness, tension and unease, but it had gradually shifted into a relaxed and enjoyable exchange between the two of them.
Buggy leaned back in his chair, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he began recounting tales of his wild adventures. He embellished each story with an exaggerated flourish, punctuating the narrative with comical gestures and amusing facial expressions in hopes of impressing the lady in front of him. Hana found herself appreciating Buggy's efforts to make her forget her heartache, even if it was just through fanciful stories and outrageous claims.
"Y'know, Hana," Buggy said with a theatrical wave of his hand, "I once faced off against a sea king three times the size of my ship! I leaped onto its back, wrestled it into submission, and then we all enjoyed a hearty meal of serpent sushi!"
Hana's face was flushed and her eyes were bright with merriment, her head thrown back as she laughed. Her body shook with each cackle, her movements becoming more and more exaggerated as she let go of her inhibitions.
It was like a chaotic symphony, with notes of raucous cackles and snorts, juxtaposed against the usual huskiness of her voice. As she laughed, it sounded as if she was releasing all the worries and heaviness from her heart, replaced instead by a carefree and uninhibited spirit.
"Really, Buggy? A sea king?" she teased, taking another sip of her rum. "And here I thought you were afraid of getting your hands dirty."
"Hey, I'm not afraid of anything!" Buggy retorted playfully, puffing out his chest with pride. "Besides, who wouldn't want to dine on the finest catch of the deep?"
As Buggy weaved his tales of daring adventures on the high seas, each one more fantastical and embellished than the last, Hana felt herself transported into his world. This was much different than the other men she tried to see as she wasn’t bored to tears or felt like she was just there as eye candy. His stories provided a much-needed distraction from her troubled thoughts, their outlandishness evoking giggles and pushing her anxieties to the back of her mind.
===============
After one significantly exaggerated tale from Buggy, the live band began playing a slow bluesy tune that filled the room with energy, pulsing like a heartbeat. Hana couldn't resist the urge to sway and dance along to the infectious rhythm. The delicious feeling of the rum coursed through her veins and she couldn't resist the pull any longer. With an uncharacteristic abandon, she stood up from their table and began to sway to the rhythm.
Sail on. Sail on, my siren sail on…
I don't mind you sailing But please don't sail so long
Hana's body swayed to the pulsating rhythm, her spirit soaring high, unchained from the shackles of her recent tribulations. Each sinuous movement she made was infused with a seductive allure, fueled by the intoxicating warmth of the rum coursing through her veins. It bestowed upon her a boldness and liberation she hadn't tasted in ages.
For a brief moment, she forgot about everything else – her troubles at work, her broken heart – and just let herself be carried away by the music.
Buggy's eyes gleamed with mischief as he observed her hypnotic movements. Each swivel of her hips and whirl of her arms was a graceful expression of her inner spirit, accentuated by the fluidity of her flowing purple sundress. The way she danced was like a spell, casting him under its enchantment with every twist and turn. At that moment, they both let go of their troubles and just enjoyed the pure bliss of the moment.
Hana's eyes lit up with excitement as the music changed to a more lively beat. She watched the musicians with their flying fingers and swaying bodies, each note and movement adding to the electric atmosphere.
Hana's mood transformed from a serene bliss to a fiery excitement as the new song began to play. The rhythmic beat and infectious melody filled the room with a pulsating energy, igniting her spirit and unleashing a wild abandon within her. Her body responded instinctively, moving to the music with a renewed vigor and a sense of pure joy. The music was like a drug, intoxicating and addictive, and she couldn't get enough.
"Come on, Buggy! Dance with me!" she called out, her voice carefree and inviting.
The pirates around them whooped and hollered in the encouragement of the pretty lady, their raucous cheers only fueling Hana's enthusiasm.
"Alright, alright," he said finally, pushing himself up from his chair. "But don't be surprised if I steal the show!"
Together, they danced, their laughter mingling with the music as they reveled in each other's company, the weight of their past troubles momentarily forgotten. Buggy's eyes followed her every step, his lips curving into a mischievous grin at the sight of Hana's newfound freedom. He couldn't help but marvel at the way she seemed to transform before his very eyes, shedding the weight of her heartache and embracing the moment.
Her laughter echoed through the air like a melodic tune. She joined in, slightly slurred and off-key, but exuding a playful energy as she sang along to the songs performed by the house band.
"For if we don't find the next whiskey bar, I'll tell you we must die.
I'll tell you we must die.
I'll tell ya, I'll tell ya, I'll tell ya, we must die!"
The infectious energy was too irresistible for Buggy to ignore, and he found himself joining in with Hana's laughter and singing. Together, their voices blended into a joyous chorus of this popular drinking song, adding to the already lively atmosphere in the room.
"Hey, she's actually pretty fun!" he thought to himself, feeling a sense of camaraderie he hadn't expected.
The second verse of the song swelled around them like a crashing wave, and Hana felt Buggy's arm slip around her waist, pulling her closer to him as the liquid courage coursing through his veins gave him temporary courage.
"Oh, show me the way to the next pretty girl," he sang along to the song, his voice carrying a not-so-subtle flirtatious undertone aimed directly at her. "Oh, don't ask why! Oh, don't ask why!"
Heat crept into Hana's cheeks as they turned a brilliant shade of red. She couldn't help but giggle a little, the sound ringing through the air like a siren's song, earning a genuine smile from Buggy.
"Show me the way to the next pretty girl. Oh, don't ask why. Oh, don't ask why!" Buggy continued, his grip on her waist tightening ever so slightly.
Hana could feel the energy radiating off him, fueling her own enthusiasm as they danced together.
"For if I don't find the next pretty girl, I'll tell you I must die! I'll tell you I must die! I'll tell ya...I'll tell ya...I tell ya I must die!"
To an outsider, Buggy seemed confident in his dance, a seasoned pirate commanding the attention of the room. Yet internally, a surge of ecstasy pulsed through him. It wasn't just about the rhythm of the music; it was the realization that he held Hana close without a trace of fear or repulsion on her face.
"Ya really are somethin' special, Hana!" Buggy shouted over the music, his eyes never leaving hers.
"Thanks, Buggy!" she replied, her laughter bubbling up again. "You're not so bad yourself!"
Her eyes sparkled with genuine joy, and a surprising warmth spread through her chest.
"Come on, let’s share the spotlight together!" Buggy shouted, grabbing her hand and pulling her into a lively jig as the song reached it’s bridge.
They danced together, their movements synchronized and fluid, as if they had been partners for years. As they spun and laughed together, the rest of the world seemed to fade away. In that moment, there was only the music, the laughter, and the connection forged between two unlikely friends who found solace in each other's company.
"Who would've thought that this pirate could make me feel so alive?" she mused, letting herself be swept up in the rhythm of their dance.
The other patrons, fueled by their own merriment and inebriation, cheered them on as they danced. The atmosphere in the room was electric, and Hana found herself swept up in its current.
The rhythm of stomping feet and clapping hands from the other patrons bolstered their spirits, creating an infectious beat that lifted Hana's soul. She felt as if she were soaring, carried aloft by the warmth of camaraderie and shared revelry. At that moment, she even felt like a celebrity, basking in the adoration of her fellow pirates.
For a moment, it seemed as though nothing else mattered. Hana felt the last of her inhibitions slip away like sand through her fingers. The energy of the boisterous pirate bar surged through her veins, igniting a fire she thought had long since been extinguished.
The unspoken connection forged through the dance unfolded like a delicate dance itself, a silent testament to the unexpected ease they found in each other's company. Hana had been wary of Buggy at first, but now, with every twirl and dip, she felt her previous caution fading away like a ship disappearing over the horizon. The pirate who held her close seemed so different from the man she had once feared – and for the first time in a long while, Hana allowed herself to truly enjoy the moment, without fear or reservation.
"Never thought I'd see you let your hair down like this," Buggy teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he spun her around once more. "But I have to say, I like it."
Hana smiled and let out another obnoxious laugh “I’m liking this too!”
They ended up on top of a table, still dancing to the cheers of their audience.
"Look at us, we're the stars of the sea tonight!" Buggy bellowed over the din, his arms sweeping wide as if to embrace the entire room.
Buggy and Hana joined together arm in arm, swaying to the rhythm of the song as the whole bar swung their glasses and sang the very last part of the song.
“Oh mooooon of Alabasta! We now, must say good bye! We lost our good old mama, and must have whiskey, oh you know why!”
As the song reached its grand finale, Hana got too enthusiastic and slipped from the table, almost falling to the floor. Buggy suddenly scooped Hana into his arms, seamlessly lifting her up with perfect timing.
"Well, well..." Hana teased, playfully wrapping her arms around Buggy's neck. "This is nice and all, but where's that whiskey?"
"Hey now," Buggy chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I promised you drinks, not bankruptcy. That shit's too expensive!"
"Fine, fine!" Hana laughed in response, her eyes sparkling with joy. "More rum it is, then!"
======================================
Two more hours flew by as the tavern's merry atmosphere grew louder and more boisterous, fueled by endless rounds of rum. Hana and Buggy had thrown caution to the wind and let their inhibitions sink deep into the depths of their cups, now standing atop the bartop and swaying to a lively blues tune. The other patrons cheered and clapped along, caught up in the infectious energy of their dance.
However, not everyone was amused by their antics. The bartender, a burly man with a scowl etched permanently onto his face, glared up at them from behind the counter. "You two! Get off my damn bartop before you break something!"
"Aw, lighten up!" Hana called down to him, her words dripping with playful sarcasm. "We're just havin' some fun!"
"Fun?" the bartender growled, his patience wearing thin. "I call it a bloody nuisance!"
“I got a magic woman. Oh ain’t she so nice?”
The song played as Buggy and Hana continued to dance, completely ignoring the bartender
“I got a magic woman. Oh ain’t she so nice?”
Hana swayed her hips in time with the sultry beat, playfully lifting her skirt to reveal a glimpse of her legs.
“I got a whole bunch of tricks, keeping here on ice” she sang along in a seductive manner, clearly enjoying the attention she was getting.
A leering man from the crowd eyed Hana, in awe of how much of her legs were showing as she danced. He let out a loud wolf whistle at her.
“I wouldn’t mind having those legs rest on my shoulders!” he commented with a boisterous laugh.
Buggy's face contorted into a mix of anger and indignation, and he hopped down from the bartop with surprising agility.
"Hey, you! You got somethin' to say to her, you better it to my face!" he challenged, puffing out his chest like an irate rooster.
"Easy there, Big Nose," the leering man sneered. "Just admiring the view."
Hana overheard the man and suddenly got defensive, even with her slurred words “HEY DON’T SAY That!!! That’s …that’s…”
All semblance of restraint vanished, and Buggy lunged at the man.
Chaos erupted as pirates jumped to their feet, either to join the fray or scurry out of harm's way. Fists and curses flew through the air, fueled by alcohol and rowdiness. Hana stopped dancing and witnessed the commotion.
“KICK HIS ASS, BUGGssss!” Hana cheered as she watched Buggy defend her and fight the man.
"Stop! Enough!" the bartender roared above the din, but it was too late – tables toppled, bottles shattered, and the once-merry atmosphere of the tavern now reeked of tension and violence.
"Out!" the bartender bellowed, pointing at Hana and Buggy. "Both of you, get out of here!"
Still panting from the fight, Buggy glanced over at Hana. She shrugged before hopping off the bartop, landing gracefully beside him.
Hana stumbled, shouting a little too loudly, "Ahhhhh who cares! We didn't want to stay here anyway!" Her words were slightly slurred as she struggled to maintain her balance.
They staggered out of the pirate bar, Buggy's arm protectively draped around Hana's shoulders.
"Can't believe we got kicked out!" Hana exclaimed, her voice tinged with disbelief and amusement. "I've been through some wild nights, but that takes the cake."
"Ah, don't worry about it," Buggy said, grinning proudly, albeit with a bruised cheekbone. "You're a lot more fun than I thought you'd be!"
Hana and Buggy stumbled through the night, their laughter echoing through the empty streets as they made their way to her apartments. Hana's cheeks were flushed from the alcohol, and she leaned heavily on Buggy for support, her eyes glazed over with a misty haze. She did her best to guide him to her place in between bouts of giggles.
"Uhhh thanks for sticking up for me," Hana mumbled, a genuine warmth in her voice. "I haven't felt protected like that since...well, since Sanji."
Buggy's gaze shifted towards Hana as her demeanor abruptly transformed from cheerful to sorrowful within a matter of moments, tears glistening in her eyes.
"Y'know," she slurred, hiccupping between words, "I still can't believe Sanji just...left like that."
It was as if two different forces were at war within him, one urging him to embrace her and offer solace, the other fueling a sharp and bitter envy that made his muscles tense and his expression cold. His hands curled into fists and his jaw clenched with a ferocity that surprised even himself.
As Hana's weight leaned heavily on him, Buggy could feel the heat radiating from her flushed skin and the softness of her body against his own.
"Ah, come on, babe. You deserve better than that idiot cook," Buggy said, forcing a chuckle. "You need someone who can make you laugh, not just whip up some fancy food. Am I right?"
Hana blinked at him and she wiped away a stray tear.
She attempted a playful smile. "So, are you saying you're my knight in shining armor, Buggy?" she teased.
"Wh-what? No, I mean...uhh..." Buggy stuttered, unsure how to respond to her unexpected flirtation. He quickly composed himself and replied, "Well, I did save your ass back at the bar, didn't I?"
"True," Hana admitted, sniffling as she tried to stifle another bout of tears. "It's just... I really loved him, y'know? And now, he's gone."
Buggy felt a pang of sympathy for Hana, despite his jealousy. He wrapped his arm tighter around her shoulders.
"Hey, I'm here for you, alright? You don't need him."
Hana looked into Buggy's eyes, seeing a sincerity she hadn't expected. She leaned her head on his shoulder, her breath hitching as she fought back sobs. "Thank you, Buggy."
"Of course," he murmured, gently patting her back. For now, he would have to push aside his own feelings and be the friend Hana needed.
As the streetlights illuminated her flushed cheeks, he couldn't deny the spark of desire that crept into his thoughts. She was a mystery to him, and he couldn't overlook the unexpected traits she possessed despite being the hostess of Baratie.
Buggy tried to keep his expression neutral as Hana's drunken babbling rang out through the night air, her arm linked with his for support. Staggering slightly, Hana managed to keep her balance as she moved closer to Buggy.
"Y'know, Buggy," she mumbled, her words thick with alcohol. He could feel the heat of her breath against his cheek as she struggled to maintain eye contact. "Tonight's been...really fun. I haven’t had this much fun in a long time. I needed this."
She paused to steady herself, gripping his arm again for support. Buggy forced out a laugh that sounded more like a strangled cough, the turmoil within him threatening to spill over.
"Uhhhh yeah," he managed to say, attempting to keep his voice steady. "Anything for a friend, right?"
"Right!" Hana declared with a wide grin, her eyes sparkling despite their unfocused gaze. She was blissfully oblivious of the tension simmering beneath their conversation.
His resolve wavered as he looked at her, so trusting and open despite everything she'd been through.
"Hey, we're almost at your place," Buggy said, gesturing to the familiar apartment building just down the street. "Let's get you inside, okay?"
"Okay!" Hana slurred enthusiastically, her grip tightening on his arm as they stumbled forward together.
Hana leaned against her apartment door, the soft thud echoing in the quiet hallway. Her eyes were glassy from the alcohol, but a glimmer of clarity shone through as she looked up at Buggy with genuine gratitude.
"Thank you…Bug…Buggs…Buggy…" she stammered, her voice wavering. "You've been...a true friend tonight."
Buggy's heart skipped a beat at her words, and he struggled to maintain his composure. He hadn't seen this side of Hana before – vulnerable, yet still so full of life. It was both endearing and disarming, leaving him uncharacteristically speechless.
A true friend? Did she just call me that?
She took a step closer and wrapped her arms around Buggy in a warm embrace nearly tripping in the process. Buggy stood frozen, his eyes wide and fixated on Hana's embrace. It was as if a sudden gust of wind had swept through his body, leaving him suspended in a moment of pure surprise and confusion. He could feel the warmth of her body against his, her head resting on his chest. Her arms wrapped tightly around him, a genuine smile on her lips. His mind raced with thoughts and emotions, trying to make sense of the unexpected embrace.
But as the seconds ticked by and Hana's warmth enveloped him, he slowly raised his arms and returned the hug, his body relaxing into the embrace as if he'd been waiting for it all night.
"Anytime," he mumbled into her hair, inhaling the sweet scent that clung to her.
No one had ever instigated an act that was so kind and gentle towards him, even in her drunken state. The intimacy of the moment was almost too much for him to bear, and he found himself fighting back the urge to push her against the wall and makeout with her right then and there.
No…she’s drunk…I can’t do that…that’s too low even for me
"Goodnight, Buggy," Hana murmured, pulling away from their embrace and giving him a small, tired smile.
"Night," Buggy replied, his voice hoarse with emotion.
With one last lingering glance, Hana turned and disappeared into her apartment, leaving Buggy standing alone in the dimly lit hallway. As he heard the lock click into place, a swell of conflicting emotions surged within him – relief, frustration, and an overwhelming sense of longing. But as he turned to leave, Buggy couldn't help but feel a small spark of hope flicker in his heart. And with that thought, he allowed himself a small, hopeful smile as he walked away from Hana's apartment.
Inside her apartment, Hana stumbled towards her bedroom, her body heavy with exhaustion and alcohol. Her drunken mind was still swirling with the events of the evening. Her thoughts lingered on Buggy's warm, protective embrace, and for the first time since her world crashed, she found herself feeling truly cared for.
“I wonder…” she wondered out loud trying to form a coherent thought and sentence “…I wonder…if…if…Buggy…”
Her drunken mind was proven to be too exhausting to use as she finished her sentence “If…Buggs..Buford..Buggy... I’m hungry” she slurred right before she collapsed onto her mattress, and passed out as heavy snores echoed in her bedroom.
======================================
The memories of the night flashed through Buggy’s mind like a movie reel, almost overwhelming him. He had escaped from Fang and Reaper, been reunited with Hana, narrowly avoided being stabbed by her, and then ended up drinking with her.
This has been a very interesting night…
Buggy swaggered back onto his ship, a triumphant grin plastered on his face. His crew immediately gathered around him, sensing a lively tale was about to unfold.
"Captain! What happened?" one of them asked, “You were gone almost all night!”
"Ah, my dear crew," Buggy began, his voice booming with theatrical flair. "I spent the evening with the lovely hostess from Baratie! And let me tell you – it was an adventure like no other!"
He launched into an exaggerated retelling of their night together, embellishing every detail and making himself seem more heroic and charming than ever. His crew hung onto his every word, cheering and laughing at the antics of their captain and the hostess.
"Men fear Captain Buggy, and women can't help but swoon!" one pirate declared, raising a tankard in a toast. The others joined in, their voices blending into a boisterous chorus of approval.
“Damn right!” Buggy cheered.
He, however, was aware of the truth.
=======
Later, as the raucous laughter and chatter of his crew faded, Buggy retreated to the solitude of his captain's quarters.
Alone with his thoughts, he replayed the night's events in his mind once again, cherishing each moment like a precious gift. He relished the warmth of Hana's arms around him and recalled her laughter and happiness as they danced together.
"Who would have thought," Buggy mused aloud, "I'd actually enjoy spending time with her…like that…"
As Buggy lay in his bed, he couldn't help but wonder about her. He had always been drawn to her, ever since he laid his eyes on her at Baratie. But now, after spending time with her and seeing a different side of her, he was even more intrigued. He couldn't deny that there was something that made him want to know more about her but at the same time, he couldn't shake off the feeling of frustration and confusion that came with their encounter.
Lost in his thoughts, Buggy suddenly caught a glance of himself in the mirror. He couldn't help but notice his red nose; a constant source of self-loathing and anger. Buggy's gaze was fixated on his reflection, his anger spilling over at the grotesque sight before him. That nose…
It was like it was mocking him. It stood as a reminder of why Hana would never be attracted to him no matter how nice he was to her.
In a fit of rage, he let out an angry scream and hurled a knife at the mirror, shattering it into a hundred pieces. The metallic tang of blood filled Buggy's nostrils as he cut his hand on the broken glass while retrieving the knife.
"Stupid, stupid!" he berated himself, kicking the shards of glass across the floor.
"Everything okay, Captain?" one of his crewmates asked cautiously through the shut door of his quarters.
Buggy let out a forced laugh. "Of course, everything's fine. Why wouldn't it be?"
His crewmate staggered away from the door and went back to his duties, leaving Buggy alone once again.
Buggy sat on his bed, surrounded by the broken shards of glass from the mirror. His breathing was heavy and his bloody hands were trembling, a mix of anger and self-hatred consuming him. He stared at his reflection in one of the remaining shards.
"She could never see me as anything more than this. Who would want to be with someone with this…thing on their fucking face?"
He clenched his fists, feeling a surge of resentment towards himself and the cruel fate that had gifted him with such an off-putting appearance.
Buggy let out a bitter laugh as he struck another shard, shattering it with his bare fist. The sharp pain that shot through his hand gave him a glimmer of hope for regaining clarity in his mind. Despite his efforts to push her out, Hana's presence lingered like an unwelcome guest. Her warm smile and gentle words continued to play on repeat in his mind almost like the memories were taunting him.
"Why did she have to be so nice to me?" Buggy mumbled to himself. "She probably felt sorry for me."
No matter how much he tried to brush it off as pity or sympathy, he couldn't deny that spending time with Hana had been the most enjoyable experience he'd had in a long time. As much as he hated to admit it, Buggy couldn't help but hope that maybe there could be something more between them than just friendship. But every time that thought crossed his mind, he would shut it down immediately with all the reasons why it could never be.
“It…it can’t happen. She wouldn’t let it happen, I just know it…”
But deep down, he wanted nothing more than for Hana to see him as more than just a feared pirate captain with a red nose.
Chapter 9: Chapter #9 - Hana's Hangover. A Visit from Captain Buggy too.
Chapter Text
Hana's eyelids fluttered open, her head pounding as she squinted against the light filtering through her window. Her vision blurred as she glanced around her room, and winced at the sunlight streaming through her window and tried to remember how she got home last night as she shielded her eyes from the garish light. She groaned as a throbbing pain invaded her temples, her body still reeling from the night before. Her mouth felt like sandpaper as she tried getting some water from the water bottle on her nightstand.
"Ugh, what was I thinking?" she muttered to herself, massaging her temples.
Last night's events were hazy in Hana's memory. The words "rum" and "Buggy" floated through her thoughts, causing her stomach to churn with anxiety. She groggily lifted her sheets and realized she was still wearing the same outfit from the night before. Looking around her bedroom, she saw no signs of the clown she had apparently befriended.
So he didn’t spend the night…good.
"That was really stupid of you, Hana…accepting those drinks…it could have been dangerous!" she chided herself, “Hell, Buggy could’ve been dangerous!”
Memories of Buggy's blue hair, his wide clownish smile, and surprisingly kind demeanor from the previous night flooded her mind the more she woke up and tried to clear her mind. She remembered dancing with him in their drunken state, which made her cheeks flush.
He wasn’t dangerous at all though…was he?
But as she reflected on their drunken escapades, Hana couldn't help but argue with herself about what it all meant.
"Was it really wise to accept him as a friend…or at least an acquaintance?" she pondered outloud, the question gnawing at her. "Could I really trust him?”
After all, she'd been feeling emotionally vulnerable since her losses, and spending time with a notorious pirate might not have been the best idea.
Yet, there was something about Buggy that had drawn her to him despite her reservations.
The way he looked after he defended me…it really looked like he meant it and wasn’t just showing off. And he didn’t look bad doing it! He didn’t look bad…at all… I guess…especially those eyes…
No, Hana! You dumbass! Don’t even think about that! You were drunk!
Wait…no I wasn’t…that was before I had any drinks…
He…he just…
She began to recall the promise he had made to protect her and how she would be safe under his watch. Despite the constant peril they faced, whether it was dodging those drunk pirates fighting or dodging the unwanted advances from the partons, she remained unscathed.
He even instigated that brawl at a bar when that guy made that crude comment, encouraged by her tipsy state. And when it came time to go home, Buggy escorted her back to her apartment and stayed with her until she was safely inside.
Buggy was there and he didn’t act out of line with her either.
As Hana she sat there, nursing her hangover and reflecting on the previous night's events, she couldn't help but feel grateful for the unexpected camaraderie she'd found in the clown pirate.
"Maybe…" Hana murmured, rubbing her temples.
She tried to piece together her fragmented memories of the night before.
"Maybe there's a bit of genuine kindness in him… and he was legit trying to make up for his behavior at Baratie. I mean if Zeff went from being a pirate to a restaurant owner, anyone can be redeemed, right?!"
She continued to wrestle with these thoughts.
Maybe Buggy could be the same way – but why sudden he change of heart? I don’t think the Buggy from a few months ago would do this…
Then again…
Does anyone really need a change of heart to be kind? Did he just do this because he was legit sorry? Or just because he has a crush on me? Both?
As she sat on the edge of her bed, contemplating the bizarre turn her life had taken, her snail transponder began to ring.
Paruparuparu…Paruparuparu…
Cl-ick
"Hello?" she answered, her voice husky from sleep.
"Hey!" Ren's cheerful voice filled her ears. "There you are! Are you okay?! I tried calling you last night, but you never answered! You said you were gonna come back to my place but you didn’t!"
"I’m sorry I promise I'm okay," she said, holding the transponder close to her as she rubbed her aching temples. "I didn't go back because…I didn’t…pick up because I…uh… was having drinks with a…friend.”
"Well, well" Ren sounded both surprised and delighted. "Looks like you're finally having some fun. So, who did you hang out with?"
Hana hesitated, unsure of how much she should tell her brother about her newfound acquaintanceship with Buggy.
"It's... complicated. Umm…"
How can I tell him the truth without telling the whole truth?
After a few moments of silence, Hana let out a sigh of defeat.
"Fine, it was a guy I met a few months ago," she admitted, already regretting her decision to reveal even that small detail.
"Oho, a 'guy,' huhhh?" Ren's voice dripped with mischief. She could practically hear Ren's sly grin on the other end of the line. "So, was this a date?"
Hana's cheeks flushed with annoyance as she snapped defensively, "It wasn't a date. We were just hanging out."
Ren couldn't help but tease her, "Define 'hanging out.' Was it drinks or dinner?"
Rolling her eyes, Hana huffed, "For the last time, it wasn't a date!"
Chuckling, Ren continued to tease her, "I didn't say date again..."
Feeling trapped by her brother's words, Hana paused and took a deep breath.
"Looks like our little hostess has found a new boy toy," Ren said mischievously.
Hana narrowed her eyes and clenched her jaw "Do you really have nothing better to do than interrogate me about my social life?"
"Oh, I've got plenty to do," Ren drawled out mockingly. His laughter echoed through the transponder snidely. "But if you're so adamant it wasn't a date, I'll let it go...until next time."
“You’re so annoying…” Hana commented with a roll of her eyes
"But seriously..." Ren's tone shifted to one of genuine concern. "I'm glad you're finding something to distract yourself from everything. Just remember to be careful, okay?"
It’s too late for that…
"Of course," Hana promised, letting out a sigh.
"Good," Ren muttered, “Love ya, Snothead…”
With a mischievous giggle, Hana hung up the phone and uttered "Go to hell.”
She hung up the call, her thoughts once again turning to Buggy. As conflicted as she felt about their budding…closeness, there was no denying that he had brought a spark of excitement back into her life. And maybe – just maybe – there was more to him than met the eye.
Her musings were interrupted by a sudden knock at the door, causing her to jump in surprise. Cautiously, she opened it to reveal Buggy standing outside sporting a mischievous grin on his face as his hands were hidden behind him.
"Mornin’ Sunshine!" he greeted her, his painted grin widening as he took in her disheveled appearance. "I got these for you!"
He brought his hands into view and Hana hesitated for a moment as she took in the sight before her. Buggy, the pirate with a 15 million Berry bounty, and who had invaded and stole food from her restaurant, stood before her with flowers.
Hana's eyes widened as she took in the sight of the impressive bouquet in Buggy's hands. The flowers were a vibrant cascade of colors, each bloom vying for attention. Delicate Lily of the Valley nestled against clusters of vivid bluebells, while the Chrysanthemums stood proud and lush with their many petals. It was a far cry from the usual half-hearted bouquets she'd received in the past.
"Wow," Hana breathed, her melodic voice filled with awe. She couldn't help but smile as she reached out to touch the soft petals.
"Buggy, where did you get those flowers?" she asked, her dark brown eyes flicking up to meet his. "They're... they're..."
"Ah-ah!" Buggy interrupted her, sensing she was about to reject the flowers like she had before. He grinned, the red paint on his lips smearing into a wider arc. "Don't worry; you're off the clock, remember? And technically, I was never a customer since we stole your food…" He chuckled, the sound warm and playful.
Hana rolled her eyes at his antics but couldn't suppress her own chuckle. She knew he was right - there wasn't any reason to refuse the gift this time. Still, her enquiring mind wanted an answer.
Where did he find such beautiful flowers? Clearly he didn't buy them...
"Fine." Hana sighed, feigning exasperation. "But you still haven't answered my question: where did these come from?"
"Seriously, Buggy," she said, her dark eyes wide with wonder as they swept over the riot of colors in the arrangement, "these are absolutely beautiful. Where did you get them?"
The pirate captain shifted uncomfortably, his gaze darting away from Hana's questioning stare. He scratched at the back of his head, feeling the weight of the truth heavy on his tongue.
==========
A few hours ago, he had been wandering the streets, lost in thought about how to surprise Hana. As he passed by a cemetery, his green eyes caught sight of an array of stunning flowers adorning a grave, their beauty undeniable.
He knew he couldn't show up empty-handed, but his pockets were void of any Berry to purchase a gift. Glancing around to ensure no one was watching, Buggy detached a hand and surreptitiously plucked the flowers from their resting place. Once the bouquet was assembled, he reattached his hand and continued on his way to Hana's apartment, guilt gnawing at the edges of his conscience.
=========
"Uh, well," Buggy stammered, averting his eyes from Hana's curious gaze. "I just happened upon them while I was out and about, you know? Thought they'd look nice here."
Hana tilted her head, studying him for a moment before deciding to accept his answer without further probing. She smiled warmly, her heart swelling with affection for the man who had gone out of his way to bring her such a thoughtful gift.
"Thank you, Buggy," she murmured, her voice soft and genuine. "They really do brighten up the room."
As she moved to find a vase for the flowers, Buggy exhaled a quiet sigh of relief, thankful that Hana hadn't pressed him further. He couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for the unconventional means he had employed to acquire the bouquet, but the sight of Hana's beaming smile was enough to convince him that, maybe, it had been worth it after all.
Buggy shifted his weight from one foot to another, trying to appear casual as Hana adjusted the bouquet in the crystal vase. Hana's gaze lingered on the flowers, and Buggy could see her searching for the right words to express her gratitude. In that moment, his eyes caught sight of a small piece of paper nestled between the petals, and his heart dropped like an anchor in his chest.
The paper, written in beautiful handwritten calligraphy, said:
❤️“We love and miss you, Nora”❤️
"Wait!" he shouted, a little too urgently. "There's, um, something on your shoe."
Hana glanced down, puzzled. "What? Where?"
"Here, let me get it," Buggy said quickly, using the distraction to detach his hand and snatch the note from the bouquet with lightning speed. He crumpled the paper into a tight ball, slipping it into his pocket before reattaching his hand, all without Hana noticing.
"Nevermind," he announced triumphantly, hiding his inner turmoil behind a grin. "It was uh…was just a bit of lint."
"Oh uh…thanks," Hana replied, still studying her shoe with confusion. She looked up, flashing him a suspicious smile. "You're acting rather strange today, Buggy. Is everything alright?"
"Of course, everything's fine!" Buggy assured her, laughing a little too loudly. "Just excited to spend some off-the-clock time with you, that's all."
"Alright," Hana said, her eyes narrowing playfully. "If you say so."
As Hana turned her attention back to the flowers, Buggy tried to ignore the weight of the crumpled note in his pocket. He couldn't help but feel like a fraud, stealing from someone's grave just to impress her. Yet, as he watched her admiring the vibrant blooms, he couldn't deny the tender warmth that filled his chest at the sight of her happiness.
"Thank you, Buggy," she murmured again, lost in the beauty of the bouquet. "They're truly wonderful."
"Yeah…of course," Buggy replied, swallowing down his guilt and reaching for her hand.
Hana shook her head and she couldn’t help but wonder just what kind of adventure she had signed herself up for by letting this unpredictable pirate into her life.
Buggy's eyes wandered around Hana's apartment, taking in the cozy and warm atmosphere. "Nice place you got here," he commented casually.
"Thanks," she replied, crossing her arms and looking at him skeptically. "So, uh…what are you doing here?"
"I figured I would check up on you after our night of debauchery," Buggy said with a playful grin. "You did drink quite a lot."
Hana couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. "I guess I did. Uh…thanks for keeping your promise to protect me…I guess..."
"Of course! A pirate always keeps his word... well, when it suits him," Buggy quipped, winking at her.
Hana let out an exasperated sigh, her eyes rolling skyward. Yet, the corners of her mouth twitched upwards into a reluctant smile. As much as she tried to fight it, she found herself gradually letting down her guard around Buggy. This newfound trust was a strange sensation - one that stirred within her an urge to know him better. It was this burgeoning curiosity that nudged her towards asking him a question that had been lingering in the back of her mind.
"Enough about me," Hana said, trying to change the topic. "There's something I've been kinda...curious about…"
Buggy let out an exasperated sigh, anticipating a difficult question.
She’s gonna ask about my nose, I just know it…
"Yes, it’s unfortunately real" he reluctantly admitted.
Hana tilted her head in confusion, her eyes showing it.
"Huh? What’s real?" she asked. "The Devil fruits? Yeah, I saw that when Sanji kicked your head off at Baratie," she added with a small laugh.
Surprisingly, Buggy was caught off guard by her response. “Devil Fruits?”
"Yeah, I was going to ask about them." Hana replied, “I never met anyone with devil fruit powers before you came along.”
"Ah, you're curious now, are you?" Buggy teased, leaning against the wall. "Well, there are all kinds of Devil fruits out there. You've got your Logia types, which let the user control, create, or transform into a certain element. Then there's the Zoan type, which allows the user to transform into an animal or a hybrid of that animal. And finally, there are the Paramecia types, like mine, which have a wide range of abilities."
"Interesting," Hana mused. "I heard a rumor about some kid who ate a Gum-Gum fruit and it made him all stretchy like rubber."
"Ah, yes, that would be another example of a Paramecia-type Devil fruit," Buggy confirmed. "Quite a unique ability, if you ask me."
"So," Hana continued, looking at him curiously. "Does it hurt when you use your Chop-Chop fruit powers? Like, when you disconnect a body part?"
"Ha!" Buggy laughed. "No, it doesn't hurt at all. It just feels... weird, I guess. Like a pop and then I'm free to move that part around."
He disconnected his head and hand, making Hana jump back a bit, startled by the sudden trick.
“Observe" Buggy remarked with a grin.
He blew her a playful kiss from the detached hand, which hovered next to his floating head.
Hana couldn't help but giggle at the sight, letting out a small snort.
"You're ridiculous," she said, shaking her head in amusement.
"Ridiculous? I prefer 'entertaining,'" Buggy retorted with a wink, reattaching his head and hand.
"Entertaining, huh?" Hana challenged, raising an eyebrow and crossing her arms. "Alright, Buggy the Entertainer. Let's see what other surprises you have in store."
"Your wish is my command!" Buggy declared before purposefully tripping himself, causing his body parts to scatter in comical directions across the living room floor.
She continued to snort and giggle, her laughter like a spark in the dark. It ignited something wild and mischievous within Buggy. He couldn't help but want to make her laugh even harder, to see that beautiful smile light up her face. His charm and wit became a playful dance, captivating her and causing her to giggle uncontrollably. The sound of her giggles and snorts made him want to keep entertaining her forever.
Hana couldn't contain her laughter as she watched Buggy's limbs fly about, his torso rolling around like a lost ball. The slapstick humor of him trying to gather his scattered pieces back together was too much for her. Buggy's willingness to laugh at himself and create funny situations had her doubled over in glee.
"Fine, fine, you win," she conceded between laughs. "You're definitely entertaining."
"Ah, but that's not all," Buggy said, grinning as he removed a portion of his chest where his heart would be. He presented it to Hana with a flourish, quipping, "I'm just presenting my heart to you."
Hana laughed again, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "You're full of surprises, aren't you?"
"Only the best of surprises for you, babe" Buggy replied, reassembling himself and striking a dramatic pose.
He couldn't help but feel a sense of joy watching Hana laugh at his antics. It brought him happiness to see her forget about her troubles, even if only temporarily. Hana perched on the edge of her couch, her gaze shifting between Buggy's reconstructed body and the spot where his scattered parts had been just moments ago. A mix of emotions swirled within her - a combination of discomfort, curiosity, and even a hint of amusement. Despite the fear that had once consumed her mind, she found herself drawn to Buggy's unique charisma.
"Y'know," she began hesitantly, her fingers tracing circles on the fabric of the couch. "I used to be afraid of pirates. I thought they were all heartless monsters who only cared about looting and plundering."
Hana looked up at Buggy, suddenly feeling vulnerable for admitting her fear. "But you... you're different."
Buggy raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Oh? Do tell."
"Maybe it's your clownish ways," Hana said, trying to keep her tone light, "but you don't seem like the typical pirate to me. You're oddly... endearing?"
"Endearing?" Buggy retorted, his voice dripping with mock indignation. "In all my years, I've been labeled a lot of things, but 'endearing' has never made the list."
His eyes danced with amusement as they met Hana's.
"Well, there’s a first time for everything, isn’t there?” Hana responded, her voice laced with an undercurrent of flirtation that hung in the air between them like an unspoken challenge.
The unexpected tension caught both Buggy and Hana by surprise. A flush crept up their faces as they tried to maintain their cool facades, their banter suddenly charged with an unfamiliar yet exhilarating energy.
"Alright, alright," Hana said, rising to her feet and planting her hands on her hips. "I've had my fill of your tall tales for one day. I need to run to the market for supplies." She waved a hand at him dismissively. "So, time for you to hit the road."
"But sweetheart, I just got here!" Buggy shot back playfully.
"From what I recall, you only dropped by to see how I was doing," Hana countered. "You've checked in, showered me with flowers, and seen that I'm perfectly fine. So mission accomplished. Time for you to go."
Buggy paused before asking slyly, "What if I were to accompany you? You know, keep you company while shopping? Ward off any creeps and perverts. Maybe steal a present for you or something, I don’t know."
Hana gave him a stern look. A part of her was hesitant to have him come along, but at the same time, he was the only man since her breakup who had offered to accompany her on such a simple errand as going to the market. It wasn't an exciting outing, but it was still better than going to another bar.
Hana sighed heavily but finally nodded in agreement much to her annoyance. "Fine. But only on one condition - that you promise not to cause any trouble."
"Of course!" Buggy exclaimed, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"And you need to wash off your makeup and put on a disguise.” Hana quickly added, “I’m not gonna get arrested because of you!”
Buggy rolled his eyes, “Fine, I guess. Can't have people recognizing the great pirate Buggy the Clown, now can we?"
"Okay, just hurry up," Hana replied, trying to suppress a smile at his antics.
Buggy disappeared into the bathroom, and the sound of running water filled the apartment. Hana got dressed into clean unwrinkled clothes and applied fresh makeup before she waited patiently for him, her mind still processing the unexpected turn their friendship had taken.
As Buggy emerged from the washroom, Hana couldn't help but be taken aback by his transformed appearance. Gone were his usual bright and eccentric cosmetics, replaced by a ruggedly handsome face with a chiseled jawline and stubble that added a touch of edge to his features. His long hair was tied back in a ponytail, showcasing its bright azure hue. And those eyes... they were like fresh spring leaves, vibrant and full of life.
Hana was taken aback by the new version of Buggy in front of her, causing a surge of electricity to run through her body. She caught a glimpse of this side of him last night at the bar with the soft lighting highlighting his eyes and features, but now, in natural light, he seemed like a completely different person.
But now she can't use the justification that she was grateful for his protective nature.
She blinked rapidly, trying to shake off the warmth that spread across her face. Desperately attempting to distract herself from this unfamiliar sensation bubbling up inside her, she avoided looking at him directly. But no matter how much she tried to ignore it, there was no denying the fluttering feeling in her chest caused by Buggy's unexpected transformation.
"Well, you clean up nicely," she teased, raising her eyebrows in amusement. "What about your nose, though?" she asked, thinking it might be a removable prop.
Buggy's eyes instantly flashed with anger, his vulnerability quickly replaced by a defensive stance. "What do you mean, 'what about my nose'? This is my real nose!" He raised his voice, clearly caught off guard by her question.
Taken aback by his sudden outburst, Hana stomped her foot in defiance, unwilling to back down. "I didn't know," she snapped, her usual warmth momentarily forgotten. "You're a clown! You're supposed to look like this..." Her words trailed off as she remembered telling him that very thing just the night before.
They stood in silent confrontation, the echoes of their previous laughter now replaced by a tense stillness. Hana's eyes never wavered from Buggy's intense gaze, her mind working to piece together the enigma that was Buggy.
Her gaze shifted to his prominent nose - a bright red bulb that stood out in a comical way. She had always assumed it was just part of his exaggerated appearance or costume. But as she looked at him now, she began to realize the truth: that big red nose was a natural part of him. Buggy didn't choose to look this way for amusement.
"Fine! Accuse me of something I didn't do!" Hana's voice rose with anger, her dark eyes flashing. "I was just trying to help!"
"You talked about my nose!" Buggy shot back, his own temper flaring. His green eyes held a mix of hurt and betrayal. "I knew it. You standing up to me at Baratie about this thing was just a façade! I should’ve known that was too good to be true! No one would ever do that for me…" The sadness in his voice was palpable.
For a long moment, they stared each other down, all the laughter and camaraderie from earlier vanished in the face of this unexpected conflict. Hana sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly as she realized they were getting nowhere with their arguing. She needed to make things right.
With determination etched on her face, Hana grabbed a wet cloth from the sink and began rubbing the side of her neck. Her fingers worked with purpose, removing the makeup that concealed her biggest insecurity. As the last traces of foundation disappeared, she revealed a large birthmark that covered part of her neck, wrapping around to the back where it remained hidden beneath her luxurious hair.
"See this?" Hana's voice trembled as she gestured to the birthmark. "This is why I would never make fun of someone for their appearance."
Buggy's mouth hung open, his previous anger replaced by stunned silence. He had never expected Hana, who always seemed so poised and self-assured, to have such a vulnerability. But there it was, plain as day, and she had shared it with him in an attempt to mend the rift between them.
Buggy stared at her, the weight of her words sinking in. In that moment, something shifted between them, and an understanding passed through their eyes – they were both fighting battles that went much deeper than what could be seen on the surface.
The air between them grew still as Hana's voice wavered, her expressive dark brown eyes filling with unshed tears.
"My sister Sara and I have the same birthmark," she confessed, a vulnerability creeping into her melodic cadence. Her chest tightened at the memories of cruel laughter and whispered insults.
"We got teased about it a lot in school to the point where we had to relocate to a different school. Sara had hers removed, but I figured I would cover mine up with my hair and makeup to save my family some money."
Buggy's eyes flickered with surprise and empathy, his usual sarcastic quips silenced. He tilted his head, taking in the raw emotion that radiated from Hana.
"Growing up, even when I became popular with boys, I never forgot how they teased me and called me ugly whenever my birthmark was visible."
She glanced away, cheeks burning with shame. "This is why I would never make fun of someone for their appearance. I'm sorry if you thought I was making fun of you. That has never been my intention, and now you see why it will never be."
A sob threatened to escape Hana's throat, but she forced herself to hold it back. Her apology hung in the air, heavy and heartfelt. Buggy's eyes softened as he watched Hana, the remnants of his anger dissolving in the face of her vulnerability. The room seemed to shrink around them, their shared pain creating an intimate atmosphere.
He took a deep breath and nodded, saying, "Apology accepted."
Hana let out a sigh of relief, her body visibly relaxing. For a moment, they stood in silence, the weight of their confrontation still hanging in the air.
"Hey," Buggy said, taking a step toward her. His voice was gentle, revealing a rare tenderness usually hidden beneath his boisterous exterior. "If it makes you feel better...you're lucky you can hide it. I also think that...um...you're still hot to me."
A small snort bubbled up from Hana, breaking the tension between them. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and gratitude.
"Thanks," she replied, shaking her head slightly. "But you do know there's more to me than just my looks, right?"
Buggy rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a warmth spread across his cheeks. "Yeah, I guess," he admitted, his own laughter joining hers. "You're uh…nice, and...well, you can party and drink!"
"Really?" Hana asked with an amused smile, her dark eyes dancing as she tilted her head to one side. "You find my partying and drinking skills attractive? That's not something I hear every day."
Buggy's cheeks flushed a faint pink beneath his makeup, but he held her gaze with a small grin. "Well, you know, there's something about a woman who can hold her own in a crowd of pirates that I find... intriguing," he admitted, the hint of playfulness returning to his voice as the last remnants of their earlier anger evaporated.
"Is that so?" Hana raised an eyebrow, a teasing lilt in her voice. She took a step closer to him, her laughter like a soothing balm over the tension that had once hung between them. "Well then, let's see if I’ll still have your approval after this market trip."
Buggy nodded, his own laughter mingling with hers. "Yeah, let's go."
As Hana moved toward the makeup bag to reapply her foundation, Buggy called out to her, the weight of his words surprising even himself. "Wait..."
Hana turned to face him, her fingers hovering above the makeup palette. Her eyes were curious, questioning, as she waited for him to continue.
"You don't have to do that," he said with determination. "Let everyone see it. Fuck it. You're hot- I mean - you’re uh…beautiful no matter what…and all that…” he trailed off as he looked down onto the carpet, suddenly finding it interesting.
The words spilled out of his mouth like a cascade of jewels, each one shining with sincerity and genuine admiration. His cheeks flushed with a tinge of vulnerability as he struggled to express his feelings, but his eyes spoke volumes. Despite his fumbling words, it was clear that he found her captivating and alluring, and he couldn't help but let his true thoughts slip out. Before Hana could say anything back to him, Buggy suddenly tried to save face with his confident exterior.
“Yeah uh…let everyone see it and if anyone gives you hell about it, they'll have to answer to me!" His fierce declaration hung in the air, a testament to his newfound loyalty and support.
For a moment, Hana simply stared at him, her expressive eyes searching his face for any trace of insincerity but she found none. Hana's heart swelled as she considered his words. Sanji had been the only other man who knew about her mark, and even then, it took her a long time to show it to him. Yet here was Buggy, fully accepting her biggest insecurity and even being protective of it, just minutes after witnessing it for the first time.
Hana's face, still flushed from their earlier anger, softened into a look of surprise at Buggy's words.
"I…I don’t know what to say...," she murmured, her eyes glistening with gratitude. A pleasant tension settled between them, a tangible symbol of their growing connection. “Thank you. That’s so sweet of you.”
“Uh…yeah…” was all Buggy could muster.
A feeling of warmth filled Hana's chest as she gazed at Buggy, a physical manifestation of gratitude and emotion. Her hand unconsciously reached out to touch his arm, a small gesture of appreciation.
"Alright," Hana agreed, taking a deep breath and setting the makeup aside. "Now let's go get some supplies."
As they left her apartment together, Hana couldn't help but feel the weight of her past insecurities lifting from her shoulders. With Buggy by her side, she felt stronger, more confident – an unexpected ally in the face of judgment and ridicule.
With every step they took, Hana's eyes were drawn to Buggy's face, unadorned by his usual clownish makeup. She couldn't help but steal glances, mesmerized by how effortlessly handsome he looked, his features no longer hidden by bright colors and exaggerated lines. It was a revelation, a glimpse into the vulnerability and beauty that lay beneath Buggy's confident facade. He caught her eye once or twice, smirking playfully.
"Enjoying the view?" he teased.
"Shut up," Hana retorted, rolling her eyes but unable to suppress a grin and a hint of pink in her cheeks.
Chapter 10: #10 - Market Mischief! Hana and Buggy's Day Off!
Chapter Text
The market was a sea of bright colors and movement - vivid reds, oranges, and yellows of fruits and vegetables, rich blues and purples of silk and fabrics, and the vibrant greens of fresh herbs. The market was filled with the aromas of fresh produce, herbs, and spices, along with the occasional burst of incense or perfumes from passing shoppers. Merchants were shouting, waving their arms, and showcasing their goods on wooden stalls while customers milled about, haggling for the best deals.
As he and Hana made their way through the busy streets, Buggy couldn't shake off the urge to keep a close eye on her. After she opened up to him about her birthmark and feelings of vulnerability, his protective instincts were even stronger. His focus never wavered from her, and his unwavering determination to keep her safe was evident in every stride they took.
These shitheads better not say anything to her…
He caught one art vendor landing an eye on Hana, making Buggy’s fist clench.
He better not have the gall to say something to her while I’m right here…
The vendor then gave Hana a small smile and offered her a look at some painting supplies, showing he wasn’t a threat.
Good…you better stay that way…
Hana was completely unaware of Buggy's instinct to protect her and was fully immersed in the diverse collection of artworks presented before her. The expression on her face, filled with curiosity and wonder, melted Buggy's tough exterior as he watched her peaceful and happy disposition.
She has a pretty smile…
After she had bought her art supplies, Buggy tried to make conversation, despite not knowing anything about what was before him.
"I didn't know you were into this kind of artsy stuff," Buggy exclaimed as he caught sight of her admiring a colorful painting at one of the stalls.
"Yeah, it's one of my hobbies," Hana replied, not noticing the way Buggy's eyes narrowed when the vendor caught sight of her again. “I really enjoy painting”
"Is that so?" Buggy interjected, "Well, I'm a bit of an artist myself."
"Really?" Hana raised an eyebrow, turning to face him with an amused smirk.
"Absolutely!" Buggy responded, feigning offense. "I'll have you know, my makeup is a work of art!"
Hana let out a small giggle, shaking her head at his antics. "You're ridiculous, you know that?"
"Thank you," Buggy said, puffing out his chest with pride. "I try."
She then spotted one specific colorful painting of the ocean with teal glows in the waves.
“This is so pretty! It reminds me of the story of Isla de Tortuga Brillo!”
Buggy was taken aback by the hostess' familiarity with the myth. "Oh, so you know about that," he said with a smirk.
She turned to him and nodded excitedly “Yeah, I’ve heard about this story since I was a kid! An island that’s hidden from the world in the daytime but is supposedly surrounded by glowing sea creatures at night! I’ve always wanted to find out if it was real or not!”
Buggy found himself unable to resist sharing in the excitement radiating from her. It was almost as if her enthusiasm was infectious, or perhaps it was simply because he enjoyed seeing her happy...
“Well, as a fellow pir-”
“Shhh!” Hana shushed, knowing what he was going to say.
Buggy rolled his eyes, “Fine, as a fellow traveler of the seas…” he added with a not-so-subtle hint of sarcasm “I know for a fact this place is real.”
Hana raised an eyebrow, not buying his claim “Oh really?”
Buggy flashed her a big grin “Yes, really. Maybe sometime I can take you there.”
She chuckled softly, still skeptical of his claim and offer but decided to play along for now.
“I’d like that.”
"It’s a date, then" he responded, his words punctuated with a playful wink and an audacious click of his tongue that sent warmth spreading across Hana's cheeks.
Dammit…why is he so charming? I want to call him a liar but…something tells me he meant every word…
With her heart performing a delicate ballet in her chest, Hana navigated the energetic market alongside Buggy after Hana bought the rest of her supplies. Her dark eyes danced between the vibrant kaleidoscope of stalls and the blue-haired pirate who strolled confidently beside her.
Buggy's hand was a constant presence on Hana's back, his touch a steady reminder that she was not alone in this bustling crowd. His grip was firm yet gentle, providing a sense of security and comfort, which she had noticed, but wanted to go along with.
Her skin prickled with a protective touch from him, and she felt a sense of safety and security in his presence as she came to the realization that she was in the presence of a man who made her feel safe and secure, something she hadn't experienced in a while.
It was like he could be trusted after all…
The magnetic pull she felt towards him was undeniable, even in the face of his notorious reputation.
Yeah, he's a pirate...a wanted criminal...but...he seems like he's a lot more than just that, she thought to herself, fascinated yet conflicted by his complexity.
As they continued their walk, Hana recalled Buggy's behavior within the past 24 hours – so vastly different from what she had expected of a pirate. The hurt in his eyes when his nose was brought up remained etched in her memory, alongside the joy he displayed when making her laugh, giving her flowers, and checking up on her.
She couldn't shake the thought that had come to her upon waking that morning: "Maybe...maybe there's more to him than just his pirate ways..."
Hana watched Buggy's fingers twitch with barely suppressed desire as they passed a stall laden with ripe fruits and fresh bread, making her suppress a giggle
I bet it’s taking all of his willpower to not steal anything…
She decided to shake off her doubts for now.
I don't think he's out to hurt me or my family or anything like that... I guess it doesn't hurt to have a little fun with him. Just as long as he doesn't get us into trouble.
The vibrant colors of the bustling market seemed to awaken as Hana walked beside Buggy, her dark brown eyes sparkling with mischief. She stole glances at him from behind her long lashes and grinned, determined to push his limits and gauge his trustworthiness. As they meandered through the market, Hana made sure to stay close to Buggy, lightly brushing her hand against his or making contact with his shoulder every now and then. Buggy had noticed his behavior but tried to play it cool as they approached a fruit stand.
"Hey, Hana, what do you think about these apples?" Buggy asked, holding up a particularly shiny specimen. “They look mighty green”
"Very much so," she agreed, leaning in closer to examine the apple. "But I don't think they could ever quite compare to your eyes, Buggy."
After Hana gave a coin to the fruit vendor, she couldn't resist taking a small bite of the apple, the crisp and juicy fruit exploding with flavor in her mouth. Her eyes met his with an intensity to her gaze. Her gaze was like a wildflower field at sunset, vibrant and alluring, with a hint of danger that only added to its beauty. Buggy’s heart, captured in her gaze, beat faster than a hummingbird's wings, unable to resist the pull of her enchanting stare.
"Are you uh…umm…flirting with me, Hana?" Buggy blurted out, his painted cheeks flushing a deeper shade of red.
Hana gave a husky chuckle and couldn't decide which was more delicious, the apple or the thrill of flirting with Buggy.
"Who, me?" Hana feigned innocence, her smile turning sly. "I don’t know. I'm just stating facts, Buggy."
Buggy's heart fluttered in response, his usual jovial demeanor momentarily replaced by a surge of unexpected excitement. But as quickly as the thrill came, doubts, like dark clouds, began to gather in his mind, threatening to dampen his newfound exhilaration.
Is this some kind of joke? Buggy wondered, his heart heavy with skepticism. Why would someone like her even give me the time of day? I bet she’s just humoring me.
His thoughts swirled in a storm of self-doubt and disbelief, gradually darkening into a cloud of resentment.
"You're not just humoring me, are you?" His voice now cut through the air like a blade, infused with a sharp edge of anger.
His painted face hardened into a stern mask, a stark contrast to his typical clownish demeanor. It was as if a storm had suddenly taken over his usually sunny disposition, leaving behind only a bitter and frustrated man.
“Because If you are, it’s not funny…”
Hana stared at Buggy, her expressive brown eyes searching his face for any signs of insincerity. A moment passed between them, filled with the hum of the market and the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. Then, a soft smile graced her lips, and she shook her head.
"No, Buggy. I'm not humoring you, just having fun that’s all!" Her laughter rang out like a bell, drawing the attention of passersby.
She lowered her voice, her sly grin never leaving her face as she continued, "I either do this to get what I want from people...or I do this to people I'm starting to like..."
Her words hung in the air between them, the implication heavy yet tantalizing. Buggy's heart skipped a beat, his usual bravado momentarily silenced by the emotions swirling within him. As much as he tried to deny it, he knew that there was something about Hana that he couldn't quite resist. And that realization both terrified and thrilled him.
"Is that so?" Buggy murmured, his voice barely audible above the din of the market. The corners of his mouth twitched into a hint of a grin, though he couldn't fully hide the vulnerability that lingered in his eyes. "Well, then...I suppose I should take that as a compliment."
Hana's chuckling bubbled up again, her eyes shining with mischief as she playfully bumped her shoulder against Buggy's.
"Take it however you'd like," she teased, her voice dropping to a husky tone.
Hana walked ahead of Buggy, swaying her hips with purpose as she seemed to know she had his undivided attention. For a moment, Buggy forgot his purpose and surroundings as he watched her move. Eventually, he shook off the distraction and caught up with her. But he couldn't help but be entranced by her confident demeanor and fluid movements.
He soon realized that he wasn't the only one admiring her; as they passed by other men, he noticed them stealing glances at Hana filled with admiration. With each lingering look, his frown deepened.
"Seems like you have quite the fan club," Buggy remarked, trying to hide the jealousy brewing within him.
Hana could sense his envy, and it only fueled her playful spirit. "Why, Buggy," she teased, fluttering her eyelashes at him, "are you jealous?"
"Me? Jealous?" Buggy scoffed, but his body language betrayed him. His grip tightened on the bag of supplies he was carrying, and his posture became more defensive. "I just think it's pathetic how these guys can't take their eyes off you."
"Is that so?" Hana's eyes twinkled as she decided to up the ante.
As they walked past a handsome fisherman loading his catch onto a cart, she leaned in close to Buggy's ear and whispered, "You know, that fisherman over there is quite good-looking, don't you think?"
Buggy's jaw clenched, and he couldn't resist casting a disdainful glance at the fisherman.
"Really? That guy?" he said, unable to hide his irritation. "He smells like dead fish, and I bet he doesn't even know how to tell a decent joke."
"Maybe not," Hana replied coyly, her lips curving into an impish smile. "But then again, who says humor is the most important quality in a man?"
Buggy huffed, knowing he was falling right into her trap but unable to resist taking the bait.
"Well, if that's how you feel, maybe I should just let you go chat him up," he grumbled, trying to sound indifferent but secretly hoping she wouldn't take him up on his offer.
Hana laughed, her eyes dancing with amusement as she looked at Buggy's poorly concealed jealousy.
She reached out and gently placed a hand on his arm, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Relax, Buggy. I'm just having fun with you."
Buggy's heart pounded as he struggled to maintain his calm, feeling the sting of jealousy like an incessant itch. Hana's sparkling eyes and mischievous grin only added fuel to the fire, and he couldn't help but mutter quietly to himself. A part of him was irritated by Hana's coy behavior, but another part of him secretly relished the playful banter between them. He couldn't deny that their playful banter had brightened his day in a way he hadn't experienced before.
"Fun, huh?" Buggy muttered, attempting to regain his composure.
"Don't worry. I'm only interested in one man today," she whispered slyly, her voice filled with playful mischief.
"Yeah, that fisherman shidiot, right?" Buggy retorted, crossing his arms defensively.
The market bustled around them, the lively atmosphere doing little to distract him from his own turbulent emotions. Hana let out a melodious laugh, reaching up to playfully pat Buggy's cheek.
"I meant you, silly," she admitted, a genuine warmth in her dark brown eyes.
"Me?" Buggy blinked, taken aback by her confession.
For a moment, his clownish exterior faltered, revealing a vulnerable side of him that few had ever seen. He felt a sudden urge to pull her close, to make sure no one else could steal her attention away from him.
"Of course, you big oaf." Hana rolled her eyes affectionately, trying to suppress a smile. She leaned in and brushed her fingers against his, an intimate gesture that sent a shiver down Buggy's spine.
"Then why do you keep messing with me?" Buggy asked, his voice cracking slightly. He wasn't used to being the one who was flustered.
"Because it's fun seeing you all riled up," she confessed, her smile turning mischievous again. "Besides, I like a little chase. Keeps things interesting."
Buggy couldn't help but laugh, feeling a mixture of relief and annoyance at Hana's admission.
"Well, you certainly know how to keep things interesting," he quipped, his playful tone returning.
Hana smiled knowingly, her gaze lingering on Buggy for a moment before she turned her attention back to the market.
"You know, you're not so bad yourself," she stated, her tone genuine.
A rush of joy flooded through Buggy as he listened to her words. He had built a reputation as the most feared and notorious pirate on this side of the East Blue, but Hana saw beyond that and valued him for his true self. As they strolled through the bustling market, Hana noticed Buggy's focus drifting towards a small stall adorned with trinkets and baubles. She observed with interest as he slyly pocketed an item, darting his eyes around to make sure no one had caught him.
"Did you just…" Hana began, incredulous.
"Shh!" Buggy hissed, grabbing her hand and pulling her along with him as he weaved through the crowd.
Hana's hand felt warm in Buggy's grip, her fingers entwined with his as they ran through the market. Buggy's hand was rough and calloused from years of sailing and fighting, but there was a gentleness in the way he held onto Hana's hand. She felt a jolt of electricity go through her as their skin touched, igniting a sense of thrill and adventure within her. With a sense of exhilaration, Hana found herself secretly enjoying the thrill of their impromptu escape.
Hana scolded Buggy once they were out of sight. "Are you really stealing, Buggy? You didn't have to take anything! I thought I told you to be on your best behavior!"
"Come on, I'm a pirate!" Buggy replied defensively. "It's part of the job!"
"Ugh," Hana rolled her eyes, exasperated but unable to hide the smile tugging at her lips. "You're impossible!"
"Impossible? More like irresistible." Buggy winked playfully, his face lighting up with a devilish grin.
Hana let out a snort at Buggy's antics. Despite his piratical ways, Hana found herself drawn to Buggy's humor and company.
Eventually, they found a quiet spot to take a break, and Hana couldn't contain her glee and disbelief over their successful escape from being caught.
"I still can't believe you did that!" she laughed, causing Buggy's heart to skip a beat at the sound. “What did you end up getting anyway?”
Buggy awkwardly scratched the back of his neck, trying to downplay his actions as he avoided looking at her and making eye contact.
"Well, I uh…saw this thing... and I figured that you could have it, I guess…" Buggy explained with a scowl.
"Okay, let me see," Hana playfully demanded, wiggling her finger at him.
Buggy rolled his eyes in annoyance before reluctantly handing over the small item he had lifted earlier. As Hana unwrapped it, her eyes widened in surprise. It was a stunning music box adorned with intricate carvings and delicate gold accents.
"Wow. This is beautiful, Buggy," she exclaimed, genuinely touched by the unexpected gift.
With a grateful smile and sincere gaze, she turned to Buggy who was attempting to appear nonchalant.
"Thank you."
"It's nothing... I just thought you might like it, that’s all…" Buggy shrugged, furrowing his brows and crossing his arms defensively as he turned away from her in an attempt to conceal a creeping red hue on his cheeks.
Hana's sly grin revealed that she saw right through his act. She chose not to call him out on it, knowing this was a rare display of kindness from him towards her, let alone any woman.
Unable to resist teasing him, Hana quipped, "Well, speaking of excitement, how about we grab some lunch? Don't worry, I'll make sure to buy it the legal way. That's a concept foreign to you, I presume?"
"Hey, now!" Buggy retorted, feigning indignation. "I have plenty of experience with... legal purchases. They're just not as fun!"
Hana laughed, shaking her head at his bravado. Despite his questionable morals and their unorthodox meeting, she couldn't deny that Buggy had brought a spark back into her life that she'd sorely missed. And for that, she was grateful. Hana and Buggy soon found a small table to relax and enjoy their lunch. The aroma of fresh produce and spices filled the air as they enjoyed their meal together.
As they settled down, their conversation took a deeper turn, with Hana and Buggy sharing personal stories and experiences.
"Growing up, my mother would always cook these delicious dishes for our family, even though we werent very well off" Hana reminisced, her eyes lighting up with fond memories. "I guess that's where my love for food really started."
"Food, huh?" Buggy mused, "Well, I never really had anyone to cook for me growing up. My meals were usually whatever I could scavenge or steal."
"Steal? You don't say," Hana teased, raising a playful eyebrow. Buggy chuckled, but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes.
Buggy, sat hunched over his sandwich, eyes fixed on the innocuous meal before him. His usually animated face was unusually still, eyebrows furrowed and lips pressed into a thin line. The muscles in his jaw worked subtly under his painted skin, betraying an internal dialogue that seemed far removed from the casual lunch setting.
A flicker of bemusement crossed his eyes; they were tinged with a hint of disbelief and curiosity. He was here, in broad daylight, sharing food not stolen but offered willingly by a woman who had every reason to despise him.
The sandwich remained untouched as Buggy's gaze drifted away from it and towards Hana. It was a simple act of eating lunch together that seemed so mundane yet so bizarrely surreal for the notorious pirate. It felt strangely normal, this simple act of sharing lunch and stories with another person. He couldn't help but marvel at how comfortable he was in Hana's presence.
“You okay, Buggy?” she asked, hoping she didn’t hit a nerve.
“Yeah it’s just…” he began “This whole thing is strange to me. No one’s bought me lunch like this before. Let alone a woman…”
Hana's heart softened at his admission, pity welling up inside her. She reached across the table, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
"Buggy, this wasn't a big deal for me to do. I try to do things like this for my friends and loved ones as much as I can. Besides," she added, her smile returning, "it was the least I could do after you showed me such a fun time last night. You made me smile and laugh for the first time in a very long time."
Buggy could feel the warmth of Hana's hand in his, the softness of her skin and the gentle pressure of her squeeze bringing a sense of comfort and reassurance. It was a rush of heat and joy, like a bouquet of wildflowers blooming in his chest, his heart swelling with longing and admiration for this woman who saw him as more than an outcast. But with the exhilaration came a creeping sense of fear, the prospect of being vulnerable and opening his heart to someone who could reject him.
"Thanks," Buggy mumbled, the tips of his ears turning red beneath his blue hair.
As they continued to share stories and laughter throughout their meal, neither could deny the growing bond between them. And for one bright afternoon, they were simply two people enjoying each other's company, leaving behind the labels of hostess and pirate for just a little while.
"Y'know, it felt like just yesterday you had a knife to my throat," Buggy quipped, smirking at the memory as he successfully grasped a piece of lettuce from his sandwich.
"…because it was yesterday, dummy," Hana replied with a roll of her eyes, her melodic voice imbued with affectionate sarcasm.
Buggy savored the flavor of his sandwich before continuing, "I know, but…you're not doing it today. I didn't do anything to deserve it so far, right?"
Hana's laughter echoed through the air, filling their table with warmth akin to the sunlight streaming in. "I guess you’re right. Besides pocketing that little trinket box, you haven't done anything too terrible. But if you ever piss me off again and dare to break into my restaurant, a knife may find its way to your throat…" she threatened playfully.
"Wouldn't dream of it, baby. Oops, I mean…" Buggy stumbled over his words, almost using a nickname for her again before she corrected him.
"No, it's okay…it's just a nickname…Right, Captain?" Hana purred, her dark brown eyes dancing with mischief as she locked gazes with him.
As much as he wanted to maintain his tough facade, the sauntering look in her eyes sent Buggy's heart racing, and he couldn't help but be entranced by her playful expression. Hana caught this and her brown eyes were alight with mischief, and her radiant smile caused her eyes to sparkle.
"Oooh, did I strike a nerve?” she teased, her melodic voice drawing him in further. “Or do you enjoy me calling you Captain?"
He felt the heat rise to his face and even down between his legs at the sound of her calling him Captain.
His mind raced with conflicting desires, unable to contain the rush of emotions and sensations that her playful words ignited within him. His heart thundered and his breath quickened as he struggled to maintain his composure, his inner turmoil only intensifying his feelings for her. And as she teased him with her voice, calling him by the title that symbolized his power and authority, it was as if she held the key to unlocking a part of himself he never knew existed.
"Damn it," Buggy thought, adjusting in his seat.
The realization that he found pleasure in her playful nickname sent a wave of frustration through him, making his body tense and his knuckles turn white. He couldn't deny the surge of pleasure he felt at being addressed by her in such a way, and he cursed himself for being so drawn to her. And yet, he couldn't deny that he wanted her to call him Captain again and again.
And again…and again…
His thoughts suddenly transported back to the night before when she had attempted to seduce him. He had quickly come out of his trance and rejected her advances.
"Wait a second," he let out a small laugh, attempting to regain control of the situation. "I'm not gonna fall for this again!"
"Fall for what?" Hana asked curiously, her dark brown eyes wide with feigned innocence.
"Your... your little game," he stammered, suddenly aware of how close they were sitting. The subtle scent of her perfume filled his nostrils, a mix of vanilla and citrus, intoxicating him further.
"Game?" she repeated, her eyebrows raised in mock surprise. "Why, Captain, I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Sure you don't," he muttered under his breath, fighting the urge to lean in closer.
He recalled the events from the previous night when Hana had toyed with him like this, right before she pushed him onto the sand. The memory made his pulse quicken, but he was determined not to be played again.
The Captain's face drew closer, the sharp lines of his jaw and determined set of his lips causing her heart to skip a beat. His green eyes held her in a hypnotic gaze, conveying a mix of intensity and desire. When he spoke, his voice was a deep, intoxicating growl that sent shivers down her spine.
"You're gonna try to seduce me and then just push me away like the sly minx you are, aren't you?"
Hana bit her bottom lip as she tried to match his demeanor. The taste of her lipstick filled her mouth, a mixture of sweet and slightly bitter.
"I don't know. Maybe I will, maybe I won’t. Are you going to be good this time?"
Buggy's gaze didn't waver, the tension between them building with each passing second. He clenched his fists at his sides, struggling to maintain his composure.
"Define ‘good’," Buggy replied, leaning in closer to her, their knees brushing under the table.
His voice was low and suggestive, causing a shiver to run up Hana's spine.
"I won't hurt anyone or do anything to you, but maybe I'll steal another present for you, hm?"
Hana let out a small laugh, her cheeks flushing at the thought of him going to such lengths for her.
"Hmm…No. Don’t steal anything else for me, okay? Then maybe I won’t push you away."
She playfully tapped his knee with her foot, feeling her heart race at their proximity. Her breath hitched in her throat as she held his intense stare, feeling an odd mixture of fear and intrigue.
"Is that all?" Buggy asked, raising an eyebrow. "What if I can be more than just 'good'? What if I can be everything you never knew you wanted?"
Hana's heart pounded in her chest at his words, her mind racing with the possibilities.
Her stomach was a swirling cauldron of nervous energy, each flick of a nerve sending waves of anticipation through her body. Buggy's gaze was like a lit match, hot and dangerous, daring her to let go of her reservations. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, and it both excited and frightened her.
Either way, Hana couldn't help but feel drawn to him, like a moth to a flame, unable to resist the undeniable pull of his charm and charisma.
"Everything I never knew I wanted?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.
Buggy leaned in closer, "I can show you things you've never even dreamed of," he murmured, sending shivers down her spine.
Hana's hands trembled with anticipation as she fought to keep them still, her eyes flickering with excitement at the possibility of what Buggy could offer her.
Hana's fingertips tingled with the temptation to reach out and touch Buggy's face, to feel the rough stubble on his jaw and the smoothness of his skin.
Damn it…he’s being way too attractive right now…
But she resisted, keeping her hands firmly in her lap. Despite the thrill that raced through her at his words, Hana knew she couldn't give in to his charms so easily. She couldn't let her guard down, not yet. This dance between them was just a game, and she couldn't forget that.
"Is that so?" she said coyly, trying to maintain her composure.
Buggy pulled back slightly, his gaze locking onto hers once again. "Yes," he said confidently.
Hana could feel herself being drawn in by his confidence and charm. A part of her wanted to believe him, wanted to give in and experience all that he promised. But another part of her knew better than to fall for his game.
She kept up her playful demeanor, hiding the turmoil within her. "I highly doubt that," she quipped with a smirk.
Buggy grinned mischievously, leaning back in his chair. "Oh really? Then why don't you let me prove it?"
Hana couldn't deny the flutter of excitement that shot through her at his words. She had always been adventurous and curious about new experiences, and Buggy seemed more than willing to provide them for her.
"Behave," she said, finally breaking eye contact as she fought to regain control of her emotions.
"Only if you promise not to push me away again," Buggy countered, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief.
"Deal," Hana whispered, her pulse still racing as she realized just how much she was willing to risk for this enigmatic pirate.
"I know you're just having fun," Buggy spoke up, trying to maintain an air of nonchalance. " but I'm not going to let you get to me this time."
"Is that so?" she murmured, her lips curving into a tantalizing smile. "Well, Captain, I'm not sure what you think I'm doing, but I'm just enjoying our lunch together."
"Right," he scoffed, rolling his eyes at her blatant lie. "Just remember, I'm onto you."
"Are you now?" Hana replied playfully, leaning back in her chair with an air of satisfaction. "Well then, Captain, let's see if you can resist my so-called 'game.'"
As Buggy met her challenging gaze, he couldn't help but wonder if he was in way over his head. Buggy couldn't help but entertain some rather provocative thoughts about Hana. He reveled in the way her eyes seemed to dance when she laughed, and how her lips curled into a teasing smile that left him wanting more.
Hana reached over to grab her drink, accidentally brushing her hand against Buggy's in the process. The brief contact sent a jolt of electricity through him, making him bite back a groan.
"Oops, sorry about that," she said innocently, her eyes twinkling with amusement. Buggy knew she was playing with him, but he couldn't resist the challenge she presented.
"Careful now," he warned playfully, his gaze never leaving hers. "You wouldn't want to tempt fate, would you?"
Hana teased with a sly grin, her eyes never leaving his as she took a slow sip of her drink. She leaned in closer, the warmth of her breath sending shivers down his spine. "Just remember," she breathed, placing her drink down and emphasizing each word, "you promised to behave."
He couldn't help but smirk as he responded, the words dripping with flirtation. "And I intend to keep that promise...for now."
======================
As they walked side by side, Buggy's fascination with Hana grew deeper, each laugh and smile she shared with him fanning the flames. He knew he shouldn't let himself get attached, but something about her radiant presence made it difficult to resist.
"Y'know," Hana began, her melodic voice cutting through the din, "I really enjoyed spending lunchtime with you."
Buggy's heart fluttered, but he quickly disguised it with a smirk. "Well, who wouldn't enjoy spending time with the amazing Buggy the Clown?" he teased, puffing out his chest in feigned arrogance.
Hana let out a small chuckle, shaking her head at his antics. She could see the vulnerability hiding beneath his humor, but she decided to play along. There was an undeniable charm to his playful arrogance, and she found herself drawn to it.
"Alright, Mr. Amazing," Hana teased, raising an eyebrow, "but I'm serious. It was nice to step away from Baratie for a bit and just enjoy myself."
"I liked it too," Buggy admitted, his tone softer than before.
He glanced at her, hoping his sincerity shone through his painted face. The bustling market around them was a blur of colors, scents, and sounds, but Buggy's attention was solely focused on the woman in front of him.
Her playful teasing and warm laughter had him feeling like a puppet on a string, unable to resist her pull. His mind already swirling with possibilities of how to keep her attention on him. He couldn't shake off the feeling that she was different from any other woman he had met before. She was bold, confident, and unapologetically herself.
But as they reached the end of their day at the market, Buggy's heart sank. They were soon going to part ways and he wasn't sure if he would ever see her again. Just the thought of it made his chest clench with sadness. Buggy's expression grew more somber.
"Listen," he began, fiddling with his scarf, "I need to tell you something. My crew and I, we're only staying here for one more day before we set sail again."
The memories of Ace and his farewell swirled around in Hana's mind as she listened to Buggy speak. Her heart felt heavy and sank in her chest, surprising her with its intensity. She never thought she would feel this way about Buggy, especially after what they had experienced during their unexpected reunion the night before. But throughout the day, she found herself enjoying his company more and more as he revealed himself to be a friend rather than a threat.
She tried to hide her disappointment behind a smile, but Buggy's keen eyes detected the sorrow that flickered across her face.
"Ah, I see," she responded, her voice wavering ever so slightly. "Well, I hope you have a safe journey, Buggy."
"Thanks," he mumbled, suddenly finding the cobblestone path beneath their feet incredibly interesting.
Buggy had the urge to say more, to comfort Hana in some way, but he understood that life as a pirate was full of uncertainty. Promises could easily be broken, and he didn't want to give her false expectations. However, as he reflected on the events of the day, he felt compelled to do or say something. He couldn't bear the thought of Hana forgetting about him or constantly wondering if they would ever cross paths again. Especially after what happened last time his ship left Baratie.
The sound of his throat being cleared filled the air, a small but noticeable noise.
"Hey, Hana…”
At the sound of his voice calling her name, Hana's head snapped around in eager anticipation.
“Yeah?”
Buggy's voice wavered slightly as he spoke, his usually confident tone replaced with a hint of uncertainty.
“What if we, uh, kept in touch while I'm away?" He fumbled with the hem of his striped shirt, avoiding her gaze. "Y'know, exchange letters, talk on the transponder snail? Maybe even hang out again the next time I come to the island...if you want."
Hana looked at him, her dark brown eyes searching for any sign of jest in his painted features. But all she found was a sincerity that caught her off guard. She hesitated, weighing the pros and cons of being friendly with a pirate.
As she contemplated Buggy's proposal, Hana couldn't deny the joy she had felt in his company. With every shared laugh, every playful flirtatious banter, she had felt her guarded walls crumble just a bit more. Buggy had shown her a side of himself that was genuine and vulnerable, something she hadn't expected from a pirate captain.
But there were risks involved. Pirates were notorious for their unpredictable lives, and associating with them could put her own life in jeopardy. Hana knew that the people of Baratie wouldn't take kindly to her befriending a pirate, especially one as infamous as Buggy.
However, the warmth and happiness that had started to bloom within her since giving Buggy a chance were undeniable. It had been so long since she had felt such lightness in her soul, and the thought of losing it now made her chest tighten.
"Alright," she finally replied, her voice soft yet determined. "We can keep in touch. I would like that, actually"
A surprised grin cracked through Buggy's nonchalance, his green eyes twinkling with delight. "Really?" he asked, feigning a casual tone that was betrayed by the excited bounce in his words.
"Really," Hana echoed, her own smile growing in response to his infectious enthusiasm. "But don't get too cocky about it, alright?"
"Yeah, yeah, sure! Whatever…" Buggy dismissed, his bravado returning as he struck a playful pose.
But behind the humor and theatrics, Hana could see the gratitude and relief that shimmered in his eyes, and it warmed her heart even more. A calm quietness filled the space between them, bringing a sense of ease. They had exchanged their contact information and now the gravity of their connection draped over them like a comforting cover.
"Take care, Buggy. And don't forget to write."
"Wouldn't dream of it," he assured her, offering a mock salute as they parted ways.
As Hana made her way back to her apartment, she couldn't help but replay the day's events in her mind. She had never expected to find herself growing fond of a pirate – especially one as eccentric and unpredictable as Buggy the Clown.
Yet here she was, her heart lighter than it had been in ages, all because of him.
==================
In the quiet solitude of her home, Hana allowed herself to fully embrace the happiness that bubbled within her. Her laughter echoed in disbelief through the empty space, bright and full of life as she thought again about all the events that happened within the past 24 hours.
It was a strange sensation, really – feeling this joy after so long wallowing in sorrow – but Hana welcomed it with open arms.
"Who would've thought a pirate…no…a clown pirate could make me feel this way?" she murmured to herself, shaking her head in disbelief.
It was ironic, really: the very thing that had initially pushed her away from Buggy was now the source of her newfound happiness.
She knew there were challenges ahead, and that their differing loyalties might create complications. But for the first time in a long time, Hana felt truly alive – and she had no intention of letting that feeling slip through her fingers.
"Here's to new beginnings," she whispered, raising an imaginary glass in a toast to herself and Buggy. And with that, Hana settled down in front of her window looking out into the ocean, her mind filled with laughter and the promise of what lay ahead.
======================
Buggy lay on his bed, gazing at the ceiling as the warm, flickering light of a lantern filled his cabin. The gentle sway of the ship beneath him was soothing, but it was Hana who occupied his mind. The usually theatrical pirate captain found himself almost in a dreamlike state, daydreaming about her radiant smile and melodic voice and laughter.
"Ugh, she's really got a hold on me..." He muttered aloud, shaking his head with a mixture of disbelief and amusement.
He could still feel the ghost of her touch as they had laughed together, their hands brushing by chance while browsing the market stalls earlier that day.
"Who would've thought I'd actually enjoy something so... mundane?" Buggy mused, toying with a strand of his bright blue hair.
It was an odd sensation, feeling truly content for once without the usual trappings of his larger-than-life persona. Seeing Hana again after believing he would never have the chance had struck a chord within him, a longing for connection he hadn't fully realized was there.
For a few precious hours, they had been able to forget their differences and simply enjoy each other's company like any normal couple.
The soft creaking of the vessel was almost soothing, lulling him into a drowsy stupor as his thoughts danced around Hana and their day at the market. He couldn't help but replay the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed or how her fingers felt intertwined with his own.
He rolled onto his side, clutching a pillow tightly to his chest as if it were Hana herself that he held. The scent of her perfume seemed to linger in the air, teasing him further as the vivid memories played out behind his closed eyelids.
"Captain," she had cooed playfully, a wicked smile dancing across her lips as she flirted with him.
That word, that simple title, carried so much more weight now that he associated it with her teasing voice.
It was both torturous and intoxicating, eliciting a mix of frustration and desire that left him squirming restlessly in his bed.
"Get a grip, Buggy," he scolded himself silently, but his mind refused to let go of the tantalizing images.
It was as if Hana had imprinted herself onto every corner of his being, leaving him no choice but to surrender to the overwhelming pull of her allure.
"Oooh, did I strike a nerve?” she had teased, “Or do you enjoy me calling you Captain?"
"If only she could call me that right now..." Buggy thought, heat rising in his cheeks and traveling down to pool between his legs at the memory.
“Fuck…”
He palmed his growing arousal and the world around him faded away as he succumbed to the seductive fantasies that danced through his dreams.
And though he may have been miles away from Hana in reality, it seemed that in his heart – and his dreams – she was never far from his side.
Chapter 11: #11 - Sweet Dreams are Made of These. Hana's Dilemma
Notes:
Hi everyone. I'm transferring the fic from my tumblr account to here, so that's why I haven't been updating on here as much as I wanted
Chapter Text
As the seasons subtly shifted, four months seamlessly slipped by since Buggy and Hana's chance meeting at the marketplace. Each day was a new chapter in their developing bond, strengthening with every shared moment.
Buggy now found himself aboard his ship, a quill dancing between his fingers as he carefully crafted another letter to Hana. His lips curved into an irrepressible grin, each penned word echoing the joy that bubbled within him. The anticipation of their next rendezvous on Organ Island was like a sweet melody playing in his heart, growing louder with each passing day.
The passage of time seemed to have deepened their connection rather than wear it thin. With each visit, they discovered new facets about each other; every shared laughter etched deeper into their memories, every exchanged glance held more meaning than before.
"Cap'n, are we setting sail for Organ Island again?" one of his crew members inquired, eyeing their captain suspiciously.
“Damn right, we are!”
“Does this visit have anything to do with that hostess girl?” another crew member asked Buggy.
Buggy's smile faltered for a moment as he thought back to Hana. He couldn't deny that she was the main reason he kept returning to Organ Island, but he didn't want to admit it openly to his crew. He looked away from the crew, pretending to focus on navigating their ship.
“No, shit!”
The very thought of seeing her again sent Buggy’s heart into a frenzy, like a wild stallion galloping, eager to reach its desired destination. As the island drew closer and closer, his excitement grew to a fever pitch, a fire igniting within him at the mere thought of laying eyes upon her once more.
Buggy couldn't contain his excitement and quickly covered it up with a boisterous laugh.
“I'm about to make her night by making my grand appearance before her. I’ll be so flashy that she won't be able to resist my superstar charm!"
The crew members were filled with a mix of admiration and intrigue as they pondered what their leader had planned in order to leave a lasting impression on the woman who had captured his complete attention.
==
Meanwhile, back at Baratie, Hana found heart pounding with excitement at the prospect of seeing Buggy again. As she worked behind her host stand, she'd replay their playful banter in her mind, her fingers brushing against her hair in anticipation as she bit her bottom lip with gleeful anticipation.
Zeff, standing behind the counter, raised an eyebrow as he noticed Hana's joyful demeanor.
"Who's got you all excited, girl?" he wondered aloud, not wanting to intrude but curious nonetheless.
"Oh, just a friend of mine who’s coming to visit" Hana replied, her expressive eyes lighting up with a secret delight.
The evening at the restaurant was bustling with activity as usual, but Hana seemed to be floating through her tasks more effortlessly than ever. Her smile was brighter, her laughter more melodic, and she moved with a renewed energy that captivated the patrons and staff alike.
"Hey, have you guys noticed Hana lately?" one of the cooks mumbled to his coworkers during a brief lull in their duties. "It's like she's been replaced by an even sunnier version of herself."
"Maybe she's met someone," another cook chimed in, waggling his eyebrows playfully.
"Really? Who do you think it might be?" Patty, asked curiously, leaning in closer to join the conversation.
“Whoever he is,” Carne added to the conversation “He seems to have captured her attention just as much as Sanji did...
As the staff continued to gossip about Hana's improved mood, Zeff watched from a distance, his piercing gaze never leaving Hana. He had indeed noticed the change in her demeanor, and while he was glad to see her happier, he couldn't help but wonder what had brought about this transformation.
"Alright, everyone! Enough chitchat. Back to work!" Zeff barked, drawing everyone's attention back to their duties.
Later that night, as Hana prepared to leave the restaurant, she could feel the curious eyes of her colleagues on her back. She tried to ignore them, focusing instead on the excitement that bubbled up inside her at the thought of meeting Buggy again.
"Take care, lass," Zeff said gruffly as she passed him on her way out. "But remember, not everyone out there has your best interests at heart." he added with a hint of caution in his voice.
"Thank you, Zeff. I'll keep that in mind," Hana replied with a warm smile, touched by his protectiveness.
With a final nod, she stepped out into the night, her heart fluttering with anticipation.
Everything around her seemed to fade away as she focused solely on the possibility of seeing Buggy once again. The night air was cool and salty, a contrasting change from the stuffy restaurant, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of adventure and freedom as she stepped onto the island's port, ready to embrace whatever the night had in store for her
Hana made her way down the sandy beach, and she spotted Buggy waiting for her near the shore, who was sprawled on the shore with relaxed confidence. The sight of him made her heart race, and she marveled at how this seemingly carefree pirate managed to make her feel so giddy.
“Buggy!”
Their eyes met, and it felt as if time itself slowed down for a brief moment. Buggy couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness at the sight of her. She looked even more beautiful than the last time he saw her, her dark hair cascading in loose waves down her back and her eyes sparkling with joy. The magnetic pull between them was undeniable, and Hana couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness wash over her as they reunited once more.
"Ahoy, fair maiden! What took you so long?" Buggy teased, sauntering over to her with a bouquet of vibrant flowers in his hand.
His green eyes sparkled with mischief, and a wicked grin spread across his face, making Hana's stomach flutter with butterflies.
"Keeping up with my admirers keeps me busy at the restaurant," Hana shot back playfully, accepting the flowers and taking a deep breath to savor their sweet scent.
"Admirers? I'm hurt, Hana," Buggy feigned offense, placing a gloved hand dramatically over his heart. "Am I not enough for you?"
Hana found herself giggling at his playful behavior, taking solace in their easy back-and-forth teasing. She met his gaze with a smile.
"Yes, yes, you are," Hana dismissed, her voice softening as she locked eyes with him. “But a girl can never have too many admirers, right?"
He teased, "In your case, you have too many of them! Just don't forget who your favorite pirate is."
"Of course, I won’t," she replied, her gaze flickering to his lips for a brief moment before meeting his eyes again. "How could I ever forget the great Buggy the Clown?"
"Ah, music to my ears!" Buggy exclaimed, grabbing her hand and leading her down the beach. "Now let's celebrate another reunion at Hooks, shall we?"
As they walked towards the bustling bar, Buggy and Hana caught up on their adventures since their last meeting. The warm and cozy atmosphere of their friendship made them feel right at home. With each visit, they grew more comfortable in each other's company. The sea breeze gently tousled their hair as they approached the lively establishment, its open doors revealing sounds of laughter and chatter within.
"Here we are," Buggy said with a grin as he pulled Hana into the dimly lit bar.
The bar was alive with energy, the noise of glasses clinking and loud laughter filling the air. It didn't have quite the same crowded and dangerous atmosphere as the first pirate bar she had visited, and she felt more relaxed because of it. They located an unoccupied booth in the back and eased down onto the soft cushions that gave under their weight.
"Quite the place you've chosen," Hana teased, relaxing against the soft upholstery.
"Only the best for my favorite girl," Buggy shot back, his green eyes glinting with mischief.
Hana laughed and joked, "I'm your favorite, huh? I bet none of the other women you flirt with on different islands can say that."
“Ha, you believe I'm capable of flirting with other women?” Buggy responded, a playful tone lacing his voice. “But let me assure you, you are my number one girl. No one could ever replace you.”
Hana felt a warmth spread through her chest as she heard his sincere compliment, surprised at the genuineness in his words.
"As for my favorite hostess, hmmm…I think I can find a better one than you..." Buggy suddenly joked, instantly changing the mood between them.
Hana gasped in mock offense and jokingly hit him on the shoulder. "Shut up and just order our drinks already!"
"Hey now, I'm the captain here! I should be giving orders," Buggy protested with a grin. “But…fine. I’ll go order, but not because you told me to!”
Hana let out a laugh and Buggy left his seat to order their drinks. As he did so, Hana's emotions were in a jumbled mess as she gazed at Buggy. The low lighting in the room cast a seductive aura on his unique features, emphasizing his face. His playful gaze and charming grin stirred butterflies in her stomach. It was a familiar sight that never failed to make her heart skip a beat.
As Hana sat in her seat, she couldn't help but reflect on how much things had changed since their first encounter at Baratie and on the beach. It was hard to believe that she was now in the presence of the man she had been crushing on for a while, who was once her enemy. It seemed like an impossible situation just a few months ago.
Buggy soon arrived at the table with drinks and noticed Hana’s spaced-out look in her eyes, almost like she was in a trance.
"Is something wrong, doll?" Buggy asked, his voice laced with concern as he caught her staring.
Hana snapped back to reality before letting out a shaky laugh, avoiding his gaze.
"It's nothing, really," she insisted, her mind racing with conflicting emotions.
As they raised their glasses in a toast, her thoughts were still running wild. She couldn't deny being drawn to Buggy's charm, but there was also a nagging feeling of something being off about it all.
How could I develop feelings for someone so different from the type of men I’m used to?
========================
A comfy glow bathed the intimate bar as Hana and Buggy shared a final drink, laughter bubbling between them like the champagne they were sipping. The night had been filled with unexpected moments of connection, and Hana found herself growing more and more drawn to the pirate captain seated across from her.
"Shoot!" Hana suddenly exclaimed, checking the time. "I'm supposed to meet Mom for dinner tonight! I’m sorry Buggy, I gotta go!"
Buggy's eyes widened in surprise.
"Oh, uh…then can I visit your apartment tomorrow?"
"Sure," she agreed, with a small smile. “I’d like that a lot”
As Hana stood from her seat, Buggy's gaze filled with a mix of longing and courage. His hand reached for hers with a nervous but confident energy. She could see the slight tremble in his fingers as they gently brushed her skin, his lips pressing ever so softly against her hand. As his breath escaped, its warmth seeped into her hand, sending a wave of electric tingles through her body.
"Promise me you'll let me know when you're back at your apartment, okay?" Buggy said, his voice a velvety murmur that stirred an unfamiliar flutter within her.
He abruptly interjected, as if he was afraid he had revealed too much of his inner feelings
“Just so uh…I know you’re safe…and yeah…”
"I promise...I will," Hana responded, her voice trembling with an emotion she dared not name.
She slowly retracted her hand, the ghostly imprint of his lips on her skin igniting a lingering warmth that seemed to echo the rhythm of her racing heart.
“Bye, Buggy. See you tomorrow”
“Bye, sweetheart”
Hana's face was flushed, her cheeks tinged with a rosy glow as she walked away from Buggy and the bar. Her eyes seemed to sparkle with excitement and her steps were slightly unsteady, betraying her giddy state. The lingering warmth from his lips on her skin made her heart race, but her mind was a chaotic whirlwind of emotions.
Her body was alive with a tingling heat, a reminder of the passion and desire that Buggy had ignited within her. Yet, with every step, her mind grappled with the reality of crushing on a pirate captain, unsure of how to navigate the uncharted waters of her heart.
The bustling city streets around her were filled with the sound of traffic and chatter from passerby, but Hana felt as though she was lost in her own head, the sound of her racing heart and thoughts drowning out the outside world. She wrestled with her confusion as she walked on her way to her mother's house, feeling conflicted about having feelings for someone like Buggy.
"Clowns are one thing," Hana muttered under her breath, recalling the man's flamboyant appearance and playful mannerisms, "but he's a pirate too; a wanted criminal."
Her grip tightened around the strap of her purse as she continued walking, almost tripping over her own feet in her distracted state.
"Get it together, Hana," she scolded herself, forcing her thoughts to become more coherent. “You made it this far with him with no problems!”
As she approached her mother's house, Hana engaged in an internal debate, trying to convince herself that there was a genuine good person beneath Buggy's unconventional exterior and his career path as a pirate. She reflected on the funny yet charming behavior he had exhibited towards her these past months, remembering the teasing banter they shared and the tenderness he showed when they were alone.
"Maybe he's just doing this because he wants to sleep with me," she mused to herself, her dark eyes clouding with doubt. “It’s obvious he has a crush on me so…that’s probably his end goal, right?
Hana's frustration bubbled up as she groaned in annoyance at her own confusion. Her mind raced to make sense of her jumbled emotions.
"But...there has to be something more to him than that, right? This would be an awfully long charade for him to keep up if he just wanted to sleep with me…"
As Hana reached the door of her mother's house, she hesitated, taking a deep breath and trying to steady herself. Her heart felt heavy with uncertainty, but she knew she couldn't ignore the allure of the enigmatic pirate who had captured her heart.
Hana's hand hovered over the doorknob, her fingers trembling as memories of Buggy's protective embrace washed over her. She recalled the time he had shielded her from a drunken patron's advances and how his eyes had softened when she had shown him the birthmark that marred her skin – the source of her insecurities.
Let’s put those thoughts aside for now…
With a deep breath, she twisted the doorknob and stepped inside her mother's home, hoping she could find some kind of solace in its familiar comforts.
As soon as she opened the door, Hana was greeted by the sound of small chatter, the sound of her mother bustling around in the kitchen, and the smell of a delicious home-cooked meal. Her nephew Ichiro bounded towards her, his arms outstretched.
"Auntie Hana!" he exclaimed, his eyes bright with joy.
"Hey there, little man!" Hana replied, her spirits lifting as she scooped him up, pressing a kiss to his chubby cheek.
He giggled and squirmed in her arms, delighted by her affection.
Her mother appeared in the doorway, a knowing smile on her face.
“Hi Mom!”
"Hi sweetie. Wow, you're glowing," she remarked, her gaze drifting to the bouquet.
“Yeah, I just got here from hanging out with…well…my friend.”
"I've noticed that ever since you started hanging out with this guy, you’ve been much happier."
Hana flushed, feeling both excited and anxious about discussing her newfound happiness with her family. They had always looked out for her, and she knew they would want only the best for her – but would they understand her feelings for someone like Buggy?
"Maybe," she admitted with a sheepish grin, thinking back to their evening together as she gazed at the bouquet in her hands.
Hana leaned back in her chair, a contented smile gracing her lips as she absentmindedly stroked the soft pedals of the flowers.
"There's just something about him," she said with a dreamy look in her eyes. "He has this way of making me laugh, smile, and feel happy all the time.”
Ren raised an eyebrow upon hearing his sister’s swooning, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"So, who is this mystery man, and why haven't we had the pleasure of meeting him yet? Afraid we'll scare him off?" He teased with a mischievous smile on his face.
Hana placed the bouquet on the table and gave her brother an exasperated look.
"Oh please," Hana scoffed "He has more things to be scared about than a guy with green hair streaks, a hyper six-year-old" – she shot Ichiro a funny and playful look, making him giggle – "and a teenage girl."
Sara chimed in, curiosity getting the better of her. "You said you've met him while working at Baratie, right?”
“Yeah”
“Was he a customer?"
Hana paused, memories flooding back of Buggy sauntering into the restaurant, hitting on her, and then the chaos that ensued when he and his crew invaded the place out of nowhere. She inwardly cringed at the thought but spoke calmly.
"He dined there with some of his... friends. He, uh, hit on me, but I didn't pay attention until we reunited and just... clicked."
"Really?" Sara asked, her eyes wide with excitement. "What's his name? What does he look like?”
Hana took a deep breath, feeling the warmth rise to her cheeks as she thought about Buggy's unconventional looks.
"His name is... well, I like to call him Bugs. And trust me, he's quite...unique."
Ren pondered Hana's use of the word "unique," finding it interesting.
"With a name like Bugs, you would expect him to be anything but ordinary," he commented, rolling his eyes in jest.
"Yeah," she admitted, her heart swelling with affection for the quirky pirate captain. "He has this amazing ability to make me laugh even when I think I can't. There's just something about him that... draws me in."
Hana's face flushed crimson as her family stared at her, their anticipation palpable. The room felt suddenly smaller, and the air hung heavy with curiosity with boy-crazy Sara being the most curious. Hana took a deep breath, steadying herself before addressing Sara's eagerness.
"And, fine," Hana conceded, rolling her eyes at her sister's insistence. "If you must know, yes, he's hot."
"Well?" Sara questioned, her excitement barely contained. "Tell us more! C’mon!"
"Alright, alright." Hana sighed, giving in to her sister's relentless curiosity.
As she spoke, she couldn't help but picture Buggy in her mind – his vivid green eyes that seemed to pierce right through her, his chiseled jawline, and that shock of blue hair that always looked so soft and inviting.
"He's got this rough stubble, these incredibly bright green eyes, and even long blue hair!"
"Long blue hair?" Ren interjected, raising an eyebrow. "That's...not what I was expecting."
"Hmm?" Hana's mother asked curiously, her eyes wide with intrigue. "That's interesting."
"Hey, that cute bounty hunter guy has green hair, so it's not that weird," Sara chimed in, her tone playful as she tried to recall his name. "His name's Zolo or something like that… I don't remember. I saw him in the papers."
"Zolo?" Ren repeated, a sardonic smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "What the hell is in the air that’s causing both my sisters to be into guys with weird names?!"
"Oh zip it, you dummy" Sara shot back, her eyes performing an exaggerated roll in response to her brother's relentless ribbing.
“Hahaha!” Ichiro laughed “Zip it zip it zip it, dummy!”
Sara looked mortified “No, don’t say that Ichiro!”
Sara sighed in frustration, finding it difficult to adjust to the idea that she had to be cautious of what she said around her nephew.
"So, when will we meet this 'Handsome Bugs' guy?" Ren inquired, turning his attention back to Hana.
“Yes, when?” their mom chimed in with a caring smile “I would like to certainly meet him. Maybe we can have him over for one of our dinners.”
Hana hesitated, her heart racing as she pondered how to respond. If this was anyone else she was seeing, this wouldn’t be a problem.
But this wasn’t just anyone.
This was Buggy.
"Well…" Hana began, biting her lip nervously. "I'm… I'm not sure. I like him, and I know he likes me, but…"
"But?" Sara prodded, leaning forward in anticipation of Hana's answer.
Hana sighed, her eyes downcast as she grappled with her conflicting emotions.
"He's just… different," she admitted quietly. "I don't think he's the kind of guy you bring home to meet the family right away.”
"Why not?" Sara probed, her eyes narrowing in curiosity. Hana glanced at her sister before revealing the depth of her uncertainty.
"He's...he's very self-conscious about his looks. Not just with me, but with anyone he meets.”
Ren and Sara glanced at each other in confusion over Hana’s words, pondering just how serious their sister was being. Ren broke the tense silence with a snort of laughter.
“Seriously?!”
Hana glared at her brother, her face twisted in anger.
"Knock it off!”
"Why does he think he's so unattractive?" Ren continued to probe, undeterred by Hana's warning. “Does he have a third eye or a big nose?”
“Ren…”
“Is he so ugly that we’re gonna be scared of him?!”
Hana gritted her teeth in frustration before finally losing her temper and lashing out at him.
“SHUT UP! I SHOWED HIM THE MARK!”
Ren's teasing came to a halt as soon as she spoke those words. The memories of his sisters being teased flooded back, and he understood the gravity of her statement.
“And if you must know, Ren,” Hana hissed at him “He's actually self-conscious about the size of his nose!”
Hana's tone softened as she recalled Buggy's outburst about his nose, causing her heart to ache with sympathy.
“When he opened up to me about it, I showed him the mark to let him know that he wasn't alone in feeling insecure.”
The household was dead silent as the room felt the sadness emulating from Hana.
“I don’t care about his nose. I think he's so handsome and I love spending time with him, but he doesn't see himself in the way I do..."
She trailed off, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear as she considered the situation.
"So I'm not sure if he will have the courage or the motivation to take that step further, being self-conscious and whatnot. I don’t even know if he’s willing to…y’know…take the step."
Hana could feel the weight of her family's stares on her, and she knew they shared her concerns about her complications with Buggy. Ren picked up on his sister's somber mood and spoke more gently.
"You think he's worth keeping around?" Ren asked, his voice laced with both skepticism and concern.
Hana stared at her brother, chewing on her lip as she pondered his words. Sure, Buggy wasn't exactly the most conventional guy she'd had a crush on - far from it, in fact - but would he really be the kind of guy who could fit into her life?
"I'm not sure," she admitted, her voice wavering slightly. "But I hope he will be."
Ren nodded, understanding the complexity of Hana's feelings.
"Sometimes people surprise us," her mother interjected gently, her warm gaze focused on Hana. "Just remember to follow your heart and trust your instincts. We'll support you no matter what."
Hana smiled, grateful for her family's unwavering love and encouragement. As she sat there, surrounded by the people who meant the most to her, she knew that whatever decision she made regarding Buggy, they would stand by her side.
===========
Hana lay on her back in her dimly lit bedroom, her black hair fanned out on the pillow like a halo. The soft fabric of her sleepwear provided little comfort as she stared up at the ceiling, lost in thought. Zeff’s words of concern and her family dinner replayed in her mind, the words she had spoken about Buggy echoed in her head. She meant everything she said, but she couldn't help but continue to wonder if he would want to pursue anything serious with her.
Am I even ready for that?
Her heart was still partially tethered to her past. But there was no denying the unexpected happiness she had found with Buggy.
She sighed and hugged her pillow, her fingers gently caressing its soft surface as her thoughts continued to drift to Buggy. His bright blue hair, rugged good looks, and playful demeanor filled her mind, bringing a smile to her face. She never expected to feel this conflicted, yet so content over someone like him.
"Maybe... maybe something could happen between us," she murmured, her eyes growing heavy.
As sleep began to claim her, she felt herself slipping into a hazy world where reality and fantasy blended together. She could almost hear Buggy's voice, teasing her playfully as he often did.
"Come on, baby... don't be shy," his voice seemed to say, echoing through her subconscious.
Her heartbeat quickened, anticipation tingling in her veins as she surrendered to the dream-filled slumber, Buggy's image the last thing on her mind before the darkness enveloped her completely.
Hana's senses blurred as she drifted deeper into the dream, the borders of reality fading away.
================================
The air around her grew cooler, and she found herself standing amidst a hazy darkness. A faint scent of popcorn and cotton candy lingered in the air, tickling her nose.
"Where am I?" she whispered, feeling disoriented. Her eyes adjusted to the dim surroundings, revealing the unmistakable shape of a circus tent. She shivered, realizing that she was clad only in her underwear.
"Hey, babe," Buggy's voice suddenly called out, startling her. "Don't be scared. It's just me."
Relief washed over Hana, and her heartbeat slowed at the sound of his familiar voice.
"Buggy? What's going on? Why is it so dark?" she asked, her confusion evident in her tone.
"It’s dark because these FREAKS can't turn on a spotlight to save their asses!" Buggy exclaimed, seemingly addressing no one in particular.
With a sudden hum, a spotlight flickered on, illuminating Buggy who sat on his captain's throne.
The spotlight was a bright beam, cutting through the darkness and highlighting Buggy's figure. His blue hair shone like a deep ocean, cascading over his shoulders and framing his alluring pose on his throne. His bare chest glistened with sweat, the muscles defined and toned under his skin. His legs were spread apart, revealing his confident stance, and his orange bicorn hat strategically covered his lower regions.
"Hi," Buggy greeted, his signature wide grin plastered across his face as he noticed Hana's lingering gaze.
Hana's eyes couldn't help but trace the curves and lines of his body and she found herself entranced by the sight before her.
Wow she thought, her cheeks flushing with heat. Hana's mouth watered, involuntarily licking her lips at the sight of Buggy's toned physique.
"Like what you see?" Buggy teased, his signature grin plastered on his face.
The cool air brushed against her exposed skin, heightening her awareness of her scantily-clad state. She instinctively crossed her arms over her chest, but curiosity kept her eyes locked on him. Hana's skin prickled with goosebumps as she stood in her underwear, feeling exposed under Buggy's intense gaze.
Hana bit her lip, torn between her desire to indulge in this enticing fantasy and her nagging sense of vulnerability.
"Come on, babe," he coaxed, extending a hand toward her. "You don't have to be shy."
As if drawn by an invisible force, Hana hesitantly took a few small steps forward toward Buggy’s throne, her pulse quickening with each movement. The spotlight seemed to follow her, casting eerie shadows on the tent walls. Hana stopped in her tracks as she hesitated to approach Buggy, who watched her intently, his eyes filled with anticipation and desire.
His eyes scanned her curvaceous body barely concealed by the fabric "I gotta say, that’s a good look on you."
"Buggy?! What are you...?" Hana stammered, attempting to cover herself up with her arms.
A strange mix of embarrassment and attraction made her heart race. Buggy then disconnected a hand, making it fly towards her and placed a finger at her lips.
"Shh," Buggy hushed her gently, his voice dripping with a strange comfort.
He softly traced his gloved finger from her lips to her chin, holding it so she would meet his gaze with a tender grip that was both commanding and comforting.
"C'mere, baby."
Hana hesitated again, but the magnetic pull she felt toward Buggy was undeniable. She slowly continued her trek towards him, each step feeling like wading through a dreamy haze. As she finally reached the throne, Buggy extended his arms and wrapped his hands around her waist, pulling her closer to him.
"Let me take care of you..." he whispered softly, his eyes locked onto hers.
Hana gazed into Buggy's eyes, seeing the intense yearning and want reflected in them as she hesitated. His trademark smirk spread across his features, lending him a cheeky and irresistible air. She reached for his hat resting on his lap, revealing his bare form underneath. Despite her anxiousness, she couldn't resist being drawn in by the sight of his impressive stature standing at full attention, ready to claim her as his own.
“Sit on my lap” he nearly demanded.
As Hana obeyed, she felt a wave of heat wash over her body. His exposed member pressed against her through the thin fabric of her underwear, heightening her excitement.
He began to shower her with tender kisses, sucks, and licks – starting at her neck and making his way down to her breasts. With every kiss, she couldn't help but let out a low moan of pleasure, each one building on the last until they became louder and more urgent. Every touch of his lips sent delightful shivers down her spine that only intensified over time.
“It’s been so long, hasn’t it?” Buggy teased with a husky baritone to his voice “Letting a man touch you and make you feel good like this?”
His hands glided down her body, stopping just above her panties. The anticipation of his touch sent shivers of excitement through her, and she couldn't stifle a soft moan of desire. It was clear that he was right - it had been quite some time since Hana had been intimate with a man.
“Mhmm.”
He smiled proudly as his fingers traced patterns on her inner thighs, causing her heart to race even faster. Eventually, he slipped his hand into her panties and began circling her most sensitive area, igniting a fire within her that she couldn't resist.
“Ahhh!”
She shifted her body while remaining in his lap, giving herself completely to him in that moment. Nothing else mattered except for the electrifying feeling coursing through her body at his touch. Hana's lips were parted, her breath coming in shuddering gasps as she surrendered to the incredible sensations coursing through her.
“Buggy!”
Hana's eyes fluttered as her body arched towards Buggy's touch.
“Ahhh ahhh…Buggy!”
She felt him harden even more at her exclamation of his name, adding to the pleasure.
“That’s it, baby. Say my name loud and proud.”
Her voice was a velvet moan, dripping with desire and surrender, as she called out his name with abandon.
Hana's mouth was dry and parched, her tongue thick in her mouth as she moaned and gasped for air between her cries of pleasure. Mixing with his own husky groans, they created a symphony of desire and pleasure that filled the room and drowned out any other sound.
“Oh…oh god! Yeah! Just like that!”
"You feel so divine, mon amour," a familiar voice unexpectedly murmured in her ear.
Hana's head snapped up in surprise, her eyes wide with confusion as she recognized Sanji's voice coming from Buggy's mouth.
"Sanji? But... Buggy?" she stuttered, unable to comprehend the surreal turn the dream had taken.
The dissonance between the voice and the person before her was jarring, leaving her questioning the reality of the situation.
"Is it really that important right now?" Buggy asked, his grin still present, but his voice unmistakably Sanji's. "Just enjoy the moment, love."
Hana's mind reeled, torn between the desire to give in to the pleasure and the confusion over the identity of the man before her. As her thoughts swirled, the dream began to unravel, causing Hana to jolt awake in her bed.
“HUH?!”
Her eyes scanned the room frantically, hoping to catch a glimpse of either Sanji or Buggy. But she found herself alone in her room. Despite the sudden end of her dream, she couldn't shake off the mixture of arousal and frustration that still lingered within her.
"Damn it, damn it, damn it!" she cried out, her voice muffled by the pillow she buried her face in.
Frustration boiled within her and her fists pounded against the bed in response. The conflicting emotions from hearing Sanji's voice while being intimate with Buggy overwhelmed her: desire for more mixed with unease. She took deep breaths to try and calm herself, but it was no use.
Hana lay in bed for what felt like hours, her mind swirling with conflicted emotions and thoughts about her dream. She still couldn't shake off the lingering arousal from the intimate moments with Buggy, even though it had been interrupted by Sanji's unexpected appearance.
"Why me? Why am I getting teased in my dreams?!" she asked out loud in annoyance and sadness. "I thought I was moving on! And why did it have to feel so good?”
She groaned in frustration as she rolled onto her side, burying her face into her pillow. She had worked hard to move on from her feelings for Sanji, but these dreams seemed determined to keep him in her life.
"Should I even pursue anything with Buggy yet?" Hana mumbled.
A fierce conflict between her emotions and rationality continued to wage inside her, and it seemed this war would not be settled anytime soon. Perhaps one day, when the war inside her had quieted, she would know if pursuing anything with Buggy was the right path for her.
Chapter 12: #12- Gather up all of the Crew! Hana Meets the Buggy Pirates.
Chapter Text
Buggy was up late, working on a weapon at his desk in his dimly lit quarters aboard his ship. Sleep eluded him as he couldn't help but think about Hana's abrupt departure from their meetup at Hook's earlier that day.
At first, he paced around his small living space with a nervous energy that was out of character for his usually confident demeanor. Eventually, he decided to distract himself by tinkering with various gadgets and tools on his workbench. However, despite keeping his hands busy, he couldn't help but tap his fingers anxiously and glance over at the silent transponder snail with a desperate hopefulness.
"She wouldn't just...forget to call me...right?" he muttered under his breath.
As he continued working on his weapon, which was a smoke bomb, his mind couldn't help but race about the possibility of doing something different for Hana. Something that would be unexpected but still exciting for her.
"Something that will have her coming back for more," he thought out loud to himself, smirking at the idea.
Meanwhile, Hana lay awake in her bedroom, unable to find sleep after the dream she had about Buggy and her inner conflict with having feelings for him. She turned her head, glancing at her transponder snail, Shelly, who blinked innocently at her from her nightstand.
"What should I do, Shelly?" Hana asked, hoping to find some guidance in the confusion of her thoughts. “Should I pursue something with Buggy?”
Shelly offered no response other than blinking again, as if confused. Hana sighed as she got up from bed, deciding that perhaps a change of scenery might help.
Gently picking up Shelly, she carried her to the kitchen, whispering, "How about a late-night snack?"
Despite her deep concerns, Hana couldn't help but smile at the happy snail as it blinked and wiggled in reply.
The kitchen was filled with a soft light that created a cozy and comforting atmosphere for their late-night gathering. Hana idly played with a slice of juicy orange while watching Shelly munch on lettuce. As Hana's mind drifted back to Buggy, she suddenly realized something significant like a crashing wave hitting a shore.
"Shelly, when you're done I'm gonna need to call Buggy for a little bit, ok?" she asked her snail companion, who blinked and nodded before continuing its feast. Once Shelly finished, Hana picked up the transponder snail, her heart beating slightly faster in anticipation.
Back on Buggy's ship, the pirate captain jumped at the sound of his transponder snail ringing unexpectedly. A mix of annoyance and hope surged through him as he answered his snail.
"What?," Buggy answered, trying to keep the excitement out of his voice.
"Hi, Buggy. I’m sorry I completely forgot to call you! I just... well, I fell asleep," Hana admitted, rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly. “It’s been a long day…”
"Ah, so I don't get an apology for being left hanging all night?" he teased, his voice dripping with playful sarcasm.
"Wasn't that part of the fun?" Hana shot back, grinning even though he couldn't see her directly. She could almost hear the smirk in Buggy's voice as he responded.
"Maybe for you," he said, feigning casualness but secretly relieved that she had called. "But some of us have been worried sick."
"Really? You've been worried about me?" Hana asked, her heart fluttering at the thought.
"Of course I have. But don't let it go to your head," Buggy warned, the hint of vulnerability in his voice betraying his true feelings.
"Right," Hana replied with a soft chuckle, feeling an inexplicable warmth spread through her chest at their banter. "So, now that we've cleared that up, what's been keeping you up this late?"
"Ah, just tinkering with a few things," he said cryptically, not wanting to reveal too much about his smoke bomb project. "What about you? What's got you calling me in the dead of night?"
"Can't a girl just call her favorite pirate when she can't sleep?" she teased, her words like a balm to Buggy's insecure heart.
"Favorite, huh?" he mused, "I guess I can live with that."
"Also," Hana said, her voice taking on a warm, inviting tone. "I was thinking I could see you in the morning."
"In the morning?" Buggy raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a devilish grin. "Oh, is this your way of asking me to spend the night?"
"Hardy har har." Hana laughed in a deadpan way. "I meant if you want to drop by the apartment for some coffee. I have the day off, so I'm all yours."
Buggy's heart skipped a beat at her words, though he hid it well with another joke. "All mine, huh?"
Hana rolled her eyes, her wavy black hair swaying gently as she did so. Buggy's snail mimicked her body language perfectly, making him chuckle.
"You know what I mean, Clown," Hana said, unable to hide the smile that played at the corners of her mouth.
"Yeah, yeah, I know," Buggy replied, his voice betraying his excitement. "Sure, I'll come by tomorrow morning."
"Good," she replied, her eyes shining with anticipation. "I'll see you in the morning then."
As Hana hung up, the warmth of their conversation lingered in the air between them, Shelly returning to her usual, unassuming state. Buggy stood in his room momentarily, lost in thought as he considered their interaction. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the table, a new determination taking root within him.
"Alright," he whispered to himself, his green eyes ablaze with inspiration. "Let's do something special for her."
With that, Buggy turned his attention back to his workbench, his hands deftly working on a completely new version of the smoke bomb he had been tinkering with earlier. He knew that time was running short, but he couldn't help but want to create something that would capture Hana's attention, something that would solidify their connection even further.
As the night wore on, Buggy worked tirelessly, fueled by the thought of seeing Hana's smile when she laid eyes on his creation. He carefully mixed chemicals and adjusted the mechanisms within the smoke bomb, all the while imagining her laughter echoing in his ears.
"She'll see what this clown can really do." he murmured to himself as his heart swelled with hope and excitement.
============
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, with undertones of chocolate and caramel. It wrapped around Hana's apartment, making it feel warm and welcoming. However, even in this cozy atmosphere, Hana couldn't shake off her thoughts as she noticed the subject of her sensual dream standing right beside her. She tried to avoid his gaze, feeling shy and uncertain in his presence.
Meanwhile, Buggy cradled his mug of steaming coffee, still trying to wake up from working all night. He enjoyed the warmth seeping through his glove as he took a sip and allowed his gaze to linger on Hana.
As the morning light gently caressed her profile, she seemed to radiate an otherworldly aura. The way the golden rays danced against her dark hair was hypnotizing, and Buggy couldn't help but admire how serene she looked as she stood lost in contemplation. Completely unaware of his presence, the sunlight created a halo around her head, adding to her ethereal beauty.
“You okay there, doll?” Buggy called out, making Hana jump by her mind and silence being disturbed.
“Y…yeah I’m alright…” Hana stuttered nervously attempting to smile “I’m just…a little on edge. I didn’t get a lot of sleep last night. I guess I just have a lot on my mind and…I need a distraction”
“Yeah, I didn’t get a lot of sleep either. Had some work stuff to do…”
A lightbulb suddenly went off in Buggy’s head as he contemplated Hana’s words.
“I need a distraction…”
"Hey," he began, raising an eyebrow, "I got an idea... How about you visit my ship today? Meet the crew and all that."
Hana's body tensed as she gripped the windowsill tighter. She longed to spend more time with Buggy, but between her dream last night, and the idea of going on a pirate ship, it felt like she was pushing her limits. Her heart raced and she stole a glance at him, unsure and hesitant.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" she asked, her voice wavering. "I mean... they're pirates."
"Ah, don't worry," Buggy responded nonchalantly, setting his cup down. "They won't pose any threat to you. I promise no one will lay a finger on you while you're here.”
Buggy's gentle approach was evident in the way he took slow, cautious steps toward Hana, his eyes filled with understanding and concern. He kept a safe distance, giving her space and time to process his offer.
“My crew knows better than to cross me, especially when it comes to someone I care about. You'll be with me, so they'll treat you like a queen.”
His assurances penetrated Hana’s apprehension, and she found herself slowly relaxing. Hana took a deep breath before turning to face him fully, her dark brown eyes searching his.
"Besides," Buggy added with a sly grin, leaning in closer to Hana, "They're my crew. They have to do what I say at all times. Or else..." His voice trailed off, leaving the implication hanging in the air.
Hana's heart raced, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. She knew how dangerous Buggy could be, and the thought of being on his ship with his unpredictable crew sent a shiver down her spine. But she couldn't deny the growing trust and connection between them, and she wanted to see this side of him – the charismatic leader who commanded loyalty from his motley crew.
"Alright, Buggy," she said finally, her voice wavering only slightly. "I'll go."
Buggy's face lit up with excitement. "Great!" he exclaimed, unable to contain his enthusiasm. "Can I use your transponder snail to call Cabaji, my first mate? I want to let him know you're coming and that they'd better roll out the red carpet for you."
"Sure, just be careful with Shelly" Hana replied, leading him to her snail “She can be a bit skittish”
“Yeah, yeah, I’ll be careful. Don’t worry” Buggy dismissed as he approached the snail
Her stomach fluttered with anxiety as Buggy called his first mate.
"Hey, Cabaji! Listen up," Buggy barked into the device. "Hana, the lovely hostess from Baratie, is coming to visit our humble abode today and I want everyone to make her feel welcome, understood? I expect everyone to treat her like royalty!"
Hana couldn't help but overhear the conversation, and her heart eased a bit, realizing her visit might not be too bad after all.
"Understood, Captain," came Cabaji's slightly amused voice through the snail. "We'll make sure she feels welcome."
"Good," Buggy said before hanging up and turning back to Hana, his face beaming with anticipation. "See? Everything will be fine. My crew knows what's good for them."
As she glanced at him, she saw genuine affection in his eyes, and she realized that beneath the playful exterior, Buggy truly cared for her well-being. This newfound understanding deepened her trust in him, and she felt a surge of anticipation for the adventure that lay ahead.
==========
Later on that day, Hana and Buggy approached the massive ship anchored in the harbor. Hana's eyes widened in awe at the sight of The Big Top, its brightly colored circus tent designs, and the imposing figurehead of an elephant with a cannon for a trunk dominating her vision. The overall size of the vessel dwarfed any other ships nearby, and Hana couldn't help but feel a mixture of fascination and trepidation, having never set foot on a pirate ship before.
"Welcome to The Big Top!" Buggy proclaimed, extending his arm dramatically towards the ship while grinning from ear to ear. "I guarantee you've never seen anything quite like this!"
Hana hesitated, swallowing hard as she glanced between Buggy and the ship. She could feel the irony of the situation pressing down on her; the daughter of a man who had spent his life fending off pirates now willingly stepping onto their ship. Her breath caught in her throat as she hesitated, her body tensing with apprehension.
"Hey," Buggy said softly, reaching out to place a comforting hand on Hana's arm. "Remember what I told you? They won't harm you. I give you my word."
His reassurance seemed genuine, and Hana felt some of the tension leave her body. Feeling bolstered by Buggy's reassurance, Hana let out a shaky breath and nodded. She gave him a small, tentative smile and took a bold step forward onto the gangplank leading to the ship. With each step, she felt her curiosity about Buggy and his pirate life growing stronger, propelling her further into this new world.
Once they were aboard, Hana marveled at the intricate details of the circus-themed ship, her eyes darting around to take it all in. She couldn't deny her growing fascination with the man who commanded such a vessel and the life he led. Though her heart still pounded with apprehension, she knew that Buggy would protect her, and that knowledge lent her the courage to explore The Big Top further.
"Come on," Buggy said, sensing her unease and offering her a comforting smile. "Let me show you around."
With a mixture of excitement and nerves, Hana took Buggy's outstretched hand, ready to embark on this new adventure together.
===========
Buggy led Hana down a brightly lit corridor of The Big Top, the colorful walls adorned with vibrant banners and streamers that seemed to dance in the warm lantern light. The ship's interior was just as bold and lively as its exterior, and Hana couldn't help but feel her spirits lift with each step she took. Buggy, ever the showman, reveled in her reactions, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he swept an arm out to reveal yet another stunning feature of his beloved ship.
"Behold," he exclaimed theatrically, "the grand dining hall!" The doors swung open to reveal a vast room filled with long tables draped in crimson cloth, flanked by ornate chairs that would rival any royal throne. Suspended above them were elaborate chandeliers casting a warm glow, their myriad of crystals reflecting brilliant colors onto the walls.
"Wow," breathed Hana, genuinely impressed. "I never imagined a pirate ship could be so... beautiful."
"Ah, you've seen nothing yet," Buggy replied with a sly grin. He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Let me show you the true heart of The Big Top."
As they continued their tour, Hana found herself warming up to the enigmatic pirate captain. Despite her initial reservations, she couldn't deny the allure of his charm and the captivating atmosphere he created. The tension between them crackled like electricity, igniting her curiosity and making her heart beat a little faster.
"Tell me, Hana," Buggy asked playfully, leaning against a railing overlooking the ship's impressive amphitheater. "Do you enjoy a good show?"
"Of course," she replied, meeting his gaze with a teasing smile. "But I imagine your idea of a 'good show' is probably something I've never seen before."
"Perhaps," he conceded, his eyes dancing with merriment. "But I think you'll find my performances quite... entertaining."
As Buggy regaled her with stories of his daring exploits and spectacular shows, Hana found herself drawn in by his passion for entertainment. She couldn't help but laugh at his exaggerated gestures and the way he punctuated his tales with a flourish of his hands. The more time she spent with him, the more she realized that there was so much more to Buggy than just his pirate persona.
"Alright, Buggy," Hana said, leaning in conspiratorially as they reached the ship's theater, "tell me your secret. How do you make all of this happen?"
"Ah, well," Buggy replied, tapping the side of his nose with a wink. "A true magician never reveals his secrets." With that, he spun away from her, his coat billowing out dramatically behind him as he disappeared backstage, leaving Hana to marvel at the wonder of his world.
"Come on!" Buggy called out from behind the curtains, his voice full of excitement. "There's so much more I want you to see!"
Hana grinned, shaking her head in amusement as she followed Buggy's voice. It seemed that beneath the clownish exterior lay a man who was passionate about his craft and eager to share it with her. As she stepped through the curtains and into the world of Buggy the Clown, she knew that this was an adventure she wouldn't soon forget.
=======
Hana stood in the dimly lit armory, her eyes wide with curiosity as she traced the cold metal edges of various weapons that lined the walls. The air was heavy with a potent mixture of gunpowder and steel, a stark reminder of the dangerous reality of Buggy's life. She shivered involuntarily, feeling the weight of her surroundings.
"Hey, come look at this" Buggy said, his voice breaking through her thoughts.
Pulling out a small object from his pocket, he held a small, cylindrical object in his hand – a smoke bomb.
"It's something I've been working on since last night"
Hana eyed the device warily, feeling a sudden surge of nervousness course through her veins. She hesitated, glancing between the smoke bomb and Buggy's reassuring smile.
"You're not going to use that on me, are you?"
"Relax," Buggy said, laughing at her apprehension.
With a flick of his wrist, he detached one of his hands and playfully tapped her shoulder. She turned around and both hands playfully tossed the bomb between each hand, making her giggle.
"Trust me, it won't hurt you."
He squeezed the smoke bomb, and a plume of deep red smoke erupted, quickly enveloping the area between them. It wasn't overpowering, but more like a soft gust of wind carrying a floral scent.
The smoke moved like a ghostly dance, twirling and turning in fluid motions until it took the form of a crimson heart, pulsing and alive in the air. Hana reached out tentatively, but her hand passed through the heart shape effortlessly, like a cloud. The smoke felt cool against her skin, sending shivers down her spine. Hana couldn't help but laugh at the whimsical display, feeling a flutter of joy in her chest as the smoke dissipated into the air.
As the smoke-heart vanished, she purred, "What's this, Captain?"
She shot Buggy a mischievous look and playfully blew him a kiss, sending the remnants of the smoke towards his face.
“Are you trying to tell me you're in love with me?"
Buggy’s eyebrows furrowed in surprise, his eyes widening with astonishment at Hana's unexpected reaction. His face turned a bright shade of crimson, matching the color of his nose and lips. He hadn't expected such a strong reaction from Hana when he set off the smoke bomb, especially when she blew him a kiss in response.
"H-Ha! You wish!" Buggy stuttered, trying to maintain his composure. But his eyes gave away a trace of eagerness and bashfulness, despite his sarcastic comeback. “Just uh…wanted to show you what I could do..”
====================
As they emerged onto the deck, Hana could see the sun setting in the distance, casting a warm orange glow over the bustling pirate ship. The crew members were busy at work, some hoisting sails, others scrubbing the deck, their faces sweaty and determined. Hana noticed their colorful attire and the intricate designs on their clothing, each one unique to their individual personalities.
“ATTENTION FREAKS!”
Everyone suddenly paused their actions and focused on their captain as Buggy stood proud and tall with a smile on his face.
"Everyone, this is Hana, the hostess from Baratie!" he boasted, placing a hand on Hana's shoulder.
Hana's smile seemed forced and nervous, her lips barely curling up at the corners. The sea of circus pirates in front of her looked fierce and intimidating, with their colorful clothing and various weapons hanging from their belts. Their expressions were a mix of curiosity and suspicion as they stared back at her.
She timidly waved at the rowdy crew, hoping to make a good impression amidst their chaotic energy.
“Is she here to bring us food?!” One of the crew members mistakenly assumed.
Buggy shot a glare at the crew member and clenched his jaw in frustration.
"No, you idiot!" he bellowed, his face turning a vibrant shade of red. "She's here as my VIP! I so graciously offered to show her around the ship and let her marvel at its beauty!”
Hana glanced at Buggy, narrowing her eyes at his sudden change in demeanor.
Is he being serious?!
The crew chattered with excitement over Buggy’s claim, causing Hana's nerves to skyrocket.
What are they so excited about?
“I have been so gracious enough to let into our world” Buggy continued “and I command you to treat her with the respect she deserves, even when I'm not around! Understand?!"
The crew erupted into a few small cheers, and one member boldly declared, "If she can grab the Captain's attention, then she's definitely worthy!"
The rest of the crew cheered on and Hana couldn't help but feel both flustered, confused, and yet amused by their unwavering loyalty to Buggy – and by extension, her.
I’m just a hostess who had a few drinks with him…that’s all. I’m no Queen of the Pirates or anything like that!
========
As the clamor died down, Hana found herself pondering the strange turn of events that had led her to become allies with an entire pirate crew. Hana's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she took in the eclectic mix of pirates that made up Buggy's crew.
Each member seemed to possess a unique talent and personality that added to the vibrant atmosphere onboard the ship. As she mingled and engaged in conversations, she found herself drawn to Mohji, the pompous beast tamer who had a flair for the dramatic.
"Ah, so you are Miss Hana! Buggy has told me all about you," Mohji said with an exaggerated flourish of his hand. "I am Mohji, tamer of beasts, master of the extraordinary Richie!"
"Nice to meet you, Mohji," Hana replied, amused by his theatrics. "Buggy mentioned your lion, Richie. Where is he?"
"Right here!" Mohji exclaimed, leading her to an enormous green lion lounging nearby, basking in the attention of several crew members. Hana couldn't help but gasp at the sheer size of the green lion. He was undoubtedly the largest lion she had ever laid eyes on. Yet, despite his intimidating appearance, Hana sensed a kind and gentle spirit behind Richie's fierce exterior.
"Hello, Richie," she cooed as she approached him, unable to resist her love for animals. She baby-talked him, rubbing his massive head. “Nice to meet you, new friend! I’m Hana!”
To her delight, Richie responded with affection, nuzzling her hand and purring loudly like a content kitten. The crewmates around them chuckled as they watched Richie's melodramatic display of adoration.
"Richie's quite intelligent, you know," Mohji boasted, clearly proud of his companion. "He can adopt human-like mannerisms, though I must admit, he's not the brightest when it comes to anything but food."
"Is that so?" Hana asked, smiling as she continued to pet the lion. "Well, he certainly seems to have a big heart."
As Hana laughed and played with Richie, she became aware of another presence approaching. Turning, she was greeted by the elegant figure of Cabaji, Buggy's acrobat and chief of staff. He bowed gracefully, his movements fluid and poised.
"Miss Hana, it is a pleasure to finally meet you," Cabaji said with a hint of mystery in his voice. "I am Cabaji, at your service."
"Nice to meet you as well, Cabaji," she replied warmly, intrigued by his serious demeanor compared to the rest of the crew. "I've heard that you're quite the acrobat. That must be an incredible skill to have."
"Indeed, it has served me well in our adventures," he responded, hinting at a sense of pride.
Hana laughed with delight as Richie playfully nuzzled her hand, his green fur contrasting against the vibrant hues of the pirate vessel. Her eyes sparkled with joy, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth spread through her chest.
"Look at you, big guy," she cooed, scratching under his massive chin. "You’re just so friendly! Who would've thought I'd be friends with a lion, huh?"
From a distance, Buggy observed the scene with a dreamy expression, his heart swelling at the sight of Hana's happiness with Richie. He hadn't expected her visit to have such an impact on him, but watching her interact with his crew and become a part of their world filled him with an indescribable sense of pride and contentment.
Cabaji approached Buggy, his usually stoic face betraying a flicker of concern.
"Captain," he said in a hushed tone, his voice as smooth as silk. "Are you sure about this? Inviting her into our lives? She’s just a hostess."
Buggy ignored Cabaji’s questioning eyes and continued to admire Hana from afar, not taking his eyes off her "She's different, Cabaji. She's... special. I think she will be a fine ally to have."
Cabaji arched an eyebrow, clearly not entirely convinced. "Very well."
Despite his reservations, Cabaji couldn't deny the positive effect Hana had on Buggy. Perhaps it was worth the risk.
"Enough of that," Buggy declared, waving off Cabaji's concerns. "Let's celebrate her visit properly! Gather everyone on deck, and prepare a feast fit for a queen!"
Cabaji set off to relay Buggy's commands. Soon after he did so, Hana joined the crew at the long wooden table that had been set up on deck, laden with a sumptuous (and undoubtedly stolen) feast. The atmosphere was warm and jovial as they all ate, drank, and shared stories of their adventures.
The laughter and animated conversations around the table reached a crescendo, as Hana found herself swept up in the infectious energy of Buggy's crew. With each passing moment, her initial apprehension seemed to fade away, replaced by a sense of camaraderie she couldn't resist.
"Move it, make some room! VIPs only!" Buggy bellowed suddenly, motioning for one of his crew members to scoot over. The pirate grumbled but obliged, allowing Buggy to pull out the chair beside him and gesture for Hana to take the newly freed seat.
"You know, you didn't have to do that," Hana teased with a playful smirk as she settled in next to Buggy. "I would've sat next to you anytime."
"Yeah, but I'm the boss, so they have to do what I say," he retorted, his lips curving into a sly grin. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to fall away, leaving only the two of them amidst the raucous laughter and clinking glasses.
The creaking of wooden floorboards and the low hum of chatter filled the air as one of Buggy's crew members then offered to play some music on the piano to lighten the mood. The man settled onto the piano bench, his fingers effortlessly dancing across the keys, coaxing out the familiar opening notes of "Bink's Brew."
Hana watched on, bemused by the sudden shift in atmosphere, her lips remaining still as the pirates sang their hearts out.
"Yohohoho! Yohohoho! Yohohoho! Yohohoho! Yohohoho! Yohohoho! Yohohoho! Yohohoho!" the crew chimed in, their voices filling the ship with boisterous singing.
"Ever heard this one before?" Buggy asked Hana, a grin spreading across his painted face as he swayed with the rhythm of the song.
"No," she admitted, shaking her head at the strange yet catchy tune. "What is it?"
"It's 'Bink's Brew'!" Buggy exclaimed, his excitement palpable. "This song's an old pirate classic. My captain and the rest of crew used to sing it all the time when I was a kid. It was one of our favorites!"
Hana couldn't help but feel her curiosity piqued at his declaration. Her eyes darted around the deck, taking in the joy and camaraderie that seemed to envelop them all as they sang. Despite her initial wariness, she found herself slowly warming up to the song and the overall atmosphere.
The piano's melody swirled through the air like a gust of ocean breeze, as the crew sang in unison:
"Gather up all of the crew, It's time to ship out Bink's Brew. Sea wind blows, to where who knows. The waves will be our guide. O're across the ocean's tide. Rays of sunshine far and wide. Birds they sing of cheerful things, In circles passing by!"
Hana's eyes gleamed with curiosity as she watched the pirates sway in time with the music, their voices rising and falling like the tides of the sea. Her heart began to flutter with a kindling warmth, the infectious joy of the song seeping into her veins.
"Bid fare well to Weaver's town, Say so long to Port Renowned!" Buggy crooned, his voice rich with nostalgia and mirth.
His green eyes locked onto Hana's, urging her to join in.
"Sing a song, it won't be long, Before we're casting off! 'Cross the gold and silver seas, The salty spray puts us at ease. Day and night, to our delight, The voyage never ends!"
"Yohohoho! Yohohoho! Yohohoho! Yohohoho!" The crew continued to sing, their voices intertwining into a harmonic tapestry that enraptured Hana's senses.
She hesitated for a moment, her fingers tapping lightly against her thigh - a physical manifestation of her internal debate.
With a tentative smile, Hana allowed herself to be swept up by the spirited energy that filled the room. She marveled at how easily the once intimidating pirates transformed into a chorus of laughter and song, their expressions softening under the powerful spell of camaraderie and shared memories. Buggy's warm arm wrapped around her shoulder, bringing her even closer to the heart of the celebration.
"How about a dance, Sweet Cheeks?" Buggy asked playfully, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Like old times?!"
Hana laughed, shaking her head in amusement. "It wasn't that long ago since we danced!"
"It’s been way too long!" Buggy retorted, a smile tugging at the corners of his smeared red lips. "C'mon! Let's dance!"
With a roll of her eyes and an exasperated chuckle, Hana relented, allowing Buggy to hold her hands and guide her atop the long dining table, making them the center of attention. The rugged wooden surface felt sturdy beneath her shoes as they began to waltz to the lively song.
The crew's reaction was a delightful cacophony of cheers, claps, and continued singing, their voices rising and falling like the waves of the sea.
"Gather up all of the crew. It's time to ship out Bink's Brew. Wave goodbye, but don't you cry, Our memories remain!"
As they danced, Hana couldn't help but feel the infectious energy of the pirates surrounding her. What had once seemed like a dangerous and unpredictable group had transformed into a boisterous family, united by the power of song and shared experiences.
Buggy's fingers were surprisingly gentle against her skin, guiding her through each step with an unexpected grace. As they spun and twirled, she found herself laughing along with him, the sound bubbling up from deep within her chest.
I can't believe I'm dancing on a table with a pirate clown, Hana thought, her heart swelling with the sheer absurdity and joy of the moment.
"Yohohoho! Yohohoho! Yohohoho! Yohohoho!" The raucous chorus echoed through the air, carried on the wings of laughter and camaraderie.
The deck seemed to come alive as Buggy and Hana continued their dance atop the table. Their laughter and the melody of "Bink's Brew" blended seamlessly with the cacophony of voices from the crew, creating a symphony of joy that echoed through the room.
Buggy's eyes never left Hana's face as they waltzed, the intensity of his gaze igniting sparks in her chest. His grip on her hand was firm, yet tender, while his other arm wrapped securely around her waist, guiding her effortlessly across the table. The playful curve of his lips, smeared with red paint, hinted at the happiness he found in having her close.
Hana felt herself relax into Buggy's embrace, her earlier apprehension melting away like sea foam on the shore. She allowed herself to be carried by the rhythm of the music, grinning widely as they twirled and laughed together. The warmth in Buggy's eyes made her heart swell, and she realized that despite their differences, she felt safe in his company.
"Sing along, babe!" Buggy exclaimed, his smile contagious.
Hana let out a happy laugh, shaking her head. "I can't sing though!"
"Oh c'mon, I heard you sing when we got drunk for the first time!" Buggy teased, his eyes crinkling with amusement.
"Yeah, because I was drunk!" Hana retorted, making Buggy laugh even harder.
As they spun around to the sound of the piano and the crew's voices, Hana couldn't help but join in the laughter, her inhibitions slowly slipping away. For a brief moment, she felt like she belonged with this raucous group of pirates, united by the power of song and shared experiences.
With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Buggy sang out the next lines of the song, his voice strong and unwavering as he twirled Hana around the makeshift dance floor.
"Gather up all of the crew, it's time to ship out Bink's brew. Sing a song and play along, for all the ocean's wide!" He grinned at her, urging her on with his infectious enthusiasm.
"After all is said and done, you'll end up a skeleton, so spread your tail from dawn 'till dusk upon these foamy seas," Buggy continued, his voice blending seamlessly with those of his boisterous crew.
Hana found herself swept up in the magic of the moment, her heart pounding in time with the lively rhythm.
"Okay, okay," she relented, laughter bubbling up inside her again as she prepared to join in. "But don't say I didn't warn you about my singing!"
"Music to my ears, babe," Buggy replied, winking playfully at her.
Hana took a deep breath, focusing on the beat of the song as she opened her mouth and began to sing.
"Yohohoho! Yohohoho! Yohohoho! Yohohoho!" Her voice rang out clear and true, surprising even herself with its strength.
Buggy's face lit up with delight, the sight of Hana fully embracing the pirate life making his heart swell with pride.
"Yohohoho! Yohohoho! Yohohoho! Yohohoho!" They sang together, their voices intertwining in perfect harmony as they danced across the table.
Hana was swept away by the happiness of the moment, letting go of any previous worries or doubts. She was just a woman dancing with her loved one, immersed in a symphony of laughter and melodies.
"You were right, babe," Buggy chimed in.
"About what?" Hana asked, intrigued.
“…You can’t sing.”
Smack
“Ow my arm!”
=====
Following the meal, the mood was casual and amiable as the energy from the lively performance began to dissipate. Hana's focus was interrupted by a sudden uproar, causing her to turn towards a cluster of crewmen huddled around a dartboard. Intrigued by the game and eager to display her abilities, she eagerly joined in on the competition.
"Mind if I give it a go?" Hana asked, her voice confident as she approached the dartboard.
The pirates stepped aside, curious to see what the elegant hostess from Baratie had to offer.
With unwavering focus, Hana gripped the dart between her fingers, her eyes narrowing as she aimed for the bullseye. She let the dart fly, watching as it whizzed through the air and landed with a satisfying thud, just a hair's breadth from the center. A murmur of appreciation rippled through the onlookers, including Buggy and Cabaji, who seemed genuinely impressed.
"Bet you didn't know I could do this, huh?," Hana grinned, retrieving the dart from the board. "I used to practice when my older brother annoyed me. Pretended I was throwing darts at him."
The cheers and laughter from the crew echoed throughout the deck as Hana took a step back, feeling the warmth of Buggy's gaze on her.
“I can throw knives too” she commented as she threw another dart into a bullseye.
The evening was full of a surprising sense of companionship that lifted her spirits and brought back a long-forgotten feeling. This game they were playing together was just another attempt at getting to know these pirates better. As she readied herself to throw the dart once more, she watched as Cabaji made his way towards her.
"Ah, Hana, I see you're quite skilled," he said, his voice laced with admiration. "I could show you some acrobatic sword techniques if you'd like."
Before Hana could respond, Buggy suddenly appeared at her side with a sly smile, his painted face radiating confidence. He shoved Cabaji aside with a dismissive wave of his hand.
"Move it, I got this!" he declared, drawing the attention of everyone around them. "If Hana wants to learn anything, I'm the one who can truly help her improve her knife combat skills."
Hana raised an eyebrow, amused by Buggy's boldness and eagerness to impress her. She glanced at Cabaji, who bowed out gracefully, before turning her full attention to Buggy.
"Alright, Buggy. Teach me," she said, her eyes sparkling with determination. "And don't go easy on me, either."
Buggy's eyes gleamed with mischief as he leaned in closer to Hana, his voice low and sultry.
"Oh, don't you worry," he purred, his lips curling into a sly smile that sent shivers down her spine. "I won't go easy on you. In fact, I'll be rough as always."
Hana felt her pulse quicken as she registered the innuendo in his words, her cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and excitement. She met his gaze defiantly, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth as she fired back her own teasing retort.
"Oh, I can handle rough," she said, her voice steady despite the butterflies fluttering in her stomach. "I like rough."
Their exchange was not lost on the crew members, who exchanged knowing glances and barely suppressed grins as they continued to watch their Captain's antics unfold. The charged atmosphere hung heavy between Hana and Buggy, their connection growing deeper by the minute.
"Is that so?" Buggy replied, raising an eyebrow as his grin widened. He took a step closer to Hana, their bodies mere inches apart, his warm breath tickling her ear as he whispered, "We'll just have to see if you can keep up with me, then."
Hana's heart raced as his words washed over her, the challenge in his tone only serving to fuel her determination. She tilted her head to meet his gaze once more, her eyes shining with a fire that matched his own.
"You'd better believe it," she shot back, her voice laced with a confidence she hadn't realized she possessed.
As they stood there, locked in each other's gaze, it felt as though the world around them had faded away, leaving only the two of them and the undeniable bond that continued to grow stronger with each passing moment.
The sky above them suddenly rumbled, and before anyone could react, a torrential downpour drenched everyone on the ship's deck. Rain pelted Hana's face as she looked up at the stormy clouds, her soaked hair clinging to her cheeks.
"Damn it!" she cursed, feeling the weight of her waterlogged clothes stick to her body. She glanced around, noticing the crew members hastily covering their belongings and scurrying for shelter.
"Where did this storm come from?!" Hana mused out loud, squinting through the heavy rain.
Buggy, who stood nearby, was just as wet as she was, his blue hair slicked back by the rain and his clown makeup smearing ever so slightly. He shrugged, not really having an answer but offering a mischievous grin.
"Pirates' life," he said with a chuckle, enjoying the chaos the sudden storm brought.
Hana huffed and rolled her eyes playfully, shaking her head. Buggy gestured for her to follow him as they joined the rest of the crew inside the ship, seeking shelter from the relentless rain.
"Guess I'm gonna have to wait until the rain clears in order for me to go home."
=======
Two hours had passed, and the storm showed no signs of letting up. In fact, it seemed to have grown worse, the wind howling and sending violent waves crashing against The Big Top. It became evident that Hana wouldn't be able to return home anytime soon, probably not until the next day.
The realization settled over both Hana and Buggy as they exchanged glances, a spark igniting between them as they acknowledged the unspoken understanding: she would have to spend the night on his ship. This notion only served to heighten the tension that had been building between them throughout the day.
"Looks like you're stuck with us for a little while longer," Buggy teased, leaning against a wall and smirking at her.
"Seems that way," Hana replied, meeting his gaze with a mix of amusement and uncertainty.
She bit her lip, contemplating the implications of spending the night on a pirate ship, but also wrestling with the undeniable attraction she felt towards Buggy.
"Promise me you'll behave?" she asked, half-jokingly, as Buggy's eyes twinkled with mischief.
"Depends on what you consider 'behaving,'" he shot back playfully, leaving her to wonder what the night would hold for them both.
Chapter 13: #13 - A Storm is Brewin! Hana Spends the Night with Buggy!
Chapter Text
The rain poured down in relentless torrents, each drop feeling like a thousand icy needles against Hana's skin as she stood shivering on the deck of Buggy's ship. The violent wind howled around them, whipping her hair into a tangled mess that clung to her face. Her clothes, drenched and heavy, weighed her down, making it difficult to move. She wrapped her arms around herself, trying in vain to find some warmth amidst the storm.
"Okay, okay!" Buggy yelled over the roaring wind, his voice laced with concern. "Enough with the wet dog look! Let's get you inside and dried off."
He reached out to steady her as they made their way below deck, the ship rocking beneath their feet. Hana followed him, her teeth chattering and her heart pounding from the cold.
As they entered the ship's interior, Hana couldn't help but sigh in relief at the sudden warmth that enveloped her. It was a stark contrast to the miserable weather outside, and yet it only served to remind her just how soaked she truly was. She shivered uncontrollably, her body desperate for a change of clothes and a reprieve from the dampness.
"Listen," Hana said, her voice quivering. "I don't want to impose. I can just sleep on the floor by the galley or something."
Buggy frowned, shaking his head emphatically.
"Nuh uh. You're not sleeping on the cold floor like a stranger. You're staying in my room," he insisted, his eyes locking onto hers with a determined glint. "I want you to be comfortable while you're here."
Hana stalled, caught in the crossfire of her own thoughts. She was touched by Buggy's offer, a warm sense of gratitude bubbling within her. Yet, there was an undercurrent of apprehension that she couldn't ignore. The thought of sharing a room with him, particularly his bed, sent her mind spiraling into a whirlpool of possibilities.
Subconsciously, she began to wring her hands together, fingers interlacing and untangling in an endless loop—a physical manifestation of her internal turmoil. Her gaze flickered towards Buggy then quickly away again, too flustered to maintain eye contact. Hana bit her lip, her eyes darting between Buggy and the offered room.
"That…that sounds fine, I guess. I...I just don't want any funny business, got it?" she warned, her voice betraying a hint of nervousness.
"Of course," Buggy assured her with a playful wink, his tone disarmingly sincere.
The tension between them crackled as Hana reluctantly nodded, stepping into the surprisingly spacious chamber. A large bed dominated the room, its plush mattress and tempting warmth beckoning like a siren's call. Her heart raced at the thought of sharing such an intimate space with Buggy, but she quickly shook off the idea, focusing instead on the present need.
"I really need to change out of these soaked clothes," Hana admitted, her teeth chattering slightly from the cold that still clung to her drenched form.
Buggy cocked a playful eyebrow and grinned, the smirk barely visible beneath his smeared red lips.
"Well, if you're looking to dry off quickly, I've heard sleeping in the nude does wonders," he teased.
"Ha! Not happening," Hana retorted, though the blush on her cheeks betrayed her amusement as she swatted him away. "Now go find me something to wear before I freeze to death!"
"Alright, alright," Buggy said, holding up his hands in mock surrender.
She disappeared into a small closet, and Buggy rummaged through his dresser for something suitable for Hana to change into.
As he searched, Hana slipped out of her soaked clothes inside his closet shivering slightly in the cool air leaving her only in her underwear. As her body trembled in the cold, She couldn't help but return to her earlier thoughts - she hadn't expected to be alone with Buggy in his room, let alone sharing such close quarters with the enigmatic pirate.
She could feel the heat rising to her cheeks as she considered where the night might lead them. Her heart pounded in her chest like a frantic drumbeat, each thump echoing her escalating nervousness. She swallowed hard, trying to quell the fluttering butterflies that had taken residence in her stomach.
"Ah Ha! This should do the trick!" Buggy announced triumphantly, emerging from his pile of belongings with a loose-fitting shirt in hand. It was simple and unassuming but had a slightly revealing quality that sent a wicked grin across Buggy's face.
"‘Fraid I don’t have any pants for you though."
Hana peeked her head out of the closet door, rolling her eyes at his expression.
"Don't get any ideas, Clown," she warned, snatching the garment from his grasp.
As she shut the door, Hana quickly changed into the shirt, its fabric a soft beige color that contrasted against her wet skin. It draped over her like a second skin, revealing the curves of her body as she moved. The material was only slightly transparent and smaller than she expected, revealing a glimpse of her lace underwear.
She knew that Buggy would quickly take notice, much to her chagrin. With a heavy sigh of anticipation, she readied herself to emerge from his closet.
After finally stepping out of the closet, Buggy's eyes grew wide in amazement as he took in the sight before him. Seeing her standing there in just a shirt and underwear was a truly welcome sight to behold.
His subsequent wolf whistle filled the room, followed by his unabashed checking out of Hana's appearance. She scoffed at Buggy's whistle, narrowing her eyes in a warning glare.
"I must say, you wear my clothes better than I do." He commented slyly.
Hana crossed her arms, trying to maintain some sense of modesty as the loose shirt draped over her.
"That's it, I'm sleeping on the floor," she declared, her tone firm. “Obviously, I’m gonna be a distraction to you…”
"Wait, no!" Buggy objected, his expression shifting from amusement to concern. "You're my guest and as the oh-so-generous captain of this ship, I command you to sleep on the bed.”
He paused, suddenly aware of how demanding his words may have sounded to Hana. She visibly tensed, clearly uncomfortable with what he had just said.
“Wait…wait…let me reword that.” Buggy quickly scrambled “You sleep on the bed and I'll sleep on the floor. I’ll just…use my coat or something as a blanket.”
Giving Buggy a skeptical look, Hana couldn't deny that his intentions seemed genuine. Despite her initial suspicions, she couldn't help but feel grateful for his efforts to make her stay as comfortable as possible.
Reluctantly, she said, "I don't want you to be uncomfortable either, especially on your own ship."
Buggy let out a frustrated groan and rolled his eyes.
"Someone has to sleep on that bed, and it should be you!"
Hana let out an exasperated sigh, realizing that their argument was going nowhere.
"Look how about we….both share. Just this once" she relented. "And only if you promise to behave yourself!"
With a playful salute, he replied, "Scout's honor."
His tone was light and teasing as he assured her, "I promise not to do anything you're uncomfortable with."
Hana nodded, satisfied with his response.
"Good," she said with a smile. “Glad we reached a compromise”
"Alright then," Buggy announced, making his way towards his dresser.
"If you don’t mind turning around, I'm going to change for the night. I wouldn't want to ruin the moment by giving you too much of a show."
He winked at her, eliciting a roll of her eyes.
Hana turned away, giving Buggy the personal space he needed. The rain outside continued to pour, creating a soothing accompaniment to the tense atmosphere in the room. As she looked out of the window, Hana caught a glimpse of Buggy's reflection. She observed as he untied his bandana and released his long, striking blue hair. Next, he took off his vest, exposing his bare torso.
Hana couldn't help but admire Buggy's reflection, her breath catching as she took in the unexpected sight of his toned yet not overly muscular physique. The blue body hair covering his chest and a faint trail disappearing into his pants stirred something inside her, causing her heart to race and her mouth to water slightly.
As her gaze fell upon his reflection, she couldn't help but think "Wow" before mentally scolding herself and forcing herself to look away.
What the hell are you doing, Hana? Checking out a clown? A...smoking…hot...pirate...who's a clown...and…uh…
Uh…
She looked up and gazed out the window, her mind drifting away and settling on Buggy's reflection. Suddenly, memories of her sensual dream rushed over her like a violent wave. It brought back to her just how long it had been since she last experienced intimacy with a man.
Geez, first Buggy in my dream had to remind me how long it’s been, and now this…
A complicated mix of emotions swirled within her: desire, confusion, nervousness. The pain of her recent breakup with Sanji still lingered, and Hana was not one to engage in casual flings, but the struggle between following her rational thoughts and giving in to her carnal desires continuously plagued her mind.
Dammit, I can’t just…ask him to sleep with…I mean, I doubt he would say no but…would it be smart? Then again, it has been a long time since I’ve slept with…NO! NO, HANA! Don’t even THINK about it! That’s just the lack of sex talking! That would be such a bad idea!
"Hey, you okay?" Buggy asked with genuine concern, interrupting her thoughts.
Hana was taken aback by his sudden words, breaking her train of thought as she spun around to face him.
"Uh, yeah," she stammered, trying to regain her composure "I was just...admiring the view."
She gestured vaguely towards the window, hoping he wouldn't catch on to her true meaning.
"Ah, the storm," Buggy said with a smirk. "It sure is something, isn't it? I don’t think I’ve seen a storm this intense in a long time…"
"Definitely," Hana agreed, her cheeks flushed.
"Alright, enough stalling," Buggy announced, clapping his hands together. "Let's get some rest. Big day tomorrow, right? Gotta start that knife training!"
"Right," Hana nodded, grateful for the distraction.
The dim glow from the flickering candles cast dancing shadows on the walls of Buggy's cabin, highlighting the contours of his shirtless form as he finished preparing for bed. Hana couldn't help but steal glances at him, her heart racing with a mixture of attraction and apprehension.
Meanwhile, Buggy did his best to stay focused and not be tempted by the beautiful woman standing in front of him wearing only his shirt and underwear while her bare legs peeking out from the hem. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back and her skin glistened in the faint light.
The air between them felt thick and charged as if a simple touch would ignite an uncontrollable flame.
"Bed should be ready,” Buggy began, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. “Let's just, uh..."
"Go to sleep?" Hana interjected, her voice slightly higher than she intended.
She swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the unspoken tension between them.
"Right," Buggy nodded, extinguishing the candles and plunging the room into darkness.
The sound of rain pelting against the ship's hull filled the silence as they both climbed into bed, taking care to maintain a safe distance from each other.
As they prepared to settle into bed, both Hana and Buggy were hyperaware of each other's presence. The storm outside seemed to mirror the whirlwind of emotions swirling within them, ratcheting up the tension with every crack of thunder and flash of lightning. It was far more than either of them had bargained for, yet there was an undeniable allure to the intimacy they now shared.
However, as the ship rocked violently from a particularly rough wave and burst of wind, Hana was thrown off balance and landed squarely on top of Buggy. Her hands pressed into his bare chest while her legs straddled one of his legs, and he held onto her hips, leaving them both in an incredibly compromising position.
Hana's heart raced as she became hyper-aware of Buggy's presence beneath her, his warm breath ghosting across her skin and sending shivers down her spine. She noticed every detail - the steady rise and fall of his chest, the heat from his hands that rested on her hips, the way his green eyes seemed to smolder as they locked onto hers.
"Uh, sorry," Hana stammered, heat rising to her cheeks as she realized their precarious situation.
Buggy tried to keep his voice steady, but there was no hiding the tension that thrummed through him like a live wire.
"Nothing to apologize for," he replied hoarsely.
Despite the bright colors painted on Buggy's exterior, his flushed cheeks and wide eyes revealed the overwhelming emotions he was feeling inside.
Hana's black hair tumbled around her face like a silken waterfall, tickling Buggy's cheek. The tantalizing sight of her cleavage left him breathless, his body aching with the need to reach out and touch her all over. Hana could feel Buggy's heart pounding against her hands, the rhythm syncing up as if their bodies were trying to communicate something their minds couldn't quite grasp. Buggy's hands absentmindedly skimmed along Hana's sides, the contact sending shivers down her spine. The delicate brush of contact ignited a fire within her that hadn’t been ignited in a long time.
As they lay there, hearts pounding in tandem, it was impossible to ignore the magnetic pull drawing them closer. Their senses heightened and every touch, sound, and breath magnified.
“Buggy…”
“Y-yeah?”
"Y-Your hands," Hana muttered, the words barely discernible over the relentless rain pounding against the ship's hull.
Buggy snapped out of his daze
"Sorry," he replied, hastily withdrawing his hands and placing them behind his head, his eyes averted.
There was a palpable tension between them, the air buzzing with conflicting emotions. Desire and fear mingled together as they struggled to control their growing feelings for each other. Hana shifted away from Buggy and laid down on her side of the bed, both of them staring up at the ceiling in heavy silence.
Buggy struggled with the temptation to give in to his intense feelings for Hana. Having her on top of him, dressed in revealing clothing and radiating heat, felt like a dream come true. But deep down, he was held back by his insecurities. He knew he couldn't afford to make any mistakes, especially when it came to her. As much as he longed to act on his desires, he couldn't ignore the fear that she would eventually be scared away if he did.
I have to be careful, and not fuck things up, he thought, his heart pounding in his chest. I can't risk losing her.
Hana, on the other hand, was torn between the intoxicating pull of their mutual attraction and the desire not to play with Buggy's feelings for her own gain. She cared deeply for him, and there was no doubt she felt a strong attraction to him, but she couldn't ignore the potential consequences of giving in to their passion.
"Maybe I feel this because I haven’t gotten laid in a long time…” she silently reminded herself, even as her body betrayed her, craving his touch. “But…still…I can’t just treat Buggy like a rebound and use him for sex. It’s not fair...”
They moved apart, attempting to create some semblance of personal space on the bed. Yet fate — or perhaps their own desires — had other plans. Each shift and shuffle only served to bring them closer together, their breaths mingling as their faces hovered mere inches from each other.
It was as if a dense fog of yearning had settled over the room, wrapping their bodies in its steamy embrace and making it hard to take in a full breath without feeling the weight of their unspoken desires.
The atmosphere was thick with tension, making it difficult to breathe. In an attempt to lighten the mood, Buggy cracked a joke, hoping Hana would find it amusing.
He started, "I must admit, you're the first woman I've had in my bed that I didn't have to pay to spend time with.”
Hana let out a snort, “Wow, I don’t know what to feel about that. Honored, I guess?”
“Hey, it’s not every day that a lady has the absolute privilege to share such a space with the great Captain Buggy! In fact, it’s been a very long time!”
Buggy exclaimed with pride, attempting to mask the tinge of loneliness that permeated his words.
Hana couldn’t help but laugh, easing both her and Buggy's nerves. She savored the light-hearted back-and-forth, finding comfort in the teasing banter that had become a defining aspect of their relationship. It was a welcome distraction from her
“Well,” she replied, “It’s not every night I share a bed with a man.”
“Pffft, yeah right” Buggy dismissed
Hana let out another snort of laughter.
“What is that supposed to mean?!” she laughed, threatening to hit him with her pillow.
“I just have a hard time believing you’re not attracting guys left and right” Buggy replied with a smirk
“Well, Mr. The Clown,” Hana teased “I didn’t say I’m not attracting guys, I’m just saying I haven’t been with anyone lately. In fact, it’s been…a very long time since I have…”
She trailed off, she too hiding the sadness and vulnerability behind her words.
"Really?" Buggy asked, his voice softer than before.
The joke had dissolved into something else entirely, a rawer form of conversation that neither of them was used to having.
“Yeah...” Hana replied, her fingers tracing random patterns on the worn sheets beneath them.
She felt Buggy's gaze on her but she focused on the threads of the fabric, not willing to risk meeting his eyes.
They fell into a comfortable silence, letting the steady drumming of the rain against the hull fill the void and drown out their unspoken thoughts. Neither of them seemed to know what to say, each lost in their individual contemplations.
“How long?” Buggy found himself asking after some time had passed, his curiosity getting the best of him.
Hana turned to look at him, her dark eyes wide with surprise. A sad but gentle smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she shook her head.
"It's not important."
The words seemed to echo in the room before getting swallowed by the sound of relentless rain.
"Oh," Buggy muttered, uncertainty lacing his voice.
He wasn't sure how to respond. The weight of her words hung heavy, like an unseen entity between them. It was a reminder of their respective pasts and the battle scars they carried, both seen and unseen.
"I..." he started, but couldn't find the right words to say.
His mind grappled with an appropriate response, yet came up empty.
In the end, all he could muster was a quiet, "I understand."
And he meant it. He knew what it was like to guard your heart, to build walls around it because letting someone in felt like the most dangerous thing in the world.
Hana barely heard his response over the sound of her pounding heartbeat. She didn’t know why she had shared that piece of information; maybe it was the intimacy of sharing a bed, her own lust brewing inside of her or maybe it was the vulnerability that just so happened to escape on accident.
"Maybe we should just...try to sleep," Hana suggested, her voice wavering slightly.
"Although I wish we were up all night long," Buggy joked, wiggling his eyebrows as he glanced over his shoulder at her.
Hana scoffed in response, rolling her eyes at his flirtatious comment.
"Good night, Buggy."
"Night, Hana."
With a final, lingering look at one another, Hana and Buggy each turned away, their backs facing each other as they tried to find some semblance of normalcy in the situation. The room was silent, save for the sound of the rain beating against the ship's hull, the storm raging outside a mirror for the tempest of emotions swirling within them both.
Hana, however, couldn’t sleep. The lingering chill from her soaked clothes still clinging to her skin. Despite the warmth of the cabin and the soft bedding beneath her, she couldn't seem to shake the cold that seeped into her very bones. She hesitated for only a moment before inching closer to Buggy, her body instinctively seeking the warmth he radiated.
"Still cold?" Buggy asked, feigning nonchalance as his heartbeat quickened at her proximity.
"Yeah," she whispered, snuggling against him as they settled into a comfortable spooning position. Buggy allowed himself a small smile, enjoying the sensation of her body pressed against his.
As the tension between them transformed into a sense of contentment, they each found themselves lost in their thoughts. Buggy marveled at how natural it felt to hold Hana close, despite the emotional turmoil they had just experienced. Her presence was an unexpected comfort, and he reveled in the security of her warmth.
For Hana, snuggling against Buggy provided not only physical respite from the cold but also a sense of emotional safety. As she lay there, wrapped in his arms, she couldn't help but feel grateful for the connection they shared – one that went beyond mere flirtation to something deeper and more meaningful.
"Is this helping?" Buggy asked softly, rubbing his arms gently against her in an effort to generate more warmth.
"Definitely," Hana replied, her voice barely audible above the torrent outside. She could feel the heat from his body seeping into hers, gradually chasing away the lingering chill that clung to her skin.
"Good," he murmured, the relief evident in his tone. He continued to stroke her arms, his movements slow and deliberate – almost tender.
Hana found herself acutely aware of the sensation of his fingers brushing against her, the subtle pressure of his chest against her back, and the reassuring weight of his arm draped across her waist. It was disconcerting, yet strangely comforting at the same time.
I think this is what I needed…not sex but…this…whatever this is…
Despite their earlier banter and the simmering tension that had hung heavy in the air between them, there was an undeniable sense of closeness now – one that went beyond mere physical contact. It was as if they had somehow managed to bridge the gap that separated them, forging a connection that defied explanation.
"Thank you," Hana whispered, suddenly overcome with gratitude for Buggy's unwavering support and unexpected kindness.
"Anytime," he replied, his voice laced with warmth. "That's what friends are for, right?"
"Right," she agreed, feeling a smile tug at the corners of her mouth.
Friends – it was a simple word, but one that carried so much weight. In that moment, she realized just how much Buggy meant to her and how grateful she was to have him by her side.
And as they drifted off to sleep, their thoughts danced around the potential and promise of what their relationship might become – if only they had the courage to explore it.
"Goodnight, Hana," Buggy whispered, his breath warm against her neck.
"Goodnight, Buggy," she replied, nestling closer to him as sleep finally claimed them both.
And so, amidst the thunderstorm and the subtle rocking of the ship, two hearts began to beat in unison – a gentle reminder that even in the darkest of storms, there was always the promise of something brighter on the horizon.
==============================
With a thunderous crash, the entrance to the pirate tavern a few islands over swung open, silencing the boisterous laughter and clinking of mugs that had filled the air moments before. A chilling draft swept in, carrying with it an aura of dread that seemed to freeze time itself. Fang and Reaper marched forward, their boots echoing ominously against the timeworn wooden planks underfoot.
The lively chatter died down instantly as all attention was riveted on the formidable pair. The patrons' eyes widened in shock and fear; these were men who had long been whispered about in hushed tones, their names synonymous with death. Yet here they stood, alive and menacing as ever, casting a pall of impending doom over the once-joyful atmosphere.
"Wh-what are you doing here?!" the bartender stammered, his face turning deathly pale. "We thought you were dead!"
"Reports of our downfall are clearly overstated," Fang declared, his voice resonating like the echo of a far-off storm. His icy gaze swept across the room, registering the tense expressions of the customers who had become hushed at their arrival.
"We weathered the tempest alright," Reaper interjected, his tone nonchalant despite the severity of their tale. "But we found ourselves marooned on an uncharted island."
A smirk crept onto his face as he continued, "It took us a bit to find a ship to commandeer and, well... let's just say its previous occupants won't be needing it anymore."
His words hung in the air like a chilling fog, causing an uneasy shift among the crowd. One drunken patron guffawed loudly, dismissing their account with a slurred wave of his hand.
"You're full of it!" He sneered.
In response to this insolence, Fang moved with startling speed and precision. With one swift motion, he plunged his knife into the man's neck. Blood sprayed violently from the wound, painting an alarming tableau on the tavern floor. The man's laughter turned into a grotesque gurgle before he slumped lifelessly onto the table.
The room fell into a deathly silence as everyone present registered what had just occurred. It was clear now - no one dared to cross paths with these ruthless pirates.
"Seems like we've got a reputation to uphold, Reaper," he muttered with a twisted grin.
Reaper chuckled darkly in agreement, his eyes glinting with amusement at the fear they inspired.
"Enough chit-chat," Reaper growled, making his way to the bar. "Get us something strong to drink. We've had a hell of a time getting back here."
As the bartender hurriedly poured them two shots of rum, Fang's gaze landed on a crumpled wanted poster pinned to the wall behind the bar. It featured none other than Buggy the Clown, his flamboyant face smirking down at him. A snarl curled Fang's lip as he yanked the poster from the wall, gripping it tightly in his fist.
"Looks like our old clown friend is still around," he sneered, passing the poster to Reaper. "And he's worth a pretty penny too."
"Ah, yes," Reaper mused, scanning the poster with interest. "Seems like he never was one to keep a low profile. This might just be the perfect opportunity to settle some old scores."
Fang took a swig of his drink, the liquid burning a fiery path down his throat. "Damn right," he rasped, slamming the empty glass down on the bar. "We'll make sure the clown pays his debt – in blood if necessary."
"Better hope you don't come across him first," a grizzled old pirate mumbled into his drink, not daring to meet their gaze.
"Ha!" Fang barked a mirthless laugh. "If I were you, I'd watch my own back before worrying about him."
Fang's mind raced with thoughts of vengeance and the satisfaction of settling scores, while Reaper pondered the crueler possibilities of exacting payment from Buggy.
"Maybe we can make him suffer even more," Reaper suggested, a wicked grin spreading across his face as he glanced back at the poster. "I've heard he's got himself a new... companion. A pretty one at that."
"Interesting," Fang mused, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "Very interesting indeed."
"Agreed," Reaper replied, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Buggy's debt will be paid in full – and then some."
As they finished their drinks and left the bar, their laughter echoed through the now-silent room, sending shivers down the spines of those who remained. It was clear that Fang and Reaper were back with a vengeance – and woe betide anyone who stood in their way.
Chapter 14: #14 - Hana cries?! Buggy's Big Mistake
Chapter Text
The first rays of sunlight filtered through the cracks of Buggy's ship, casting a glow on the rumpled bed where Hana slept peacefully. Buggy awoke, his senses gradually attuned to the warm presence beside him. As he blinked away the lingering drowsiness, his gaze fell on the tranquil figure sharing his bed.
The sight was breathtaking - she lay there, her chest gently rising and falling with each slumbering breath. Her hair tumbled in a wild cascade around her face, lending an ethereal aura to her peaceful features.
A sense of awe washed over Buggy as he took in the scene before him. He was struck by an overwhelming realization that she was here, in his bed, wearing nothing but his shirt. His shirt that clung to her body just so, revealing tantalizing hints of skin beneath its loose folds. The sight sent a thrill coursing through him - it was sexy and intimate in a way that stirred something deep within him.
Yet beyond this raw attraction, Buggy found himself captivated by the serenity that radiated from her sleeping form. He remembered how she felt against him last night - soft and warm, nestled perfectly into his embrace. There had been an unspoken comfort in their closeness; a sense of peace that enveloped them both as they drifted off to sleep.
This momentary glimpse into their shared intimacy left Buggy awestruck, filling him with an emotion he struggled to comprehend fully. It was more than mere desire or affection; it was a profound appreciation for the woman who had somehow made herself at home not just in his bed but also in his heart.
Careful not to disturb her, Buggy slid out of bed and stood, stretching his limbs and suppressing a yawn. Hana's steady breathing filled the room, and he couldn't help but watch her for a moment longer. There was something about this woman that had sparked a warmth within him, unlike anything he'd ever known.
"Must be losing my touch," he joked to himself, shaking his head.
But deep down, he knew it wasn't a joke at all – he wanted to make her happy, to keep her close to him again, even if he didn't quite understand why.
With a sigh, Buggy moved to his desk and scrawled a quick note, his handwriting surprisingly neat for a pirate captain. Satisfied with his words, he placed the note on the pillow beside Hana's slumbering form before slipping out of the room.
A few hours later, Hana awoke to find herself alone in Buggy's bed. Disoriented, she sat up, rubbing her eyes and glancing around the familiar space. Her gaze fell upon the note resting beside her, and she reached for it with a curious frown.
"Morning, Sleeping Beauty!" it read. "I know you're probably dreaming of me, but I didn't want to disturb your rest, so I've gone ahead to make my freaks prepare for our knife training. Meet me at the rehearsal grounds on my ship at noon sharp. -
From, the Best Thing That’s Happened to You
AKA Your Favorite Captain
AKA Buggy the Genius Jester"
Hana couldn't help but chuckle at Buggy's cheeky words, her heart swelling with a mixture of affection and gratitude. Despite his usual bravado, it was clear that he cared for her well-being, even in the smallest of gestures.
The memory of last night's warmth enveloped Hana as she clutched the note from Buggy, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. They had laughed and danced with one another, playfully navigating the uncharted waters of tension that seemed to electrify the very air surrounding them. The residual warmth of their entwined bodies from the previous night still lingered on her skin, a tangible reminder of their shared refuge from the tempest. Hana found an unexpected tranquility in sharing a bed with Buggy, his usually boisterous presence toned down to a serene hum in sleep.
Yet beneath this calm surface, a current of electricity pulsed as she remembered accidentally landing on top of him during their scramble for cover. The jolt of contact had sent shockwaves through her, igniting a flame that was hard to ignore. She could still feel the solid strength of his body beneath hers, an enticing contrast to her own soft curves.
And then there was the sight that had greeted her when she glanced at the window's reflection - Buggy's muscular form illuminated by the storm's sporadic flashes. His toned physique was an unexpected revelation, stirring feelings within her that were both thrilling and disconcerting. Despite the turmoil within her, she couldn't help but appreciate the serenity they found in each other's company amidst chaos.
"Get it together, Hana," she whispered to herself, setting the note down and rising from the bed. Her clothes from the previous evening now lay dry on the floor. As she slipped into them, however, she realized they wouldn't be suitable for the upcoming training session. Something more flexible and agile would be necessary, so she left Buggy’s ship to make her way to her apartment.
She returned to her apartment and was greeted by the eager squirming of her transponder snail, Shelly.
"Hey there, girl," Hana cooed, stroking Shelly's shell affectionately. "Guess what? Buggy's helping me improve my attack skills today."
The snail wiggled happily in response, no doubt sensing Hana's enthusiasm. Hana laughed at the cute display and got Shelly some breakfast before heading to her bedroom.
Hana searched through her closet, picking out an ensemble more appropriate for the day's acrobatics. Her hands smoothly ran along the texture of her top workout attire, attentively selecting each article with a sense of conviction. She was aware that today's training would test her physical boundaries and challenge her kicking techniques, but she welcomed the chance to progress and better herself.
"Okay, Hana. Time to show what you're made of," she murmured, pulling on a form-fitting tank top and stretchy leggings that allowed for maximum movement. As she tied her long, wavy black hair into a high ponytail, her thoughts drifted once more to the enigmatic pirate captain.
Her heart sped up as she pictured him – his wild blue hair, the mischievous glint in his eyes, and the way he somehow managed to be both cocky and endearingly humble at the same time.
As she slipped on her athletic shoes and gave herself a final once-over in the mirror, Hana took a deep breath, steeling herself for the challenges ahead. With her mind set on both her goals and the captain who awaited her, she strode out of her apartment, ready to face whatever the day had in store.
========================
Buggy stormed onto the training grounds of his ship, the morning sun casting a golden glow on the chaos that was his crew. They scrambled about, moving barrels and crates, erecting makeshift structures, and preparing what would soon be a challenging obstacle course designed to test Hana's abilities.
"Move faster, you freaks!" Buggy barked, his eyes darting around to ensure no one was slacking off. "This better be ready by the time she gets here!"
A particularly small pirate, quivering under Buggy's wrathful gaze, dared to ask, "Captain, why exactly are we going all-out for this girl? I mean, she's just gonna train with you, right?"
"Because," Buggy snapped, trying to hide the sudden heat in his cheeks. "We need to shape her up into the ideal pirate worthy of joining our crew! Now get back to work!"
The crew member scurried away without another word, leaving Buggy to grapple with his thoughts. In truth, all he wanted was an excuse to spend more time with her,to show off to her, and to share the thrill of adventure together.
"Get a grip, Buggy," he muttered under his breath, his face contorting into a mix of frustration and determination as he kicked a nearby barrel.
The fact that he cared so much about someone else's opinion felt foreign and unsettling. His hand unconsciously brushed against the side of his coat, feeling the reassuring texture of the fabric, a reminder of his position and authority.
"Captain?" A voice interrupted his internal turmoil, causing him to snap back to reality.
"What is it?" Buggy growled, irritated by the intrusion.
"Uh, we've finished setting up the obstacle course. Everything's ready for when Hana arrives," the pirate stammered, taking a step back as Buggy's gaze bore into him.
"Good," Buggy replied curtly, his heart pounding with anticipation. "Now get out of my sight."
As the crew dispersed and left him alone on the deck, Buggy couldn't help but steal a glance in the direction of Hana's apartment, hoping that today would bring them closer together.
===========================
Hana stepped onto the wooden deck of Buggy's ship, her heart racing with anticipation as she made her way towards the training grounds. The salty sea breeze tousled her dark hair as she took in the sight before her: an elaborate obstacle course filled with ropes, platforms, and spinning targets stretched across the length of the ship.
"Welcome aboard, Babycakes!" Buggy's unmistakable voice boomed from behind her. She turned to find him grinning excitedly, his arms spread wide, showcasing his creation. "Feast your eyes on the ultimate training ground!"
"Wow," Hana murmured, genuinely impressed by the scale and complexity of the course. She could see that it would be challenging, perhaps even a little dangerous, but that was exactly what she needed.
"Isn't it magnificent?" Buggy asked, trying to gauge her reaction.
His body language revealed his eagerness for her approval, his fingers fidgeting at his side and his eyes searching her face for any hint of enthusiasm.
"It's... incredible, Buggy," she admitted, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "You really went all out."
"Only the best for my favorite girl," he replied with a wink, making her giggle.
His heart swelled at the sound, and for a moment, he forgot about the facade he maintained in front of his crew.
Hana's eyes sparkled as she surveyed the scene, her heart pounding in anticipation. The various challenges laid out before her promised a thrilling experience, and she couldn't help but feel grateful for Buggy's effort. However, as her gaze fell upon a rather unique training method involving Richie the lion, her enthusiasm faltered.
"Um, Buggy," she said hesitantly, "is that... is that Richie over there?"
"Ah, yes!" Buggy replied, puffing out his chest with pride. "Richie will be assisting you with your knife throwing practice. You see, the goal is to—"
"Wait," Hana interrupted, her brow furrowing in concern. "You want me to throw knives at Richie? That doesn't seem right.”
Buggy blinked, taken aback by her objection. He hadn't expected her to voice any concerns about the training methods he'd devised, especially not one involving Richie.
Hana's eyes widened in horror as she stared at the lion, her heart pounding with indignation.
"Buggy, I can't do this," she said, her voice trembling. "I won't hurt an innocent animal for my training."
Buggy's eyebrows shot up, taken aback by her sudden outburst. He searched her face, seeing the genuine compassion and concern etched in her features. Realizing he had to think quickly, Buggy snapped his fingers and barked an order to his crew.
"Alright, change of plans! Tie Mohji to the spinning target instead!"
"Captain?!" Mohji exclaimed, but before he could protest further, the crew members grabbed him and began tying him to the circular board.
Hana bit her lip, still apprehensive but somewhat relieved that Richie was no longer in harm's way.
She glanced at Mohji, who gave her a resigned grin. "Don't worry about me, Miss Hana. We've been through worse on this ship."
Hana stood her ground, hands on her hips, as she faced Buggy. The pirate captain's eyes sparkled with mischief, but underneath that playful exterior, Hana could sense his genuine excitement about their training session.
"Buggy," she began, her voice steady and determined, "I would rather start my training with you than to get anyone else involved."
"Really?" Buggy replied, barely able to contain his enthusiasm. He leaned in closer, raising an eyebrow as he teased her. "Are you sure you can handle training with the great Captain Buggy?"
"Absolutely," Hana shot back, her eyes never leaving his. "I'm here to learn, and I know you have the skills to help me."
Buggy's eyes widened as he caught sight of Hana's chosen weapons - her kitchen knives. A hearty laugh erupted from him, echoing around the training area.
"Really? Gonna slice me up some fruits while in combat?"
Hana's cheeks flushed a bright red at his signature gleeful high pitched laughter, her hands instinctively tightening around the handles of her knives.
"Shut up, Clown!" she shot back defensively, her dark eyes flashing with annoyance. "It's not like I have the money to spend on fancy knives!"
Buggy couldn't help but chuckle again at her fiery response.
He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out one of his own blades, offering it to Hana with a teasing smirk.
"Here, borrow this. Only because I feel bad for you," he quipped.
Hana stuck her tongue out at him in response, but there was no real heat behind it. She took Buggy's knife from him with a huff and prepared herself.
The duo assumed their positions, the tension in the air tangible. Hana's grip tightened around the hilts of her twin knives, her body coiled like a spring ready to release any moment. Her eyes were sharp and focused, tracing Buggy's every movement with unwavering attention.
Buggy, on the other hand, was the picture of nonchalance. His posture was relaxed, an easy grin playing on his smeared red lips as if this was merely another part of their usual shenanigans. He twirled his own weapon with practiced ease, his bright blue hair swinging along with his movements.
They began to circle each other warily, much like two predators gauging their prey before striking. The silence hung heavy between them, broken only by the occasional scrape of shoes against the wooden planks beneath them.
Suddenly, Hana lunged forward in a blur of motion. Her long black hair whipped behind her as she moved with a speed that belied her curvaceous figure. Her hands were nimble and precise as they maneuvered her knives through the air in a swift arc aimed at Buggy.
Buggy sidestepped just in time, chuckling at Hana's ferocious attack. But there was no pause; she spun on her heel and launched herself back at him again without missing a beat.
Her movements were fluid yet deadly; each slash and thrust of her knives was executed with graceful precision that could only come from years spent honing her skills in secret. Even Buggy had to admit he was impressed by how effortlessly she wielded those blades - like extensions of her own arms rather than mere tools.
Their mock battle continued thusly; Hana darting around Buggy like a wraith while he parried and dodged with an agility that matched hers. Their laughter echoed amidst clashing steel and rapid footfalls, adding an odd sense of merriment to their intense training session.
"Wow, not bad!" Buggy exclaimed after Hana managed to block one of his sneakier attacks. "You're getting the hang of it already."
"Thanks to you," Hana replied, her voice laced with genuine gratitude. She couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement at her progress, and she knew it was all because of Buggy's unique training style.
Hana found herself constantly adapting to Buggy's unpredictable moves, her reflexes tested by his cunning tactics. She had never trained like this before; Zeff's instruction had been more traditional, focused on honing specific techniques. But Buggy's approach, unorthodox as it was, pushed her physical and mental abilities in ways she hadn't expected.
With each passing moment, Hana felt herself improving, her strikes growing increasingly accurate and her defenses more solid. She was learning how to anticipate Buggy's next move and counter it effectively, all while maintaining her focus amidst the chaos of their battle.
Hana wiped the sweat from her brow, a determined glint in her eyes as she faced Buggy, who wore his usual mischievous grin. "I told you I would be rough on you," he said slyly, his painted face giving nothing away.
With a playful smirk, Hana quipped back, "Well, I'm handling your roughness quite well, don't you think?" Buggy's thoughts couldn't help but turn amorous, his eyes lingering on Hana's flushed cheeks and the way her black hair clung to her skin. Sensing this, Hana tossed her head back and made a snarky yet flirtatious joke. "Is that all you've got? I thought you were supposed to be a fearsome pirate captain."
Buggy chuckled, trying to regain control of his composure. The crew, watching from a distance, exchanged knowing glances, but none dared to say anything for fear of facing their captain's wrath.
"Alright, let's move on to something more... flashy, shall we?" Buggy suggested, eager to show off his skills as a knife thrower. He positioned himself a few feet away from a wooden target and focused intently. With a flourish, he threw a knife while spinning in mid-air, the blade embedding itself into the bullseye with impressive accuracy.
Hana raised an eyebrow, recognizing that these tricks wouldn't be helpful in combat, but she couldn't deny her interest in Buggy's display of skill. "That was... pretty cool," she admitted, her voice tinged with curiosity and admiration.
"Of course it was," Buggy replied, basking in the praise. "Now, it's your turn." He handed her a set of throwing knives and stepped back to observe.
As Hana practiced her own throws, Buggy couldn't help but feel a sense of pride swelling within him. This unconventional training session had brought them closer together, and the amorous tension between them was undeniable. Watching Hana improve and adapt to his unorthodox techniques only deepened his growing affection for her, and he hoped that she felt the same.
"Alright, let's try something a bit more challenging," Buggy suggested, mischief dancing in his eyes once again. "You're getting good at handling my tricks, but can you adapt to new situations on the fly?"
"Bring it on," Hana challenged, her heart pounding with anticipation. She had no idea what Buggy had in store for her next, but she was ready to face it head-on, eager to prove herself both to him and to herself.
Buggy clapped his hands together, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Alright, Hana, it's time to turn up the heat!" he announced, signaling for the crew to begin their part in her training.
The crew set up a Ring of Fire, a trick that Richie often incorporated into his performance. It served as an impromptu obstacle for Hana to navigate through, causing her eyes to widen in surprise.
Within moments, bursts of color filled the air as balloons rained down from above, obscuring her vision and creating a chaotic atmosphere.
"Really, Buggy?" Hana shouted over the noise, struggling to maintain her focus amidst the whirlwind of distractions. She gritted her teeth, determined not to let these antics throw her off.
"Come on, Hana! Show me what you've got!" Buggy called out, his voice teasing yet encouraging.
The crew members, equipped with an array of unique weapons and skills, launched themselves into the fray, further testing Hana's reflexes and composure.
As she dodged and weaved through the chaos of the Ring of Fire and balloons being a distraction, Hana realized that Buggy had another trick up his sleeve. With a wicked grin, he used his Chop Chop fruit powers to create moving targets from his own body parts, forcing her to adapt her strikes accordingly.
She blinked in surprise but quickly regained her focus, launching knives at the unpredictable targets while incorporating her powerful kicks into the mix.
"You're doing great, babe!" Buggy shouted, his genuine pride in Hana shining through despite the sarcastic edge to his words. He kept a close eye on her progress, taking note of how she deftly maneuvered around obstacles and adjusted her tactics on the fly.
"Thanks," Hana replied breathlessly, a competitive fire burning in her eyes.
He watched as she continued to push herself, honing her attack skills despite the chaotic environment he had created. Her determination and adaptability only served to deepen his growing affection for her, and he hoped that through this unconventional training method, she felt it too.
During a brief pause in their training, Buggy sauntered over to Hana, a mischievous grin playing on his painted lips.
"So, have you had enough yet?" he teased.
Hana took a slow sip of water, her eyes never leaving his as she set the bottle down.
"No, but let me ask you this…”
She picked up one of the knives they'd been using for practice. With a flirtatious glint in her eyes, she traced the flat side of the blade up his chest, stopping just beneath his lips.
“Am I doing well so far... Captain?" she purred, her voice dripping with playful seduction.
Buggy's tongue darted out to slowly lick the cool metal of the knife under his mouth.
His eyes held hers captive as he murmured back huskily, "You're doing an exceptional job... doll."
The air crackled with an electric intensity, sparking with unspoken desires and simmering tension.
“Good” Hana replied
Like a thick fog, their words hung between them, swirling and intoxicating as the heat of their gazes met. Hana's confident smirk and calculated saunter only added to the seductive dance of their interplay, knowing that the Captain's eyes were eagerly following her every move.
===========
The training area continued to be alive with color and movement as Hana launched another knife at one of the spinning targets, her eyes narrowed in concentration.
POP went a balloon
THUD went a knife on a bullseye target
SWOOSH went Hana’s legs as she kicked a Buggy pirate away in self defense.
Buggy let out a low chuckle only he could hear, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he prepared his next surprise for her.
With a sly, exaggerated flick of his wrist, Buggy activated his Chop Chop fruit powers. His arm detached and dropped to the ground with an overly dramatic thud.
"AHHHHHHH!" Buggy roared, putting on a show of pain so convincing it would have won him an award in a pirate play.
Hana's heart pounded like a drum in her chest, her eyes widening to the size of saucers.
"BUGGY!" she yelped, rushing towards him in a frenzy.
"Look at this disaster! My arm's been hacked off!" He cried out to her, keeping up the charade of unbearable agony with such dedication that he almost believed it himself.
Yet beneath the mask of torment, Buggy was struggling to suppress his laughter. The sight of Hana's horrified expression was too much for him – he found it hilariously entertaining and all he wanted to do was dissolve into fits of laughter right there and then.
However, her body trembled with panic as she dropped to her knees, staring in disbelief at the seemingly dismembered limb.
"I... I didn't mean to—" Her voice cracked, tears threatening to spill from her eyes.
Buggy's painted smile seemed to slowly falter as he watched the panic in Hana's eyes begin to intensify. Hana was barely able to get the word out as her breathing became erratic. Her heart raced, and the world around her seemed to close in, suffocating her.
"I...hurt..you" she tried calling out. "I'm...sorry!"
"Easy there," Buggy said, trying to keep his tone light despite the mounting concern in his chest.
He hadn't expected her to react so intensely, and guilt gnawed at him as he watched her struggle to catch her breath. Her chest heaved with each breath, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. The crew, who had been watching the scene unfold with a mixture of concern and confusion, now held their breaths, waiting for the storm to break.
Buggy's playful facade crumbled as he registered the depth of Hana's distress.
Shit... What have I done? he thought, cursing himself for taking the joke too far.
Desperation clawed at him, and he reached out, gently placing a hand on Hana's shoulder.
"Hey, hey, it's okay," he murmured, struggling to find the right words to calm her down. "Look, it's not real! I promise. See? Just a joke!"
He demonstrated the illusion, reattaching his arm with ease.
"See? It's okay, babe! I promise you! I was just joking around! " Buggy repeated, his voice cracking under the strain of maintaining his clownish facade.
Hana’s look of panic was replaced by a fiery anger that burned with an intensity Buggy had only seen once before when they reunited on the beach. He could see the hurt and anger towards him in Hana's gaze, and it cut him deeper than any knife ever could.
"You thought that was funny?" she spat, her melodic voice now laced with venom. "I was worried sick about you, thinking I sliced your arm off and all you can do is laugh it off like it's some kind of joke?!"
“But babe, you knew that my power…”
Hana cut him off before he could finish.
"I would hate to see you or anyone else I care about hurt because of my own fault," she continued, her eyes blazing with fury. "How could you do this to me, Buggy? It’s like you’re making a mockery of my…my…my feelings towards you!"
As her words hung in the air, the tension between them grew palpable. Buggy's heart raced, torn between wanting to appease Hana and needing to maintain his image as a fearsome pirate captain. His hands dropped to his sides, unable to find a comforting gesture that wouldn't make the situation worse.
"Look, Hana—"
"No!" she snapped, her voice echoing through the training area. "You don't get to just brush this off like it's nothing!"
The silence that followed was deafening. The crew glanced nervously between their captain and Hana, unsure of what to do or say in the face of such raw emotion. Buggy's painted grin seemed to mock him as he struggled for words, his thoughts a whirlwind of guilt and confusion.
"Look" he whispered finally, his voice barely audible. "I didn't mean to hurt you like this. I just... I wanted to see how you'd react under pressure."
Hana glared at him, her anger still burning bright. But beneath it, he could see the flicker of something else—a wounded vulnerability that made his heart ache all the more.
"Is that all I am to you, then?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just a test subject for your twisted games?"
Buggy's hands hung limply at his sides, unsure of how to comfort Hana without making things worse. His heart raced, a physical manifestation of his inner turmoil. The impact of her words hit him like a tidal wave. Buggy's heart ached at the thought of Hana seeing him as nothing more than a cruel experimenter, a thought that had never crossed his mind. But the weight of her words made him realize the damage he had caused, and the depth of his feelings for her.
“No” was all Buggy could muster to say.
Hana's footsteps echoed through the ship as she stormed off, her face flushed with anger and hurt. Buggy watched her go, his heart sinking like an anchor, and for a moment, he was at a loss for what to do.
"Captain," one of his crew members began hesitantly, "should we...?"
"Leave her be!" Buggy roared, slamming his fist onto a nearby crate. The force of the blow splintered the wood, sending shards flying in all directions.
The crew flinched at the outburst, but Buggy didn't care. He needed an outlet for his frustration on himself, even if it meant taking it out on his surroundings or pretending to be angry at Hana as he talked out loud addressing his crew.
"I invite her to my ship, shield her from the storm, take her under my wing as my student, and this is what I get?" he yelled, pacing back and forth like a caged animal.
His voice was heavy with bitterness, yet beneath it all, there was a tinge of guilt that he couldn't quite shake off.
Unbeknownst to him, Hana had paused just around the corner, her ears straining to catch every word he said. Each syllable felt like another stab to her heart, fueling her anger even more.
"Someone should teach that girl a lesson!" one of the crew members growled, emboldened by Buggy's display. "She dares defy our captain? She ought to be killed!"
"NO!" Buggy shouted in a panic, coming dangerously close to blowing his cover. “No, you shitheads…She will NOT get killed! Don’t you DARE lay a hand on her!”
Hana’s breath hitched at his outburst, wondering what he was going to do or say to deflect the situation.
Buggy took a deep breath, forcing himself to laugh as he continued, “She just...needs to take a joke! That's all!"
His laughter felt hollow, but it seemed to do the trick. The crew hesitated for a moment before chuckling along with him, albeit nervously.
Hana, still hidden from view, clenched her fists as she listened to their laughter. She couldn't help but wonder if Buggy's words were genuine or merely a facade to save face in front of his crew. Was this for real, or just another elaborate ruse? The uncertainty gnawed at her, and with one final, angry sob, she turned and stormed away from the ship, tears streaming down her cheeks.
==========
Hana slammed the door of her apartment, the sound echoing through the small space as she fumed.
"Take a JOKE?! I HAVE TO TAKE A JOKE?!" she seethed, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
As Hana's anger flared up, Shelly retreated into her shell in fear. Seeing her snail friend cowering due to her own temper caused Hana's heart to sink in guilt.
“Don’t worry, Shelly girl.” She cooed at the snail. She lifted her snail friend into her arms and snuggled her face against the shell “I’m not mad at you. I promise.”
This caused Shelly to pop out and give Hana a look of relief. Hana gave her friend a small kiss and put her down.
She ran her fingers through her hair, frustration mounting in her expressive eyes. Feeling the need to calm herself down, she made her way to the kitchen and opened a bottle of wine, the rich red liquid sloshing around in the bottle. Taking a deep breath, she brought the drink to her lips and sipped, allowing the flavor to wash over her tongue before swallowing.
"Did I overreact to that prank?" Hana mused aloud, her melodic voice tinged with doubt.
Deep in thought, she rested her weight against the kitchen counter. Buggy was known for his mischievous pranks, but she should have realized he wouldn't intentionally harm her. She had been so focused on her training that she didn't stop to consider that it was all just a joke. After all, she was quite familiar with his Chop Chop Fruit abilities and he could casually detach his own arm.
She took another sip of wine, the liquid danced on her tongue, reflecting the turmoil in her mind as she relived the moment of horror, her head shaking in an attempt to dispel the fear and guilt.
"No! No, I didn't overreact! He still didn't have to do that! I would never forgive myself if I accidentally hurt him," she whispered, the statement echoing in her mind like an unwelcome guest.
It was then that her anger began to dissipate, replaced by a sudden surge of concern for the clownish pirate captain. Her heart ached at the thought of Buggy's hollow laughter and it left her wondering if it was a facade he put on for his crew.
“She just...needs to take a joke! That's all!"
Hana couldn't forget the expression on Buggy's face, which stood in stark contrast to his bout of laughter at her expense in front of his crew. When he came to check on her during her panic-induced state, she saw genuine remorse and regret for taking a prank too far. But then his crew stepped in and everything changed. It was as if he suddenly remembered he was a fearsome Pirate Captain so he had to act like such.
Rewinding the events in her head made her feel vulnerable and unsure of her own feelings toward him.
"Ugh, why does he have to be so infuriatingly complicated?" she muttered, draining the last of her wine and setting the half empty down on the counter with a soft clink.
==========
Night had fallen, casting a shroud of darkness over the ship. Buggy's quarters were a mess, a testament to his anger and frustration. Shattered glass from a broken mirror lay scattered on the floor, reflecting the dim candlelight in a thousand glittering shards. Torn charts and maps littered the room, ripped apart in his blind fury. His once meticulously organized collection of knives was now strewn haphazardly across his desk, their sharp edges glinting menacingly.
"Again with the guilt thing!” Buggy grumbled to himself, pacing back and forth as he berated himself for being so foolish, for making Hana angry.
He clenched his fists, feeling an unfamiliar tightness in his chest as he recalled her distressed expression, her genuine concern for him.
“Seems to be a regular thing now since I've met her..."
The guilt crept in like a thick fog, suffocating in its weight and stinging in its touch. Every breath felt like a battle against the venomous emotions coursing through him, leaving him raw and vulnerable. The shattered pieces of his anger and frustration lay scattered around him, a reflection of the shattered state of his heart.
"Damn it, Buggy! You stupid asshole! She cares about you, Gods know why, and you had to go and ruin everything!" he shouted into the empty room, slamming his fist into the wall.
The pain brought him a momentary respite from his swirling thoughts but did little to assuage his guilt, especially when he glanced at the side of his bed Hana slept at the previous night.
The memory of her accidentally landing on top of him and having her in his arms to give her warmth seeped into Buggy’s thoughts.
“Fuck…I…I may not be able to hold her again…”
Each thought of Hana's distressed expression and genuine concern only intensified the burning regret and self-loathing within him, like venom coursing through his veins. He desperately wanted to make things right with her, to mend whatever rift his thoughtless prank had caused between them.
But how could he do that while still maintaining the facade of a fearsome pirate captain? His pride and insecurities warred within him, threatening to tear him apart.
As he stared at the wreckage of his room, he couldn't help but wonder if there was a way for him to reconcile his feelings for Hana with his carefully crafted image.
Could he find a way to show her he cared without sacrificing his authority?
"Please...please, baby...give me another chance," he whispered to himself, his voice cracking with emotion as he glanced at her side of the bed once more.
His heart ached with longing, and he silently vowed to find a way to make amends. He had to believe that there was still hope for them, that Hana would give him a chance to prove himself. That hope, fragile though it may be, was all he had left.
"Please," he murmured once more, as if his whispered plea could somehow reach her apartment across the darkened waves.
And with that, Buggy allowed his weary body to collapse onto his bed, dreams of redemption and forgiveness filling his troubled mind.
Chapter 15: #15 - A Clown's Conflict! Buggy Tries to make it up to Hana
Chapter Text
"Come on, Buggy," he muttered under his breath, trying to marshal his courage. "It's just a call."
Drawing in a deep breath, he finally called Hana, hope and apprehension warring within him.
"Hello?" Hana's melodic voice came through the snail.
"Hey, it's me," he stammered, struggling to maintain his usual bravado. His painted red lips trembled slightly, betraying his anxiety.
She was on her guard, her dark brown eyes no doubt narrowed in suspicion on the other line.
"What do you want, Clown?" she snapped, her defensiveness palpable even through the snail's speaker.
"Look, I…" Buggy hesitated, his heart hammering against his ribcage. "I'm…uh…sorry I guess, about the other day.”
Her silence bore down on him like a crushing weight, as he waited for her response, the snail suddenly feeling heavy in his hand. Despite the tension between them, Buggy couldn't help but find himself drawn to the sound of her voice, the lilting cadence that had always captivated him.
He glanced around nervously, ensuring none of his crew were eavesdropping.
"I want to make it up to you. Y'know... like old times."
He recalled the memory of them laughing together over drinks the night they reunited on the beach. He did his best to make it up to her after invading Baratie and it seemed to have worked. Hana's response, however, was sharp and biting.
"What happened to me 'needing to take a joke'? Hmmm?" She echoed his words back at him, her tone laced with bitterness.
Buggy's face flushed beneath his makeup, feeling cornered by her retort.
He mumbled into the snail's receiver, careful not to let any of his crew hear. "Look, I just said that to keep up appearances, okay? These shidiots... they just won't get it..."
"Get what?" Hanna snapped, her anger simmering beneath the surface.
Buggy hesitated, surprised by his own tenderness as he confessed, "They won't get how much you mean to me..."
Hana's ears perked up at Buggy's admission, as it was an answer she didn’t expect. No jokes, no quips; he was just putting himself and his feelings out there. The words lingered in the space between them, the silence heavy with unspoken feelings.
As Hana absorbed his tender admission, Buggy's heart raced, his palms sweaty against the snail. He knew he had put himself out there that was out of his comfort zone, and exposed his true feelings to her, but it was worth the risk if she could see that he was genuinely sorry for his actions.
“Then why did you say all that in front of them? The shitty prank, is one thing. Being two faced is another!” Hana lashed out.
“You made it seem like you made some sort of grand gesture of kindness by allowing me to stay until the storm subsided, and train me. Were you just using me to show off to your crew? ‘Oh look at the Captain’s new piece of arm candy! It’s the Baratie hostess!’”
“No!” Buggy interjected. “No, no I swear that’s not what I’m trying to go for!”
“Then WHY did you say all that stuff, huh?!” Hana argued, her anger boiling over. “Tell me the truth!”
Zeff’s words of warning echoed in Hana’s mind:
“Remember lass, not everyone has your best interest at heart”
“I guess you were right, Zeff…” Hana thought to herself sadly
Buggy paused, unsure of how to explain to Hana his line of reasoning of why he behaved differently in front of his crew.
"Think of it as putting on a show," Buggy hastily added, trying to explain his actions.
Hana scoffed “A show?”
His voice softened, but a hint of mischief remained. "You put on a show at your work, right? When a dumbass customer is making you mad and you have to put on a fake smile. It's the same thing!"
Hana leaned back in her chair, her gaze drifting towards the window. She watched the sunlight dance on the water outside, her mind wandering back to countless shifts at Baratie.
Buggy had a point; she often had to plaster a disingenuous grin on her face while dealing with unpleasant patrons. Her stomach twisted with frustration and disgust when she recalled the leering stares and inappropriate comments she had endured, all with a forced smile.
As she mulled over his words, her fingers tapped rhythmically on the desk, mirroring the beat of her racing thoughts.
Could Buggy really be sincere about his feelings for me?
It was hard to imagine that beneath the layers of clown makeup and exaggerated bravado, he harbored genuine affection…
But was it really that hard to imagine?
"You mean that?" Hana questioned, her voice tinged with hope and skepticism.
"Yeah, I do," Buggy replied, swallowing hard.
His heart pounded against his chest, anxious yet determined to prove his sincerity. He knew he had to make amends for the prank that had hurt Hana, and now was his chance.
All he needed was for her to believe him.
Hana glanced over at the music box he had stolen for her on the day they went to the market together for the first time and her eyes softened at the sight.
The memories of their time together flooded her mind, a montage of laughter, shared confidences, and stolen moments away from the watchful eyes of his crew. He was different when it was just the two of them; the over-the-top antics and grandiose gestures slipping away like a discarded mask, revealing a side of Buggy one that didn't need the constant approval of his crew or the adoration of an audience.
"Remember all those times on the beach?" Hana murmured, a warm smile playing on her lips.
During those beach visits, Buggy had been uncharacteristically tender, his usual bravado washed away by the rhythmic waves crashing against the shore. They had talked for hours about their lives, and he had listened with an attentiveness that belied his bumbling demeanor.
It was a glimpse of the man beneath the clown makeup, a man who could be fiercely protective and unexpectedly gentle.
“Yeah like that one time, you had to tend to my wounds after my intense sea battle” Buggy reminisced “You were my own private nurse…without the sexy outfit, unfortunately…”
“…You stepped on a washed-up jellyfish and got stung. It was hardly an intense battle of the sea!” Hana retorted with a chuckle and roll of her eyes.
“Hey, anything coming from the sea can be dangerous!” Buggy quipped.
Hana laughed as she continued their conversation, feeling the familiar comfort their banter slowly sweep away her lingering hurt.
"Or that time you tried to make me laugh after I tripped in front of everyone at the bar," Hana continued, chuckling softly at the memory.
Buggy had made a show of tripping himself, his exaggerated fall and disconnection of his limbs due to his Devil Fruit powers prompting raucous laughter from the crowd. She had been mortified at the time, but his genuine concern for her well-being had shone through his seemingly foolish actions.
“Well, you were upstaging me and you can’t upstage the star of the show!” Buggy continued to tease.
Hana giggled, making Buggy get his hopes up that he might be able to get forgiveness from the woman he cared so much about.
After their laughter died down, Buggy’s true tenderness shined through again.
“So what do you say?” Buggy asked quietly, his tone much more serious “Can I make it up to you?”
Hana pursed her lips, and remained quiet on the other line as she faintly heard people walking by her apartment door. Hana tried to consider Buggy's words but she was distracted by the beating of her own heart, unsure of whether she was ready to forgive him.
Then, breaking the silence, she said softly, "I don't know, Buggy. Can you?"
Buggy took a deep breath "I can... I will try."
The sincerity in his voice was unmistakable.
“That…’show’ you put on for your crew…that’s not how you truly feel about me right?”
“Of course not! I gotta live up to my role as a great Pirate captain, but just know…that uh…you’re my favorite girl.”
Her heart swelled with a rush of emotions as his words stirred a deeper, more unshielded part of her.
Those words brought her back to the night when she knew she was beginning to have feelings for him:
“Let me assure you, you are my number one girl. No one could ever replace you.”
It was as if a spark had been reignited, a glimmer of hope shining through the cracks of her hurt.
Maybe… I should give him another chance…
"Fine. You can make it up to me" Hana relented, "But if this turns out to be another joke, I'll make sure you regret it."
A wave of relief washed over him as he realized Hana was willing to give him another chance, but the familiar knot of anxiety quickly returned.
Buggy swallowed hard, his heart racing.
"Don't worry," he muttered under his breath, more to himself than anyone else. "I won't let you down this time."
"Whatever you decide," Hana said softly, her ears hearing his voice for any hint of deception. "I'll be waiting, Captain.”
Buggy's throat bobbed in response to her husky voice, causing her to chuckle; she knew just how much he loved it. Despite his arrogant exterior and his perceived superiority, she had the power to turn him into putty and she knew she could have him wrapped around her finger with just one mention of his title escaping from her mouth.
He better follow through with his words…
“Don’t keep me waiting. Buh Bye."
Hana hung up, and with that, there was a sense of pumped-up renewed vigor.
The challenge was set, and Buggy knew he had to find the perfect gesture, one that would show Hana just how much she meant to him.
But what could possibly be enough?
=========
Buggy's thoughts raced as he paced back and forth in his cramped cabin, his electric blue ponytail trailing behind him.
He was relieved to have the chance to make it up to her, but he also knew that he needed to come up with something truly special to exceed her expectations.
The mere thought of disappointing her and possibly losing her was unbearable, so he focused all of his energy on brainstorming ways to make things right.
"Think, think, think," he mumbled to himself, racking his brain for ideas.
A cheesy pick-up line?
No, that would only make things worse.
A grand romantic gesture, like riding on Ritchie and giving her the biggest bouquet of flowers?
Not a bad idea…it’s very flashy…but I’ve already given her so many flowers…Hell, her name means flower!
Maybe I could try one of my classic comedy routines, the ones that always made her laugh...
Shit…
As Buggy continued to pace, he chewed on his bottom lip, his eyes darting around the room in search of inspiration.
"None of these ideas are worth a damn!" Buggy groaned, slumping against the wall.
He knew he needed something more sincere, a genuine display of his feelings for her - but putting his emotions out there had never been his strong suit.
"Come on," he whispered, clenching his fists. "You have to fix this. You owe it to her."
As he continued to pace, Buggy tried to summon all the determination he could muster. He needed to find a way to show Hana how much she meant to him, even if it meant stepping out of his comfort zone.
His eyes caught a snippet in the newspaper about Baratie and an idea sparked in his mind - what better way to make amends than by stepping into her world and attempting to craft a meal for her?
"Of course!" Buggy exclaimed, snapping his fingers. "I'll cook her dinner! A fancy one, with... two sides!"
There was just one problem: Buggy had no idea how to prepare anything remotely considered fancy cuisine.
"Alright, focus," he told himself, rubbing his temples. "You can do this. You're a pirate captain, for crying out loud! How hard can it be to whip up a nice meal?"
Determined, Buggy set his sights on creating a memorable dinner for Hana as a way to demonstrate his genuine concern for her well-being and his desire to make amends. The challenge weighed heavily on his shoulders, but he refused to give up.
After all, if there was one thing Buggy the Clown was known for, it was his unwavering determination.
"Okay, first things first," he muttered, grabbing a notepad and quill. "I'll need to figure out what to cook, gather the ingredients, and find a suitable location for our dinner. Oh, and I'll need some romantic music too!"
As Buggy scribbled down his plans, he felt a renewed sense of confidence. He might not have been an expert in fancy cuisine, but he was an expert in making people laugh – and perhaps, just maybe, that would be enough to win Hana's heart once more.
"Get ready, baby," Buggy whispered, a determined gleam in his eye. "Tonight, I'm going to show you a side of me you've never seen before."
===========================
With newfound enthusiasm, Buggy stormed into the ship's galley, his eyes scanning the shelves and cupboards for inspiration.
He knew he had to make something special for Hana, but he was completely out of his depth when it came to fancy cuisine. As he rummaged through the provisions, a bag of pasta caught his eye.
"Spaghetti and meatballs," he muttered to himself with a grin. "That's the fanciest dish I know."
He gathered up the pasta, canned tomatoes, ground meat, and various spices, his mind racing with excitement.
"I'll need the two sides too..." he thought, spotting some potatoes and an assortment of vegetables.
"Mashed potatoes and a salad! Perfect!" Buggy chuckled at his own culinary prowess, blissfully unaware of how mismatched his chosen side dishes were.
As he set to work on his ambitious dinner plan, Buggy remembered the musicians among his crew.
Buggy's mind wandered, painting a vivid scene that could have been ripped straight from the pages of a cheesy romance novel.
He saw himself, standing tall and dashing on the deck of his ship, bathed in the soft glow of twilight. His clownish attire was replaced with an exaggeratedly bright yet elegant coat as he wore his blue hair up for the occassion.
In his vision, Hana would step onto the deck, her eyes sparkling brighter than any star in the night sky. She would be wearing a flowing gown that accentuated her curves and fluttered around her as if enchanted by the sea breeze itself. Her lips would part in surprise as she beheld him - Buggy, transformed into a suave and sophisticated gentleman holding the plate of spaghetti he made for her.
A string quartet comprised entirely of his loyal crew members would suddenly appear out of nowhere, their pirate garbs swapped for black-tie attire. They would begin playing a romantic melody that echoed across the waves, their usually gruff voices harmonizing beautifully.
Buggy imagined himself extending a white-gloved hand towards Hana. "May I have this dance?" he'd ask in a voice so smooth it could rival melted chocolate.
Hana's laughter would ring out like silver bells “Not yet Captain, I need to have your amazing looking dinner first!”
Just when things seemed perfect within this daydream, Buggy’s imagination was interrupted by a passing crew member.
"Captain Buggy, what are you doing?" they asked, poking their head into the galley.
"Ahem!" Buggy cleared his throat, plastering on a casual grin. "I've decided to forgive the hostess girl after all. We're going to make her a meal to remind her who the best captain is and how she should be so lucky to know someone like me!"
"Right away, Captain!" the crew member saluted before hurrying off to find a recipe that would suit Buggy's grand vision.
"Hey, you there!" Buggy barked at a pair of crewmates who happened to be skilled musicians. "I need you to create some romantic tunes... think candlelight and moonlit nights."
The musicians exchanged puzzled glances but nodded in agreement, setting off to work on their new assignment.
As Buggy dug through crates of vegetables and barrels of spices, he couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement in his chest. This plan was bold, unexpected, and entirely out of his comfort zone - but perhaps that was precisely what Hana needed to see.
"Alright, let's see," Buggy muttered, laying out his ingredients like a war strategist plotting an attack. "Fancy cuisine can't be that hard, can it?"
He stared down at the assortment of colorful vegetables and aromatic spices spread before him, feeling a twinge of doubt creep into his thoughts.
"Focus, Buggy," he scolded himself, shaking away the uncertainty. "You've faced worse challenges than this. You've got this."
“Captain! The table is ready!” a crew member shouted
Buggy rushed out of the galley and stood at the entrance of the grounds, hands on his hips as he surveyed the scene before him.
The table stood ready, set with an array of mismatched plates and cutlery that somehow seemed to suit the occasion perfectly.
“Good…”
Now all that remained was the pièce de résistance – the meal he would prepare for Hana.
================================
Later that day, Buggy escorted Hana back to the area that was previously the training grounds, feeling his heart pound with anticipation. He needed everything to be perfect, hoping she would see the sincerity behind his efforts.
As they entered the dimly lit space, Hana's eyes narrowed suspiciously, taking in the single table adorned with a white tablecloth and flickering candles.
“What’s going on?”
"Have a seat," Buggy told her, trying to sound confident as he pulled up a chair for her. "Just wait for me. I have something I know you'll love."
Hana raised an eyebrow, smirking playfully. "Really? Are you sure it's not another prank?"
The jab stung, but it only made Buggy more determined to prove himself.
"No pranks, I promise," he said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "You'll see."
As Hana took a seat at the prepared table, Buggy couldn't help but wonder if he was in over his head. Would she see through his playful facade and recognize the genuine remorse he felt? He shook off the thought, focusing on the task at hand.
Today was about making Hana happy, and he was determined to do just that.
===
Buggy's hands trembled ever so slightly as he stepped into the galley, his heart hammering against his chest. The scent of garlic and onions sizzling in a pan filled the air, mingling with the rich aroma of tomatoes simmering on the stove. Buggy's crew members bustled around him, their faces a mixture of concentration and confusion as they attempted to prepare Hana’s feast.
Frustration bubbled up within him as he struggled with the unwieldy pasta, cursing under his breath as he broke it in half before dropping it into the boiling water. He knew nothing about cooking, but he was determined to make this meal perfect for her, no matter what.
"Captain," one of his crew called out, holding up a bowl of uncooked meatballs. "Do these look right?"
"Make them rounder!" Buggy snapped, trying to hide his own uncertainty and frustration.
“I wish there was instructions on how to make this stupid meal!”
He moved on to the sauce, stirring it carefully as he added a pinch of salt, and then a dash of pepper that he thought was enough. The flavors melded together beautifully, creating an intoxicating aroma that wafted through the kitchen. Buggy could almost see Hana's smile when she took her first bite, and it fueled his determination to make this dish absolutely perfect.
He glanced at the crew members who had been roped into helping him, their faces masked in concentration as they peeled potatoes and chopped vegetables for the salad.
"Careful with those onions!" Buggy snapped at one of them, his usual flippant demeanor replaced by a fierce determination to make this meal perfect for Hana. "I swear, if any of you ruin this..."
"Y-yes, Captain!" came the chorus of replies, the crew members redoubling their efforts under Buggy's watchful gaze.
Meanwhile, Hana waited patiently at the table, tapping her fingers against the tablecloth as she listened with confusion to the cacophony coming from the kitchen.
CRASH
BANG
BOOM
“What the hell is going on back there?!” Hana wondered out loud, before getting startled by Buggy’s booming voice.
“I SWEAR TO THE GODS ABOVE, YOU BETTER NOT MESS THIS UP FOR ME OR YOU’LL BE FED TO THE LION!”
"ROAR"
“No you can’t eat yet, furball! Wait until all this is over!”
It wasn't long before Buggy burst back into the room, his face flushed from the heat and his eyes alight with excitement.
"Almost ready!" he declared, hurrying over to her side. "But first, I've got a special surprise for you."
With a flourish, he summoned the ragtag group of musicians from the crew he commanded earlier– each wielding a battered instrument that had seen better days.
"Prepare yourself, babe," Buggy announced dramatically, waving a hand toward the makeshift orchestra. "You're in for a musical treat!"
Hana gave Buggy a sly smile. “Oh? A serenade of some kind?”
He gave her a wink, “You know it, baby!”
With a flourish of his hand, he gestured for the musicians to begin playing their rehearsed romantic serenade.
The crew began to play, but the result was anything but harmonious. As the first discordant notes rang out, it became painfully clear that their practice had done little to improve their skills. Creaky violin strings screeched like distressed birds while the flute warbled off-key melodies that made Hana cringe.
A member of the crew poked his head out from the galley door, scratching his head in confusion at the noise.
"Is someone dying?"
"Oh for shit’s sake!" Buggy bellowed at the musicians, his face turning an alarming shade of red. "You're supposed to be setting the mood!"
“But Captain, we don’t know any romantic songs! Only the soundtrack to our shows!”
Despite the disastrous performance, Hana couldn't help but chuckle at their earnest attempts. She knew Buggy was trying his best, and the absurdity of it all only served to endear him to her even more.
"Ughhhh. Alright, alright, get out of here!" Buggy said, waving the musicians away with a huff.
Turning back to her, Buggy forced a grin.
"Just give us a few more minutes, okay? I promise it'll be worth the wait!"
Hana's eyes followed Buggy as he hurried back into the kitchen, chuckling to himself and shaking his head in amusement. Despite finding his flustered state highly entertaining, she couldn't help but feel touched by the sincerity of his actions. It was a strange contrast to the brash and boastful pirate she had known before; now, he was eagerly trying to make up for his mistakes and win her forgiveness.
"I guess he does feel sorry," she mused, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Buggy focused intently on the boiling pot of pasta before him. He gripped the wooden spoon tightly, stirring the noodles with precision. The steam billowed around him, carrying the not so rich aroma of watery tomato sauce and chopped herbs.
"Okay, noodles look good. Now for the meatballs," he muttered under his breath, determined to get every detail right.
Buggy mixed the ground beef and seasonings with his hands, shaping each meatball carefully. In his eagerness, he accidentally dropped one onto the floor.
“Shit!”
"Captain! We've got the mashed potatoes ready!" called one of the crew members, holding up a bowl of undercooked, lumpy spuds.
Another crew member proudly presented what was supposed to be a salad – a random assortment of vegetables thrown together, but not a single lettuce leaf in sight.
"Ugh, you morons!" Buggy groaned, rolling his eyes. “You need lettuce for a salad! And you need to not make those potatoes so lumpy!”
Buggy mopped the droplets of perspiration from his forehead, his gaze fixed on the haphazardly shaped meatballs sputtering in the frying pan. Each flip of the spatula was a measured act, a dance of precision, guaranteeing an even sear on every surface.
Suddenly, a cacophony ensued as they scrambled to assist with meal preparations. Pots clattered onto countertops, knives scraped against cutting boards and bodies collided into each other. Amidst this chaos, one unfortunate pirate slipped on a stray onion peel. His flailing arms knocked a tray of freshly peeled potatoes off the counter and onto the floor.
"Damn it!" Buggy roared over the commotion.
His eyes blazed with frustration as he surveyed the mess now littering his once pristine kitchen floor.
"Out! All of you! OUTTTTTT!" He punctuated each word with an angry jab of his spoon towards the door.
His crew hastily retreated from the kitchen under Buggy's fiery gaze, leaving him alone once more with his sizzling meatballs and scattered potatoes.
Though he had encountered numerous setbacks during the cooking process Buggy refused to give up. He was determined to make this meal perfect for Hana.
"Almost there," he whispered to himself, bolstering his own confidence.
He glanced at the finished mashed potatoes and makeshift salad, hoping that their less-than-ideal appearance wouldn't detract from the overall meal.
"Captain Buggy!" called one of his crewmates from the doorway, a nervous expression on his face. "Are you sure about this? We could still order something."
"Absolutely not!" Buggy snapped, waving a wooden spoon menacingly in the air. "She will have a meal made by my own hands, and I will deliver! I need to show how much of a great captain I am!"
Carefully, he plated the spaghetti, topping it with the now browned meatballs of different sizes. He carefully drizzled the watery sauce over the pasta and meatballs, his tongue poking out between his lips as he concentrated.
The less-lumpy mashed potatoes were then unceremoniously plopped onto the plate, while the improvised salad was arranged in what he hoped looked like an appealing manner.
Then, Buggy deemed the meal complete.
"Alright, here goes nothing," Buggy muttered, carrying the plate out to the waiting Hana.
With a determined spirit, Buggy emerged from the galley with a plate of imperfect but heartfelt cuisine, ready to capture Hana's heart with his culinary creation.
He approached a curious looking Hana, her eyes narrowing in confusion. Buggy's hands trembled despite the determined look in his eye and presented the plate to her.
"Ta-da!" he announced triumphantly, presenting the plate to Hana with a flourish. "Behold, my masterpiece! Spaghetti a la Buggy!"
Hana's eyes widened as she took in the sight before her. The dish in front of her was far from restaurant-quality. The noodles were clumped together in places, and the meatballs ranged from bite-sized to almost comically large. The spaghetti was accompanied by a side of lumpy mashed potatoes and a curious assortment of vegetables.
It was far from the elegant dinner she might have expected, but she could see the care and effort that had gone into every aspect of the meal.
"Wow, Buggy... I'm impressed," Hana admitted, a warm smile gracing her lips as she looked up at him. "You really went all out, didn't you?"
Buggy felt his cheeks heat up, both from the compliment and the lingering steam from the kitchen.
"Well, I told you I had to make it up to you somehow," he replied, trying to maintain his usual air of bravado. "I just hope it tastes okay."
"I can tell you've really put your heart into this," she said softly, her eyes shining with appreciation.
Buggy felt a warmth spread through his chest at her words, and he couldn't suppress the grin that crept onto his face. "Of course I did!"
Buggy's heart raced as he stood by Hana's side, eager to witness her reaction to the meal he'd worked so hard to prepare. The anticipation was almost too much to bear, and he found himself gripping the edge of the table tightly.
"Alright," Hana said, raising her fork "Here it goes..."
Just as she was about to dive her fork into Buggy's creation, a sudden movement caught her eye.
Before either of them could react, Richie the Lion appeared from behind Buggy, swooping in and gobbling up the entire plate of food in one swift motion.
"RICHIE!" Buggy yelled, his face turning an alarming shade of red. "YOU SHITHEAD! What the hell do you think you're doing?!"
He shot a furious glare at Mohji, his eyes red with fury and sharp as daggers, who along with the rest of the crew looked equally shocked.
The taste of frustration and disappointment lingered in Buggy's mouth, the meal he poured his heart into now gone thanks to Richie's antics.
Richie, not having a care in the world, gave a satisfied burp that echoed through the room with a satisfied smirk on his face. The chaotic evening had already been quite interesting, and now the whole spectacle was like the icing on the cake.
This caused Hana to burst into uncontrollable laughter that reverberated throughout the ship. Buggy's attention immediately shifted to her, his mind racing as he feared the worst. His face was a mix of panic and confusion, his eyes darting back and forth between Hana and the chaos caused by Richie.
Hana's shoulders shook with laughter, tears streaming down her cheeks as she held onto the table for support.
"Wow, Buggy!" she gasped between laughs. "Richie is trying to steal the show from you!"
"Ha ha," Buggy grumbled, though he couldn't help but have his heart skip a beat at Hana's laughter.
Hana's body shook with each wave of laughter, her hands slapping against her thighs as she struggled to catch her breath. It was clear she was enjoying herself and Buggy's grip on the table loosened. Her laughter wasn’t one of ridicule and that brought a sense of relief, like a refreshing palate cleanser after the bitter taste of defeat.
Hana took a deep breath, finally managing to compose herself. Hana reached out and touched his arm gently, trying to calm him down. She looked at Buggy with warm, appreciative eyes, and he felt some of his anger dissipating.
"Thank you for all of this," she said softly. "I know things didn't go exactly as planned, but I can see how much effort you put into trying to make this meal for me. It really means a lot."
Buggy's cheeks flushed at her words, and he found himself at a loss for what to say. He cleared his throat and tried to play it off with a casual shrug.
"Ah, well, y'know..." he mumbled, avoiding her gaze.
“This was all quite fun” Hana commented with a small giggle “I suppose this was all part of the show?” she added with a small teasing tone.
"This wasn't part of the show” Buggy mumbled with a roll of his eyes “But I guess I’ll take it”
“And you—" He pointed an accusatory finger at Mohji. "You better keep a tighter leash on your pet from now on!"
"Y-yes, Captain!" Mohji stammered, bowing apologetically before he and the crew ran off.
Hana's laughter still echoed in Buggy's ears as he tried to regain his composure. As they stood there in the aftermath of Richie's unexpected intrusion, Buggy realized that, despite the chaos, they had still managed to share an intimate moment. And perhaps, in its own strange way, that was even more meaningful than the perfect dinner he'd hoped to create.
He glanced toward the now-empty plate, then back to Hana, who was wiping away tears of laughter from her eyes.
"Alright, how about this then?" Hana said, her voice filled with warmth and understanding, "How about we just get some takeout instead? We can still enjoy dinner together."
Buggy was flooded with a sense of relief when she made that suggestion. All the chaos and effort he had put into impressing her throughout the evening had paid off in the end.
"Yeah, that sounds good," he agreed, trying to sound nonchalant.
"Better yet," Hana continued, a sly smile playing on her lips, "Why don't you come over to my apartment tonight for a private dinner? Just the two of us."
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, making Buggy's heart race.
"Uh, sure," he stammered, trying to hide his excitement and nerves behind a casual facade. "I'll... I'll pick up something nice to drink on the way."
"Great!" Hana beamed at him before turning to leave, her hips swaying tantalizingly as she walked away.
Buggy watched her hips sway as she went and he couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension.
“What’s gonna happen?!”
“Will we just be eating and drinking?”
“Will we do something… more ?
His insecurities bubbled to the surface, but he tried to shove them down, focusing instead on the task at hand.
"H-Hey, Hana!" he called out, unable to resist one last attempt at humor to lighten the mood. "I'll make sure to find the fanciest Rum money can buy…or can steal!"
She giggled mischievously, giving a flirtatious wink as she blew a kiss over her shoulder.
"I'm counting on it, Captain."
With that, she disappeared from view, confidently knowing that Buggy would be at a loss for words after her display.
And he was, as he stood there lost in his own thoughts. The weight of his emotions for Hana bore down on him like a heavy burden.
He wanted so desperately to make her happy, even though he felt woefully unqualified to do so.
He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the evening ahead. With a renewed sense of purpose, Buggy set off to find some good rum worthy of her tastebuds, hoping that tonight would be the night he could finally prove himself worthy of her heart and be the man she deserved.
Chapter 16: #16 - The Clown’s Lament! Hana and Buggy’s Night Alone.
Notes:
TW: alcohol use, Dubcon since I wrote this with the intention that even though both parties are consenting, and there is no malice behind their actions, they are still tipsy from drinking.
Chapter Text
“So you can’t swim at all?”
“I used to be able to, but ever since I was forced to eat that fruit, no. I can’t swim”
“So if I push you into my apartment’s pool, you won’t be able to swim?”
“No not really, I…Wait…what?”
Snort
The playful yet intimate atmosphere had Hana and Buggy lounging together in her cozy living room, savoring the warmth of their company as it mingled with the enticing aroma of spiced rum. Their takeout containers were scattered across the coffee table, remnants of a surprisingly delightful dinner that only served to heighten the lively atmosphere. The spiced Rum served as the shared dessert between the pirate and the hostess.
"I swear I'm gonna destroy my liver if I keep drinking with you!" Hana joked, swirling the amber liquid in her glass.
Buggy barked out a laugh, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Well then live it up with me before it's destroyed!" he retorted, mirroring her lighthearted tone.
Hana's giggles rang out like a melodious bell, and she raised her glass in a toast.
"Cheers to your failed cooking attempt, but an A+ for effort," she declared, clinking her glass against Buggy's.
Despite his earlier prank during their training session, she couldn't help but appreciate the sincerity behind his clumsy attempts to make amends.
"Hey, I tried," Buggy admitted with a sheepish smile. "At least we have this fantastic rum to wash down the memory of my culinary disaster."
"True," Hana agreed, taking a sip of her drink. She savored the rich, complex flavors that danced along her taste buds, feeling a pleasant warmth spread through her chest. "Mmm, this is so good. I think I might be starting to prefer rum over wine and whiskey."
"Ah, so I've managed to corrupt you after all," Buggy teased, raising an eyebrow.
Hana rolled her eyes playfully, but her heart swelled with affection for the eccentric pirate captain sitting beside her.
“Yeah, sure.”
Buggy's gaze shifted to the empty takeout containers, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
"You know, it's a good thing Richie didn't get to these first," he said, chuckling. "That lion's already got a bit of a...how shall I put it? A fatass situation going on."
Hana laughed, shaking her head at Buggy's playful jab at their furry companion. She playfully swatted his shoulder, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Don't be so mean to poor Richie! He's just a big hungry boy!"
"Yeah, but he's still a fatass," Buggy retorted, feigning seriousness as they shared another burst of laughter.
"You’re so mean," Hana teased, lifting her glass for another sip of rum.
The liquid slid smoothly down her throat, its warmth enveloping her like a comforting blanket. Bold flavors of caramel and vanilla danced on her tongue, mingling with subtle notes of oak and spice.
She sighed contentedly, savoring the taste that lingered in her mouth. "Yup, this rum is definitely growing on me.”
"Soon enough, you'll be a full-fledged pirate, just like me." Buggy teased, raising his own glass in mock celebration.
Despite the jest in his words, Hana couldn't help but feel a warm flutter in her chest at the thought of sharing more moments like this with Buggy in the future.
She took another sip of her rum, reveling in the lively atmosphere that Buggy had brought into her apartment. As the warmth of the alcohol spread through her, she couldn't help but feel a confusing mix of emotions bubbling up inside her.
It wasn't just gratitude for his attempt to make dinner or admiration for his help with her knife-wielding skills – it felt like something more profound was blossoming between them. She couldn't help but feel that familiar yet magnetic pull towards Buggy.
Her heart raced in her chest as she tried to make sense of these emotions, sorting through them in her mind.
“Will he ever take that extra step with me? Can he be the boyfriend type? Does he want to?”
The dream of Buggy with Sanji's voice echoed in her thoughts, adding another layer of confusion to her feelings.
"You feel so divine, mon amour,"
“Enjoy the moment, love…”
"Hey, Hana," Buggy said, interrupting her thoughts with a sheepish grin. "I have a confession to make.”
Hana's heart leaped at his words, and she could feel her cheeks flush as she tried to process the potential implications of his confession.
“Could this be it?! Is he…gonna…?!”
“Yeah?”
“I Uh…”
Hana looked up at him inquisitively with a glimmer of hope.
“I…snuck a taste of your wine when you weren't looking."
A flicker of disappointment passed through her dark eyes, barely perceptible, but a playful glint quickly masked it. She swatted him lightly on the arm, her laughter a little too forced, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.
"You drank my wine without asking me?!"
"What, I was just curious!" Buggy retorted, chuckling at her reaction. "At least now you don't have to worry about me doing it again. It was disgusting! I don’t understand how you fancy types like that shit so much!"
Hana rolled her eyes and scoffed as she drank her rum.
"Ugh, you have no taste!" she teased but could not mask her slight sadness.
As Hana's thoughts swirled, she found herself grappling with the tangled web of emotions that had been weaving itself within her heart for longer than she cared to admit. She was caught in a whirlwind of feelings for Buggy, a man whose clownish exterior belied a depth of character that drew her in.
She yearned for him to shed his playful facade and make clear his intentions - did he want more than just casual flirtation?
She couldn't deny the lingering ache for Sanji, like an old wound that refused to fully heal. As she sorted through her memories, however, she came to the realization that Buggy had brought immense joy into her life.
His laughter echoed in her ears, his quirky antics played out in vivid color behind her eyes, and she realized that he had sparked something within her:
A desire to take another chance on romance.
The realization dawned on her suddenly, but it also brought a sense of comfort. She had been grappling with these feelings for some time now, even opening up to her family about them during one of her mother's dinners. But it wasn't until he made an effort to show her how much she meant to him after his mistake that she truly understood the depth of his feelings for her.
While she missed what she once shared with Sanji, it was Buggy who made her smile now, who filled her days with unexpected happiness and warmth. It was him who stirred a longing within her to brave the uncertain waters of romance once again.
“But…Buggy hasn’t outright said he wanted something even more serious with me yet…”
“I know he likes me but…”
She shook her head and drank more rum.
“Don’t rush him, Hana. Maybe he’ll say something or do something when he’s ready…”
===========================
The alcohol coursed through both of them, making their inhibitions dissolve like salt in the sea. As they laughed and flirted, Hana knew that whatever was happening between them felt right, even if it was unexpected and a little overwhelming.
With each swig from the bottle of rum they shared, the atmosphere between them grew more relaxed, their banter effortlessly flowing back and forth like the tide. Hana found herself becoming bolder, her hand resting casually on Buggy's leg as she leaned in closer.
“Maybe…maybe I need to take the initiative…show him my feelings, but not be too strong. I don’t wanna scare him off if he’s not ready…”
As they continued to indulge in drinks and laughter, Buggy couldn't help but sneak quick looks at Hana. He couldn't resist the way her dark brown eyes seemed to glisten in the soft candlelight, or how her joyous giggles sent pleasant shivers down his spine.
He couldn't help but feel a swell of pride knowing that he had made her this happy. It reassured him that perhaps, beneath all his quirks and eccentricities, there was something about him that she genuinely valued.
Meanwhile, Hana's boldness only seemed to grow with each passing moment, her hand resting casually on Buggy's thigh as she leaned in ever closer to him. The warmth of her touch sent a jolt of electricity through his body, making his heart race and his breath catch in his throat.
But instead of pulling away, he embraced the feeling, allowing himself to get caught up in the intensity of their connection.
"Have I ever told you that your eyes are absolutely mesmerizing?" Hana purred, her fingers tracing delicate patterns on Buggy's leg, making him shiver in anticipation. "I could get lost in them for hours."
"Ha, don't go getting any ideas," Buggy replied with a grin, his voice slightly higher than usual as he tried to maintain his composure. "You might just find yourself tangled up in my web of charm."
"Is that a promise or a threat?" Hana asked, her eyes never leaving his as she leaned in even closer, their bodies mere inches apart.
Buggy's eyes flickered between Hana's sultry gaze and her hand, which had made its way to his leg with a boldness that left him feeling both exhilarated and nervous.
"Maybe I should drink a bit more to calm the nerves…" Buggy thought, reaching for the bottle and pouring himself another glass.
He quickly downed the amber liquid and he could feel the warmth spreading through his veins, giving him the confidence he needed to match Hana's flirtatious energy.
"Y'know, Hana," Buggy started, leaning in closer as they sat on the couch, "I've been thinking... maybe we should take our banter on the seas…as a part of my show!"
He tried to keep his voice steady, but it still came out slightly higher than he intended due to the nerves bubbling beneath the surface.
Hana snorted, her husky voice doing little to calm his racing heart.
"Oh?" she asked, raising an eyebrow playfully. "What would we call ourselves? 'The Hostess and the Clown'?"
"Absolutely not, I get first billing!" Buggy snorted, trying to maintain his cool demeanor while his body betrayed him.
Her hand made its way down his leg making it twitch under her touch, causing him to knock over the rum bottle on the coffee table with a clumsy movement.
"Whoops!" Buggy exclaimed, springing into action to clean up the spilled liquid.
He attempted to stand up swiftly but found himself tumbling backward after slipping on a napkin, landing with his head in Hana's lap most ungracefully.
"Hi," he greeted her playfully, looking up at her and giving her a wink followed by a tongue click.
His green eyes sparkled with mischief even as his cheeks burned with embarrassment.
Hana couldn't contain her laughter at the absurd predicament they had stumbled into. Buggy's smile widened in response, as he felt his last shred of anxiety dissipate in the comforting warmth of their mutual mirth.
"Hi," Hana responded warmly, her dark brown eyes fixed on Buggy's as she giggled. “Did you do that on purpose?”
“No”
Hana snorted in disbelief. "Yeah, sure..."
"You don't believe me?"
"No way. I can't imagine a clown being that clumsy," she said, accompanied by an eye roll.
She softly brushed her fingers through his vibrant blue hair, sending a shiver down his spine as he closed his eyes.
"But that doesn't mean I don't like it..." she said with a gentle sweetness in her tone.
The intimate gesture made him feel both turned on and comforted in her presence. Her hand through his hair and the warmth and softness of her thighs underneath him added to his comfort and arousal.
"That feels so good. Can I just be here, forever?" Buggy asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Hana smiled, her fingers still playing with his hair.
"Now this is a different kind of Buggy that I saw compared to the one I noticed in front of your crew," she teased.
Buggy tried to dismiss her words, his pride kicking in despite the pleasant sensation of her touch.
"Like I said, I'm their captain, and I gotta put on a show for them!"
Hana pondered his words, her expressive eyes searching his own as she continued to toy with his hair.
"Are you putting on a show for me?" she asked, her question holding a hint of vulnerability that mirrored Buggy's own feelings.
Buggy opened his eyes and took a deep breath, feeling vulnerable under her piercing stare. The silence in the room was thick, and Buggy carefully considered how to answer.
"I'm a great performer," he admitted, "but I don't think... y'know... I can put on that kinda show for you... it wouldn't be very convincing. You're too smart."
Hana's expression softened into a warm smile, her eyes reflecting the tenderness she felt for this complicated man who had found his way into her life.
"Well, I hope it's not a show. I like this Buggy a whole lot, compared to the Buggy who gives a show to his crew..."
The affection in her words made Buggy's chest swell with an emotion he couldn't quite place, but he knew that whatever it was, it had the power to both terrify and exhilarate him.
He knew that the connection they had was genuine, but it was still difficult for him to shed the persona he'd spent years crafting.
Hana watched Buggy's sincere gaze and knew she couldn't help but fall deeper into their connection. A sultry smile replaced her laughter, the air between them growing heavy with anticipation.
With a teasing touch, Hana playfully tugged on one of his blue locks, inciting a shiver from Buggy.
She quickly took notice and teased him.
“Well, look at you. I guess you were right all along. You do like a woman who pulls your hair, huh?”
“Damn right, I do.”
Her smile was teasingly mischievous as she gently pulled his hair again, making him let out a low growl.
A sharp twinge suddenly shot through her shoulders, causing her to wince and hiss. The soreness that had been building in her muscles finally caught up to her.
“Ow!”
Buggy suddenly sat up from her lap with a look of genuine concern.
“You alright?”
“Yeah, I guess I’m just sore from the training”
As she rubbed her shoulders, her blouse sleeve slipped slightly, revealing a glimpse of her bra strap. Buggy couldn't help but notice and nervously swallowed at the accidental sight.
“Shit…”
His heart was beating so fast and loud, he could feel it in his chest. He yearned for her, but a wave of anxiety washed over him. Fidgeting in his seat, he couldn't help but clench and unclench his hands, a sign of the inner struggle he was facing - should he make a move or hold back?
“Don’t fuck this up, Buggy…”
“Yknow…I can help with that if you want.” Buggy offered, trying to sound seductive “I can take care of you…”
"Really?" she purred, locking eyes with Buggy as she spoke.
Hana's eyes narrowed slyly as she watched Buggy's hands hovered near her shoulders, a mischievous glint in her gaze. Buggy's hands shook slightly, betraying his nervousness as he debated making a move.
His gloves came off quickly, a rare occurrence that revealed the rough and calloused hands of a man who had spent years at sea. As she watched him, her heart fluttered and her skin tingled with anticipation. It was clear he was serious about his offer, especially since he had taken off his gloves for the occasion.
“O-okay then”
His hands moved with a sense of purpose as they reached her shoulders and began to massage them, gently but firmly. In that moment, any lingering doubts about her feelings for him disappeared completely.
The feeling of his warm, rough hands on her…
It all felt so good.
So good that Hana couldn't suppress the moan that escaped her lips.
"Ohhhh...Buggy..."
The sound seemed to reverberate around the room, like a siren call to the pirate captain. Buggy's eyes widened with surprise and excitement, at the sound of her moaning his name.
“Holy shit…this is getting hot…”
He swallowed nervously and decided to go just a bit further to test his luck.
"You're so tense," he murmured, his fingers working expertly to knead away the knots that had formed in her muscles. “Where else do you hurt?”
“My back…”
Hana felt his hands glide up and down her back, skillfully relieving the tension that had built up during their training session. She reveled in the sensation, allowing herself to sink further into the pleasure he provided.
"Yeah. Oh yeah, like that. Keep going," Hana whispered, her voice barely audible above the symphony of her heavy breathing.
A wave of electric pleasure surged through Hana, causing her fingers to clutch at the couch's upholstery, her body instinctively rising towards his touch as if yearning for more. Her heart pounded in her chest like a wild drum, echoing the rhythm of an unfamiliar desire that was beginning to awaken within her.
She tried to suppress the visible signs of her arousal - the quickening breaths, the flushed cheeks - but it was a futile effort. The heat that spread through her veins was impossible to ignore, a tantalizing warmth that made every inch of her skin tingle with anticipation.
His hands on her felt incredibly good - too good. And it wasn't just about being touched by a man; she'd had plenty of those experiences before.
No, this was different.
There was an intensity in his touch that she hadn't encountered in a long time – a raw and primal connection that went beyond mere physical contact.
It stirred something deep within her, making her marvel at how such simple contact could elicit such profound sensations.
"God, you're good at this," she breathed out, her voice laced with pure pleasure.
Buggy's grin grew wider as he leaned in closer, his breath hot on her neck.
"Only for you, baby" he whispered, his voice husky and deep.
The words sent shivers down her spine, igniting a fire within her that threatened to burn out of control.
The air between Hana and Buggy grew thick with unspoken desire, their laughter and banter now replaced by the symphony of heavy breathing and soft moans. Buggy's hands continued their dance along her shoulders and back, skillfully working away her tension while marveling at the feel of her body.
As he moved his hands to massage her neck, Hana tilted her head forward, granting him better access. Her dark eyes fluttered closed, surrendering herself fully to the sensations he elicited. She could feel the heat radiating from his body, his every touch leaving a trail of flames on her skin.
Buggy's heart raced due to the potent mix of rum and Hana's intoxicating presence. His usually confident façade was beginning to crack under the weight of the situation.
Here he was, alone in this woman's apartment, as she moaned his name while he comforted her.
“This is too good to be true…”
The situation was a tantalizing dream, a forbidden fantasy come to life, a utopia that could crumble at any moment.
“It’s like the universe is taunting me…”
The room suddenly felt too warm, the air too heavy, as if the weight of his insecurities were pressing down on him from all sides, threatening to shatter the perfect illusion.
"Hey," Buggy mumbled suddenly, the liquid courage making his speech slightly slurred. "Do you... Do you think I'm ugly?"
Hana lifted her head and faced him, her concerned eyes locked onto Buggy's as she processed his question. The raw sensitivity in his words hit her like a wave, momentarily washing away any trace of their previous flirtatious banter.
"No, of course not. Why would you ask that?" she asked gently, her voice filled with genuine surprise.
Buggy swallowed hard, the question lingering between them like a specter. He couldn't remember the last time he'd allowed himself to be this open with anyone. It was terrifying, but there was something about Hana that made him want to share this hidden part of himself, despite the fear that gnawed at him.
"Because," he began, struggling to find the right words as he met her gaze.
Buggy's heart pounded in his chest, the rum and intense atmosphere amplifying his vulnerability as he stammered out his confession.
“When I first saw you at the restaurant…I…”
Hana's surprised eyes bore into him, and Buggy's hands fidgeted nervously, his fingers rubbing together as he struggled to maintain eye contact with Hana.
"I mean, look at me. I've got this huge, ugly, red thing and...you’re just so beautiful and kind…I thought…you wouldn’t… I mean, I wouldn’t…be worthy…of…"
His words trailed off as Buggy's self-doubt and insecurity hung heavy in the air, like invisible weights pressing down on them both, threatening to crush the moment of honesty between them.
Hana's expression was one of surprise, her eyes widening and brows furrowing in concern. The dim lighting in the room made the redness of his face stand out even more, making him appear smaller and more exposed at that moment.
In an attempt to lighten the mood, she quipped, "Well, when we first met, I was more concerned about the possibility of you guys invading Baratie than your face!"
Hana's lips curved into a teasing smile, but her eyes betrayed concern as she looked at Buggy's downturned face. Her words hung in the air like wilted flowers, their once bright and cheery petals now drooping with the weight of Buggy's vulnerability. Hana's attempt at humor had missed its mark, leaving behind an awkward silence and a palpable tension.
Her lips pursed with concern, realizing that this was a side of the fearsome pirate captain he was scared of showing and she realized the amount of courage it took for him to reveal his feelings. It ached her heart to see him like this.
"Hey," she said softly, trying to catch his eye.
Hana's hand reached out, cradling the side of Buggy's face with a tenderness that belied the strength she possessed.
"Look at me."
Reluctantly, he complied. He lifted his head and his eyes searched hers for any sign of judgment or rejection.
Instead, he found only warmth and understanding.
Her gaze seemed to wrap around him like a blanket, soothing away the sting of his insecurities and the softness of her touch was like a balm to his wounded pride.
"You are not ugly and your appearance is part of what makes you unique," Hana assured him, her voice steady and sincere, "But it's not all that you are. You're also strong, thoughtful, funny, and yes, even vulnerable at times. That's what makes you human."
He widened his eyes in disbelief at her empathetic words, and instinctively reached to touch her hand on his face, hoping her hand would never leave.
“No one has ever said that to me before…”
"You...mean all that? And you don't think I'm ugly?" His words were hesitant, almost disbelieving.
"Yes I meant everything I said," Hana replied, her sincerity shining through every syllable.
“You sure you mean that?”
“Of course!”
A playful glint entered her eyes as she continued, “Looks like I gotta prove it to you, huh?”
Buggy blinked incredulously, processing her words. Her hand still cupped his face tenderly, as she leaned in closer to him.
"Let's see...you have beautiful eyes..."
Her lips brushed against his forehead between his painted-on crossbones in a fleeting kiss that left a tingling warmth in its wake. Buggy felt as though he'd been struck by lightning; his eyes widened and body froze, every nerve ending alive with the sensation of her lips on his skin.
"You have a very handsome face," Hana murmured, bestowing another gentle peck on his cheek, her breath warm against his skin.
Buggy's heart stuttered, the unexpected intimacy of her gestures sending another jolt through his system. He couldn't remember the last time someone had touched him with such affection, let alone complimented his appearance.
He didn't know what to say or do, only that he didn't want this moment to end.
The air in the room seemed to thicken, charged with a tension that was both electric and tender. Buggy's heart hammered in his chest, his breath coming in short gasps as Hana's playful gaze bore into him.
"Your nose is just..." Hana began, her voice soft and caring.
Buggy bristled, ready to lash out at her words, but she hesitated for a moment, allowing him to cut in.
"A big ugly annoying thing," he spat out bitterly, his voice laced with self-loathing.
He could feel the familiar heat of anger bubbling up within him, but Hana's expression didn't falter.
"Well, I certainly don't think so!" she declared, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Her hands still cradled his face, drawing him closer as her lips parted ever so slightly. Buggy's breath hitched in anticipation, his pulse racing as she leaned in and pressed her lips gently to the tip of his red nose.
Every second felt like an eternity as Buggy felt the warmth and softness of her lips on his skin, sending pleasant shivers down his spine.
It felt like a lifetime and an instant all at once as she pressed her lips slightly harder, and then, suddenly...
HONK
The sound jolted Buggy from his trance, his entire body tensing in mortification. He jumped up from his seat and turned away from Hana, seething with frustration at his own honking nose.
"DAMN IT!" he exclaimed, clenching his fists at his sides. "Of course this stupid thing just had to ruin everything! This is exactly what I was talking about!"
Hana looked up at him, her eyes wide with surprise at his outburst and the honk coming from his nose, but there was no trace of mockery or disdain on her face.
Instead, she offered him a shy, reassuring smile.
"Don't be so hard on yourself" she said softly. "I like your nose. It’s one of my favorite things about you!"
Buggy blinked, taken aback by her words. They echoed in his mind, soothing the storm of self-doubt and anger that had raged within him. He stared at her, searching for any hint of insincerity, but found none – only warmth, affection, and acceptance.
A riotous symphony of emotions raged inside Buggy, causing his heart to beat a wild tattoo against his rib cage even more. Hana's words reverberated in the caverns of his mind.
It was overwhelming, like trying to contain a hurricane in a teacup.
"Really?" Buggy murmured, leaning towards Hana with deliberate slowness.
The anticipation hung heavy in the air between them, charged with electricity that made every breath feel like swallowing lightning.
Buggy could feel an intoxicating mixture of rum and longing coursing through his veins, each pulse pushing him closer to the precipice he had been skirting around. His glass seemed suddenly unimportant, an unnecessary barrier between him and the woman who had unwittingly seized control of his heart.
With a reckless disregard for decorum, he cast it aside; the clatter of glass on wood serving as an impromptu drumroll for the main event.
He then closed the distance between them entirely, pressing his lips against Hana's with all the boldness that defined him as both pirate and lover.
Hana's eyes widened in surprise, her body freezing in place as Buggy's sudden kiss sent her mind into a whirlwind of emotions. Their lips met, warm and soft, enveloped by the taste of sweet rum and raw, unspoken desire.
As suddenly as it began, Buggy pulled away, reality crashing down on him like a tidal wave, and panic surged through his veins.
"Fuck!" he exclaimed, his face flushing with a mix of embarrassment and shame. "I'm sorry! I should've asked you first! Shit, I really fucked up!"
His eyes darted around the room, searching for some way to escape the situation he'd just created. But Hana remained frozen, her gaze locked onto his as she processed the intense moment they'd just shared.
Her eyes were a mix of pleasure and bewilderment, as if she was in a trance from the intensity of his kiss. It was overwhelming for both the suddenness of the moment and how it had reignited a passion within her that had long been dormant.
"I'm sorry, I gotta get going...”
Hana was suddenly jolted back to reality as her heart raced in her chest, watching Buggy gather his coat and hat, getting ready to head out of her apartment.
"Buggy..." Hana began, but he was already gathering his things, his movements frantic and uncoordinated.
“I get it if you don't ever wanna see me again…" he trailed off, unable to meet her gaze.
Hana's heart pounded in her chest like a caged bird desperately seeking freedom, a whirlwind of emotions overwhelming her. The sight of him preparing to leave made her stomach churn with dread.
Her mind raced with thoughts of Sanji, and her father - the men who had left her behind in life.
Panic rose within her, a desperate fear.
She couldn't believe this was happening.
Her thoughts raced, each one more frantic than the last.
No, not again.
I can't lose someone else.
Not Buggy...
Please not him…
Not. him.
"Buggy, no!" she cried, her heart pounding as she watched the man she had grown so close to turn his back and begin to walk away.
Time seemed to slow as she took a shaky breath and made a decision. She couldn't let him leave, not without a fight.
"WAIT!" she called out, her voice cracking as she sprinted across the room toward Buggy, determined to stop him. Her long black hair fanned out behind her, and her skirt billowed around her legs.
The desperate plea in Hana's voice seemed to echo through the room, her dark eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
"Please, don't go! Please…Don't leave me!"
Buggy's hand stilled on the doorknob, every muscle in his body seizing as those three words echoed through the room. He swiveled slowly, his green eyes blazing with an intensity that could rival a storm at sea, locking onto Hana's imploring gaze.
The tension between them was palpable, like a string pulled taut to its breaking point.
"What did you say?"
"Please..." Hana choked out, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Don't leave me..."
The raw desperation in her voice struck a chord deep within Buggy. He could see the pain etched on her face, the unspoken plea for him to stay. The realization hit him like a tidal wave - she needed him just as much as he needed her.
“It’s now or never…”
"I won’t," Buggy growled in reply, dropping his coat and hat to the floor.
Buggy's intense gaze bore into her with unwavering determination as he strode towards Hana, his vibrant blue hair swaying with each step.
His hands firmly held Hana’s face and in one fluid motion, their lips collided in a passionate kiss that had been building between them for so long.
It was a release of intense emotions, like a dam breaking and unleashing pent-up desire.
Hana's heart was a wild beast, thrumming and barely contained within the cage of her chest. The taste of Buggy's lips was like a heady wine, sending her senses reeling and her body aflame with desire. Hana's eyes were closed, lost in the moment, but her face was flushed with desire and her body swayed towards Buggy's with every swift movement of his lips.
She gave in to his touch, surrendering to the overwhelming intensity of their passion and the undeniable spark that existed between them. Like a moth drawn to a flame, she was consumed by her desire for him.
The heat of their desperation for each other radiated off them as they realized this was more than just a physical connection; it was an affirmation of their bond, a silent promise sealed between two hearts beating in sync amidst the chaos of their worlds.
Their breathing was ragged and desperate, the sounds of their lips meeting and their bodies pressing against each other creating a symphony of desire and longing. Buggy’s lips left Hana’s and made their way towards her jawline and then her neck.
"Mmmm,..." Hana moaned softly, her breath hitching as he kissed her on the neck with ferocity while his hands traced the curves of her body.
"S-say you need me," Buggy blurted out at the crook of her neck, his voice shaking with yearning. "Please.”
His voice was a desperate beg, and he lifted his head to plead with her, his eyes a reflection of the unspoken longing that stirred within both of them.
“I need to hear it from you. I need to know that this...this feeling between us is real."
In that moment, he was stripped of all pretense and bravado, revealing a vulnerability that could not be denied.
The tenderness in his gaze struck Hana to her core, reminding her once again that beneath his clownish exterior lay a man who craved connection and companionship just as much as she did. She could sense the raw need in his words, the yearning for validation that echoed her own hidden insecurities.
And as she looked into his eyes – those beautiful, mischievous green eyes – Hana couldn't help but feel the depth of emotion that flowed between them, a longing that could not be contained or ignored.
"Yes it’s real" she whispered, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I need you."
The corners of Buggy’s lips quivered in an upward smile as if he had heard the most beautiful news of his life.
He captured her lips once more, deepening the kiss with an almost violent intensity. His mouth greedily consumed hers, as if staking his claim on her very being. Hana felt powerless against his passionate onslaught, her body responding in kind as she pressed herself against him as if needing more than what he could provide.
Buggy's hand made its way to the back of her neck and up her hair as he tightened it, making the sensation pleasurable yet intense.
Like two clumsy pirates on a rocking ship, Buggy and Hana entangled themselves in a comedic ballet of missteps and stumbles. Their movements were clumsy yet urgent as Buggy nearly tripped over the coffee table, and the corner of the table hit Hana right on the shin.
Their bodies however continued to be magnetically drawn to each other, as they navigated the perilous journey towards Hana's couch. The cushions shifted beneath them as they collapsed onto the soft surface, their bodies still entwined, refusing to let go.
The feverish hunger in Buggy's touch sent shivers down her spine, leaving goosebumps in its wake. They were lost in each other, consumed by the passion that burned within them. Their breaths mingled in the air, hot and heavy, each exhale punctuated by the quiet gasps and sighs that escaped their lips.
Hana's fingers tangled in Buggy's azure locks, inciting a moan from him.
"God, Hana... You're driving me so fucking crazy," Buggy whispered, his voice thick with need as he continued to explore every inch of her body and pressed her against the cushions of the couch.
He could feel her trembling beneath his touch, her desire for him just as palpable as his own. Meanwhile Hana clung to him, her nails digging into his shoulders as she arched her back, desperate for more contact. Her thoughts raced, her mind a whirlwind of emotion and desire that threatened to consume her entirely.
Only a few nights ago, she wondered if she could ever move on from the pain Sanji had caused her and open her heart to Buggy. And even if she did, would he even want to be a part of it?
But now, it was evident that he had found his way into her heart, and he had no intentions on leaving.
As Buggy swiftly unbuttoned the first few buttons of her blouse, just enough to see some cleavage, Hana felt a rush of heat spread through her body.
She couldn't help but gasp as his lips trailed down from her mouth to her neck, then down to the exposed skin between her breasts. Each touch sent tingles racing up and down her spine, making her cling to his strong shoulders for balance. He sucked on the skin just above her cleavage, leaving behind a deep bruise and a smear of his makeup as a reminder of his passion.
"B…Buggy," she sighed, her voice barely audible over the sound of their ragged breathing and the occasional moan escaping her lips.
A playful smirk crossed Buggy's face as he resumed his exploration of her body, his fingers dancing across her skin, igniting a fire within her that threatened to consume them both. Hana's heart pounded in her chest, her thoughts a jumbled mess as she tried to focus on the sensations coursing through her veins.
Buggy's hands found their way to the hem of her blouse and Hana could feel the heat of desire building within her, fueled by the need for a man’s touch.
The same touch she experienced when she accidentally landed on top of him and the same touch that gave her warmth and comfort when she was cold from the storm.
She placed her hands on his and led them underneath her blouse, his rough calloused hands feeling her soft stomach. He knew where this was going and looked up at her with concern.
"Is this what you want?" Buggy whispered, his breath hot and enticing. "Do you want me to feel you up?"
"Yeah," she breathed, her heart pounding in her chest.“Touch me”
Buggy obliged, trailing his hands up her stomach to her chest where he cupped her breasts in his hands.
“Fuck…”
"Are you sure about this?" Buggy asked between ragged breaths of lust, his green eyes searching for confirmation in Hana's dark brown gaze. She nodded without hesitation.
"Please... I need this," she breathed, the urgency and impatience in her words leaving no room for doubt.
The sound of her voice, the look in her eyes - it was all the assurance he needed.
Buggy’s hands slid under her bra, exploring and gently massaging her. Her reaction was immediate, a sharp gasp of pleasure escaping her lips.
He was amazed by the act he was performing. It had been a while since he had been this intimately physical with a woman, and he couldn't help but be captivated by the size, weight, and softness of her breasts.
Her back arched off the couch as he kneaded her breasts harder, the sensation making her dizzy with want. Buggy’s movements were firm yet gentle, his touch hungry yet careful.
Hana’s soft moans filled the room, a symphony of pleasure and longing as he continued to caress and touch her the way she needed. Her chest heaved with every rapid breath, her eyes locked on Buggy's with intense longing.
The feeling of Hana's body under his hands was like a drug, her soft skin and curves driving him to touch and explore every inch of her. His own body was on fire, his skin tingling with anticipation and longing.
It was as if a spark had ignited between them, a charged and electric current that pulsed through their bodies. With each touch, each gasp and moan, the fire within them grew, consuming them in a burning desire that left them breathless and wanting.
As his thumb grazed over her nipple, he felt it stiffen at his touch. As a result, he felt a jolt of pleasure travel from his fingertips straight to his core, a surge of arousal that sent his lower regions into overdrive.
But as the heat between them threatened to consume them completely, Buggy managed to find the willpower to pull away, his ragged breaths evidence of the intense desire that burned within him.
"Wait..." Buggy suddenly pulled away from their heated session, his breaths coming in shallow gasps.
Hana blinked up at him, confusion clouding her eyes as she took in the sight of him. His makeup was completely smeared, his long blue hair was messy and wild, and his pupils were wide with arousal.
It was a damn good look on him.
"C-Can we go to your bedroom?" his voice strained with need. “Y’know…so we can be more comfortable and all that?”
Hana's gaze softened, and she felt warmth blossom in her chest at his words. She took a deep breath, considering the implications of what he was asking, and then smiled.
"Let's go," she whispered, her voice filled with anticipation.
Buggy's face broke into a wide grin, and hand in hand, they made their way to the bedroom, leaving the dimly lit living room behind them.
Their desire had been unleashed, a powerful force that threatened to overtake them both, and as they finally reached their destination, Hana knew there would be no turning back.
Chapter 17: #17- Passion in the Moonlight! Buggy and Hana’s Tender Moment.
Notes:
After this chapter, I would officially be caught up with the chapters I published on Tumblr. Yaay
Chapter Text
The room was dim as Hana shut the door, shadows crawling across the walls like fingers reaching out to touch them. The air inside seemed to thicken with desire and longing. The room cast a cool, white glow on Hana's smooth skin, making her appear even more alluring to Buggy as his eyes focused solely on her. Hana could see his pupils were dilated, betraying his growing desire for her. It complimented his green eyes very well, which caused her to make her desire for him replicated.
It was a moment suspended in time, where every sensation was heightened and the electricity between them was palpable. Their bodies moved towards each other with a magnetic pull, their lips crashing onto each other like a feverish storm
Hana's lips were soft and plump, while Buggy's were rough and slightly chapped, but they fit together perfectly. Their breaths mingled, hot and heavy, as they explored each other's mouths with fervor.
Hana's slightly trembling fingers trailed down Buggy's chest, feeling the firmness of his toned muscles underneath the fabric of his shirt. Buggy's hands explored Hana's curves, his touch igniting a fire within her as his fingertips then brushed against the nape of her neck.
"You taste so good," Buggy mumbled between kisses, intoxicated by Hana's presence. "I've been wanting this for so long."
"Me too," Hana admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
The intensity of their connection was overwhelming but exhilarating. She felt Buggy's grip on her tighten, his hands wandering over her body, igniting sparks of pleasure at every touch. In this moment, nothing else mattered but the two of them, lost in their mutual desire.
But then, Hana's eyes fluttered open, and she caught sight of her pet snail, Shelly, resting on the windowsill. Shelly's wide, curious eyes seemed to follow the couple's every move, as though trying to understand what was happening before her.
"Wait—Buggy," Hana murmured, reluctantly breaking the hungry kiss. His lips parted from hers with a soft, wet sound, and his gaze held a hint of disappointment.
"I need to take Shelly out of here."
"Okay," Buggy replied, trying to hide his impatience as he stepped back, giving Hana room to scoop up her pet snail.
"Sorry, girl," Hana whispered tenderly to Shelly, carrying her to the living room. "I don't want you to see anything that might happen."
She placed the snail on a small table with some plants, hoping she'd be more comfortable there.
With Shelly safely out of sight, Hana's thoughts shifted back to Buggy, her body still thrumming with desire. She knew their connection was something rare and powerful, and she was eager to explore it further, without distractions.
As she returned to the bedroom, she found Buggy waiting, his eyes dark with longing, and she couldn't help but smile at the passion they shared, ready to lose herself in it once more. Her heart pounding in anticipation. The air was thick with desire, and Buggy's gaze seemed to burn into her very soul as she playfully bit her lower lip.
"Can't let those innocent eyes be corrupted," Hana teased, her melodic voice dripping with sarcasm. "I mean, how would I ever explain this to Shelly?"
Buggy let out a hearty laugh, the sound resonating through the room and igniting something primal within Hana.
"You're right," he replied, his voice husky with need. "We wouldn't want to give her any ideas."
In that moment, all of their previous banter and shared experiences swirled together, melding into an unbreakable bond that fueled their passion. Hana could feel her pulse quicken as Buggy closed the distance between them, his strong hands gripping her waist to pull her closer.
Buggy smashed his lips against hers, sending waves of heat coursing through Hana's body. As their tongues tangled and danced, Hana couldn't help but marvel at the way their connection seemed to grow stronger with each passing second.
As Buggy's hands roamed Hana's curves, she felt a sense of freedom and exhilaration like never before—a thrill that only came from embracing their desires and allowing themselves to be vulnerable with one another.
In the midst of their passion, Hana's thoughts turned inward, reflecting on the unique relationship she shared with Buggy. She knew that what they had was special, and she was determined not to let it slip away.
"Never let me go," she breathed, her voice barely audible as their lips remained locked together.
"Never," Buggy promised, his words a solemn vow sealed with another searing kiss.
She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, and she knew Buggy could feel it too. Their connection seemed to intensify with each passing second, fueled by the heat of their bodies pressed together and the burning desire coursing through their veins.
"Is it just the rum or is this a dream?" Buggy wondered internally, but he didn't dare voice his doubts.
Instead, he allowed himself to be carried away by the passion of the moment, drowning in the warmth and softness of Hana's touch.
"I can't get enough of you," Buggy whispered, his hands roaming over her body, seeking out every inch of her skin.
Hana felt herself becoming lightheaded, from their shared desire, she couldn't be sure. All that mattered was here and now, in the sanctuary of her bedroom, with the man who had somehow managed to worm his way into her heart. Buggy's fingers traced the curve of Hana's jaw, his eyes locked on hers as they stood in the dimly lit bedroom.
The air between them was thick with desire and anticipation, a magnetic force drawing them closer together. He could see the flush spreading across her cheeks, matching the heat that burned within him.
"Did you know," Buggy started, attempting to lighten the mood with humor, "that kissing burns…carbs? No, calories! We might just…um…have found ourselves the perfect workout…uh…routine!"
His words stumbled as the passion made it difficult for him to think clearly.
“That was terrible…” Hana commented with a chuckle.
Hana continued to giggle but was then letting out soft moans as Buggy's mouth suddenly descended onto her neck, suckling on it with an intensity like there was no tomorrow.
“Gods, I love hearing you laugh” he murmured into the base of her neck “Almost as much as I love hearing you moan…”
Her head tilted back, giving him better access to the sensitive skin there as he trailed kisses along her collarbone. Their emotions, raw and exposed, mingled with the lust that pulsed between them, turning the air electric. As his fingers reached the waistband of Hana’s skirt, he hesitated, looking into her eyes with a pleading look that tugged at her heartstrings.
"Please, baby," he begged, his voice rough with need. "Let me make you feel good. Can I?”
His words struck a chord deep within her, tearing down the last remnants of her inhibitions. She could see the honesty in his gaze, the desperate yearning that mirrored her own. Her thoughts swirled like a hurricane as she considered the implications of what was about to happen. It was both alluring and nerve wracking.
“W…what do you want to do?” Hana asked him quietly.
“Anything you want” He answered with a mix of lust and excitement as his eyes twinkled. “We could fuck, we could continue making out, I can eat you out…it’s your choice.”
Hana’s face turned bright red at his words. Despite her longing for the lost intimacy with Sanji, her body craved the attention and desire that Buggy was offering in this intense moment.
It was one thing for her to dream about Buggy pleasuring her but here he was in the flesh offering himself to her.
“All of those options sound so tempting…”
A part of her felt she needed to think about his offer thoroughly. It had been too long since she was in a situation like this with a man, but she also didn’t want to let the chance to experience pleasure pass her by.
“C-can we make out for a bit longer until I make up my mind?” she asked hesitantly, feeling nervous about Buggy’s reaction.
Hana was relieved when Buggy showed no signs of being bothered. With an assured smile, he leaned in to kiss her and their bodies intertwined in a passionate dance as they made their way towards her bed.
The sound of their mingled breathing, quickening with desire; the soft moans and sighs escaping their lips; the rustle of sheets and the creak of the bed frame as they moved together.
It all was so intoxicating…
As they tumbled onto her soft bedding, his offer echoed in her mind – an invitation to explore uncharted territories of intimacy. But amidst the intoxicating haze of his touch and the alluring promise of pleasure, Hana found herself grappling with uncertainty.
Her heart pounded in sync with Buggy's fervent kisses, yet she felt an unfamiliar hesitation creeping into the edges of her desire.
The thought of surrendering herself entirely to him seemed overwhelming, too much too soon.
But then another idea came to mind: allowing Buggy to taste her without crossing that ultimate threshold.
It was an offer that held a different kind of allure - one that promised pleasure without demanding everything from her just yet.
Gathering courage, she pulled away from their heated exchange and looked into Buggy's eyes which reflected anticipation and curiosity.
"I've decided what I want," she murmured softly, tracing a finger along his jawline.
A seductive smile spread across Buggy's face as he leaned back, allowing Hana to catch her breath. She deliberately opened her legs, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of her underwear.
"Care for some dessert after your meal?" she purred in a seductive low voice.
Her lips curved into a sultry smile that ignited a fire within Buggy's body. his eyes widened at the sight, heart beating and blood continuing to rush to his regions. His mind raced with a million scenarios, each one more tantalizing than the last.
“Want me to eat you out?” Buggy asked, his voice hoarse with desire.
Hana's lips curled into a sultry smile, her eyes filled with a seductive gleam as she eagerly responded to Buggy.
“Yes, please”
Buggy's gaze was filled with desire and anticipation and his grin filled with excitement.
“Perfectly fine by me, babe. Just lie back and let me work my magic."
Hana surrendered herself to the anticipation of her bliss as she felt Buggy pull her body toward the edge of the bed for better access.
He devoured her with his eyes, taking in the love bites he had left on her and the traces of their smudged makeup covering her face, neck, and chest.
“Fuck, you’re so beautiful.”
He knelt before her and His eyes wandered to the tantalizing peek of her underwear. Buggy's lips slightly parted as he licked them subconsciously, his mind already imagining the taste of her skin and the sweetness of her desire. Buggy's hand slowly moved towards Hana's skirt, his eyes focused and determined.
Hana's skin tingled with anticipation and a sense of vulnerability, her body responding to Buggy's touch. Their bodies were practically vibrating with anticipation
“Y’know,” he began with a soft rasp of his voice “This is the least I can do after everything you've done for me."
“And what have I done for you?” she teased, hinting at her curiosity over his meaning.
Hana's playful tone was a melody to Buggy, heightening the energy and thrill in the air. Yet, as he locked eyes with her, he couldn't help but feel exposed and sensitive as he gave his reply.
“Y-you’ve given me a chance.”
Hana observed the gratitude and admiration in Buggy's eyes, reflecting the depth of his emotions.
It was clear that the chance that Hana had given Buggy was the most precious gift he had ever received.
"Oh Buggy..." Hana murmured softly, her voice laden with more sentiment than words could convey.
His words resonated within her, kindling a yearning she found impossible to stifle as she met his fervent and unwavering gaze.
The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, a long-awaited event finally coming to fruition. The energy in the air was electric, almost palpable and as sweet as fruit. It was a blend of genuine care and underlying lust and excitement for what was to come next.
Buggy's fingers traced a gentle path to the zipper on Hana's skirt, his hands quivering subtly from an intoxicating blend of anticipation and exhilaration.
As he gently eased the material down her legs, revealing her exquisite lingerie beneath, he couldn't suppress an appreciative murmur that echoed through the room.
"Now that's a sight for sore eyes," he murmured, his voice thick with desire.
He glanced up at her with a mischievous smirk. "You know, they say laughter is the best medicine, but I think I've found a better one."
"Really?" Hana raised an eyebrow, trying to suppress a chuckle. "And what would that be?"
"Orgasms." Buggy grinned.
Hana snorted, unable to hold back her laughter. "You're ridiculous," she teased with a roll of her eyes. "Now shut up and make me feel good."
Buggy didn't need any further encouragement. His lips met the inner parts of her thighs and trailed kisses all over, savoring the taste of her skin and the soft sounds of pleasure that escaped her lips. Lost in the sensation, Hana's fingers tangled in Buggy's hair, urging him lower.
"Hold on, babe" he murmured, his words sultry. "I’ll take care of you. Just be patient."
With an unexpected tenderness, Buggy carefully removed her underwear and left her completely exposed. His expression shifted from lust to one of concentration and determination. His strong hands held onto her hips firmly as he disappeared between her legs, causing a wave of heat to flood through her body.
Slowly, his hot tongue began gliding along her aroused skin.
Hana couldn't help but gasp as she felt a rush of pleasure course through her, responding immediately to his touch by arching in ecstasy.
"Mmm!"
She could feel all hesitations fading away like snow melting under the warm sun, replaced by an overwhelming surge of raw desire. The heat of his mouth on her skin was both a comfort and an intoxication, making her lose herself in the moment and the touch of his lips.
Buggy responded with a pleased hum, his voice muffled against her skin but filled with satisfaction
His tongue traced a path of fire along her skin, each touch sending sparks of electricity through her body. He continued to pleasure her with his slow, deliberate strokes of the tongue as well as gentle nips and kisses, eliciting gasps, hisses, and moans from her.
"See?" Buggy teased in between his actions, a cocky grin evident in his tone. "I told you I would take care of you."
"Shut up," Hana breathed, half-laughing and half-moaning.
Buggy continued his relentless pursuit of her pleasure as he increased his efforts, his lips sucking her and his tongue moving in tantalizing circles that had her gasping and squirming beneath him. He reveled in the taste of her, growing more intoxicated by the sounds she made. Her sounds were a sweet melody to him; an affirmation that drove him to push further.
His stubbled chin brushed against her inner thighs, eliciting a soft whimper from Hana.
"God, you're so beautiful like this," he whispered huskily, making her blush even more.
Her heart pounded in her chest as she glanced down to find those piercing green eyes staring back at her with an intensity that left her breathless.
“Bug...gy..." She managed to stammer out quietly.
It wasn't a cry for him to stop, but rather a plea for him not to.
He smiled—naughty and teasing—but there was also warmth there, a genuine affection that melted her fears away.
"Relax, baby," he murmured against her skin. "I'm not going anywhere."
He continued his ministrations, each flick of his tongue and teasing nip of his lips sending shivers down Hana's spine. Each gentle lick of his smooth hot tongue sent sparks of pleasure coursing through her, igniting a fire deep within. Her fingers tangled in his hair, urging him on as the intensity of the moment consumed them both.
“Mmmm…you taste so good.” Buggy commented, his voice heavy with desire. “I can stay here forever”
Hana's eyes were squeezed shut, her face flushed and lips parted as she writhed on the bed. Her heart was pounding in her chest as Buggy's mouth worked magic between her legs. Her body twitched and writhed from the pleasure, escalating with each flick of his tongue.
It had been far too long since she allowed herself to indulge in such pleasures and every inch of Hana's body quivered under his touch, every nerve ending on fire with pleasure.
It was a chaotic mess, as she was unable to focus on anything but the intense pleasure pulsing through her body. She had never expected Buggy – of all people – to be the one to awaken such an overwhelming desire within her, but she couldn't deny the undeniable chemistry between them in this intimate moment.
Her breathing was ragged and hitched in her throat as she held back her moans, Her clenched fist pressed against her lips, her nails digging into her palm as she desperately tried to hold back the moans building inside her. A small whimper escaped every now and then, giving away the intensity of her pleasure.
Buggy took note of her suppressed moans, finding it intriguing yet mildly irksome. It was as if she were trying to hide her pleasure, but he could feel her body trembling and see the flush on her cheeks.
"Well," he commented, his voice a low murmur as he paused between licks. "You're unusually quiet for someone liking this as much as you are."
There was almost a subtle teasing to his tone. Hana's cheeks flushed with embarrassment at his observation.
"I... I don't want my neighbors to overhear and cause a disturbance," she confessed with nervous laughter, her voice barely above a whisper.
A sudden spark ignited within Buggy, as if a lantern had been lit in the dark recesses of his mind. His eyes gleamed with a determined light, reflecting an overwhelming urge to satiate Hana's desires.
Simultaneously, his pirate pride swelled within him. His chest puffed out slightly, his posture straightening as he reveled in the knowledge of his own skill - the ability to make her come.
Buggy hoisted his gaze to meet hers, a raw and powerful instant where his emerald eyes seared into Hana's with such an incandescent fervor that it sparked a surge of energy within her.
It was a thrilling blend of fear and desire.
His messy hair fell in his face as his hands gripped her thighs tightly. A smug smirk curled at the corner of his mouth at the thought of proving himself to be an expert in navigating uncharted territories. It was too enticing to resist.
"Let them hear," he rumbled, his voice thick with desire.
He ran his tongue over his lips, savoring the tantalizing blend of her arousal and the flavor of her skin. His features were sharp, with a mischievous glint in his eyes that betrayed his teasing tone.
"Let them hear how good I am at pleasuring you. If anyone has a problem with it, they'll have to answer to me."
The raw passion in his voice stirred something inside Hana, causing her pulse to quicken as she became even more aroused by his words. It reminded her of Buggy's competitive yet daring attitude, trying to outdo her during their playful banter at the outdoor market.
"What if I can be more than just 'good'? What if I can be everything you never knew you wanted?"
“I can show you things you've never even dreamed of…”
His words were bold invitations, tempting her to let go of her inhibitions and fully indulge in the moment. She couldn't resist the delicious pleasure of feeling desired and heard with such intensity.
“Okay…”
She pressed her body against his as he resumed his exploration, now with a newfound intensity.
She gripped the sheets beneath her, her nails digging into the fabric as her back arched off the bed.
Hana finally allowed herself to surrender to her desires, her moans echoing through the room like a siren's call.
“Oh g-gods…Y-eahhh…yeahhh…”
"There you go, babe," Buggy panted. "Don't hold back."
The taste of her arousal intoxicated him as his erection throbbed violently in his pants. Her essence was like a drug, intoxicating and addicting, and he couldn't get enough.
All he could think about was her taste and the way she moaned and squirmed beneath him, her pleasure sending shivers down his spine.
The room was filled with the sounds of their heavy breathing and the wet sounds.
“Fuuuuuuck” Buggy thought, palming his erection with a free hand. “I hope she moans like this if she allows me to fuck her…
“Wait…no…don’t think about that! She didn’t agree to that yet. Besides, you’re doing this as a gift to her. I can’t screw anything up!”
As their passion swelled, Hana could feel the walls she'd built around her heart crumbling away, replaced by the powerful connection she shared with Buggy. They were two souls, once enemies, now intertwined in a dance of vulnerability and longing, each seeking solace in the other's embrace. The atmosphere was charged with electricity, a passionate symphony conducted solely by Buggy.
She moaned loudly, her back arching off the bed as Buggy continued his sweet torture. She felt a hand on her bare thigh, sliding upwards until it reached the curve of her hip. Hana's heart was in overdrive, pounding against her ribcage so fiercely it hurt.
"Buggy...Buggyyyy…" she gasped, her voice trembling with desire. "You..h-have no idea... h-how…much I needed tt-this."
He lifted his head up, pure desire burning in his eyes as he licked his glistening lips.
“I’m always gonna give you what you need” Buggy whispered.
With a sudden flick of his Devil Fruit abilities and a smug look, he detached his tongue and split it down the middle in two, much to Hana’s surprise, delight, curiosity, and slight fear.
His head went back to between her legs and expertly manipulated each half of his tongue to move in different directions all over Hana's wet, sensitive skin.
She couldn't help but let out the loudest moan of pleasure she had ever made as Buggy's bold actions elicited a symphony of gasps and pants from her parted lips.
His tongue moved in ways she never thought were possible, sending waves of pleasure throughout her body. His split tongue swirled around her swollen bud while his fingers continued their teasing dance along her silken skin and he kissed her inner thighs, letting his split and disconnected tongue do most of the work
"Ah... B-Buggy…Buggyyyyyy…," Hana whined in a high pitch, her breaths coming in short pants as her body trembled.
"I'm so close...oh god, I’m so close…"
Her words ignited a fire within him, spurring him to lavish her with more fervent strokes and nips.
"That’s it, baby. Come for me." he urged between heated licks, desperate to push her over the edge.
His hands were rough and calloused as they gripped her hips, his fingers digging into her skin as he gripped her tightly.
Hana's moans crescendoed into a high-pitched squeal as she finally gave in to the overwhelming pleasure.
“AHHHHHHH!”
Her body convulsed with pleasure, her thighs gripping his head like a vice as waves of pure ecstasy crashed into her, only intensifying with each expert touch of Buggy's mouth. He continued to push her to the edge, drawing out every last shudder of pleasure until she was completely spent and limp.
After a few quiet moments, Buggy lifted his head from between Hana’s thighs. The sight of her, flushed and sated beneath him with his makeup smears all over her mouth and inner thighs, sent a surge of pride and satisfaction coursing through him, even as his own arousal throbbed insistently.
"Now that was way better than rum," He muttered, a smug grin spreading across his face.
Hana lay there, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. The lingering tremors of pleasure coursed through her body, leaving her feeling both spent and strangely rejuvenated. As the fog of desire began to clear from her mind, she realized with a start just how much she needed this release.
"That…that felt amazing…," Hana panted, her eyes swimming with a mix of gratitude and lingering desire.
He focused on the warmth that emanated from Hana's grateful gaze and the connection they'd just forged, stronger than steel and more precious than any treasure. He got to his feet, trying to sound nonchalant despite the increasing desire pulsing through his body.
"Oh you know me, doll. I aim to please." Buggy replied, his heart swelling with affection and pride.
Hana's eyes inadvertently fell upon the noticeable bulge in Buggy's trousers, the fabric straining to contain his excitement. Buggy looked down at his obvious hard-on and her gaze lingered as he fumbled to rearrange himself. A smirk played at her lips discreetly.
"Damn... stupid thing..." he grumbled.
Suddenly, his foot caught on a stray piece of Hana's lingerie that had been carelessly discarded on the floor. With a yelp of surprise, he stumbled forward, landing squarely on his erection on the floor.
"Damn it!" He howled in pain, clutching himself with a grimace.
His fall was so abrupt and comically tragic that Hana couldn't help but burst into laughter at the spectacle before her.
The sight of his makeup smears and flushed face added a sense of erotic disarray to the moment. However, it was the sight of him so visibly aroused from his generous gift to her that sparked something within her.
Her dominant side, which had been suppressed for so long, suddenly emerged with a newfound power.
"Look at you, all worked up," she teased, her voice laced with amusement and desire.
Buggy rolled his eyes at her remark “Yeah, and I wonder whose fault it was."
He picked up her underwear from the floor and threw them at her before going back to adjusting himself.
"You with your pretty moans and delicious body…it’s no wonder I’ve got a massive hard-on!”
After she put her panties back on, Hana bit her lip mischievously as her gaze focused on Buggy’s bulge. It's size made Hana's fingers twitch with the need to reach out and touch him, to feel the hard length of him beneath her hand. But she stayed still, her skin prickling with the anticipation of his touch.
"You know…” she purred “Since it’s completely my fault for your…excitement, it seems only fair I return the favor, don't you think?"
Buggy looked up at Hana, his eyes wide.
"Wha—?" he stammered, caught off guard by Hana's sudden change in demeanor.
But before he could formulate a response, she crawled towards him, her dark eyes smoldering with intent.
"Y-you mean...?" Buggy stuttered, his face flushing with anticipation. “You…w-wanna…uh…?”
"Exactly," Hana confirmed with a nod, her dominant side taking over as she eyed him hungrily.
Buggy's eyes were wide with anticipation, his face flushed with excitement as he nearly tripped while rushing onto the bed. He leaned back against the headboard, watching Hana's every move as she crawled towards him with a mischievous glint in her dark eyes. His gaze never left her, his body trembling with a mixture of desire and affection for the woman who had captivated him.
Buggy's skin tingled with excitement and his body was coiled with desire, every nerve on high alert as he eagerly reached for the sheets, longing to feel her warmth against his own skin.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve done this for someone, y’know…” she purred, running her fingers teasingly along the waistband of his pants. “But at least we'll be nice and even"
"Uhh…," Buggy managed to choke out, his bravado crumbling under the weight of Hana's newfound assertiveness.
With a smirk, Hana set about fulfilling her promise, reaching out to push his hands away and take over the task herself.
Buggy's eyes widened in surprise, but he didn't protest as Hana slowly unbuttoned his pants and pulled them down his legs. His arousal was evident now, straining against his boxers.
A surge of power rushed through Hana at the sight of Buggy's vulnerability. She had provoked this reaction in him, and now she wanted to take control. There was just something about Buggy squirming beneath her gaze that fueled her desire.
"Never thought I'd see the day when the great Buggy the Clown was at my mercy," she mused aloud, delighting in his flustered expression.
"Hey, don't get too cocky," he warned, though the tremor in his voice betrayed his eagerness for what was to come. "I'm still the captain around here."
She crawled to him, with her purposefully landing right on top of his erection, making him hiss at the sensation.
“Ahhh!”
"Shh," Hana whispered, placing a finger on his lips.
The sudden assertiveness in her voice sent shivers down Buggy's spine. She gave him a wicked grin, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
"I know you're the captain, but sometimes even captains need a little assistance."
Buggy gazed up at her, feeling almost powerless under her intense gaze.
She was like a goddess, commanding and powerful in her position.
Buggy could feel the heat rising to his face, turning it a bright red.
There was something about her demeanor that fascinated and intimidated him at the same time. He couldn't forget how fiercely she had held a knife to his throat during their unexpected reunion on the beach. She showed no fear in confronting a notorious pirate captain, and that same boldness was evident in this moment. He had never been with a woman who challenged his dominance so effortlessly and coyly. It excited him and awakened something new within him.
He tried to regain control of the situation, scoffing loudly.
"Ha! You think you can just take charge like that? I'm the one who calls the shots around here!"
Hana smirked, her gaze never leaving his.
"Well, Captain," she said, her voice dripping with seduction, "You should learn to delegate."
Her hands slowly made their way to the top of his boxers.
“Besides, I bet you'll enjoy my... expertise."
Her words and hand placement made Buggy's heart race, thumping wildly in his chest.
"Unless, you don't want me to do this...?" she asked as she looked into his eyes, seeking his full consent.
She could see Buggy's pulse quicken in the vein on his neck. He attempted to maintain his bravado, but deep down, his heart pounded so hard he thought it might burst from his chest.
"F-fine," Buggy conceded, unable to resist the temptation. "Go ahead. Do your worst."
He laid motionless as he let her unfasten his shirt, exposing his toned chest and abdomen that had a faint trace of blue body hair leading down to his pants.
The way Buggy’s body responded to her touch was mesmerizing. Hana’s hands glided over his chest and torso, her nails lightly scratching against his skin as she took note of every shudder and gasp that escaped his lips. She couldn’t help but admire his toned figure as her hands explored every inch of him, making her fight back from salivating. Memories of the night she caught a glimpse of his body through his window flooded her mind, and now she had the opportunity to fully appreciate it as she straddled him.
A sense of exhilaration coursed through Hana as she sat atop this pirate captain with a hefty 15 million Berry bounty on his head. It had been months since she’d been with a man, ever since Sanji left her life. But now, with Buggy beneath her, something inside her ignited and came to life. And despite his bravado, there was satisfaction in seeing this tough pirate reduced to a stuttering mess under her touch.
“Who would have thought that a mere restaurant hostess could evoke such a reaction from a notorious pirate?”
“It feels damn good.”
As she descended, Hana's dominant side took control. Her plump lips traced a path from his neck, down his chest, and over his abdomen. She kept her eyes locked on Buggy's, maintaining the intense connection between them. Buggy's skin prickled with delight under her touch, every nerve buzzing with pleasure.
"Sit back and enjoy the ride, Captain."
His breaths became shallow and rapid, betraying his anticipation.
She then knelt over him, her long hair falling over her shoulder as she reached to remove his boxers. Buggy's leaking cock twitched in anticipation as it was freed from its confinement. She was pleased with what she saw and knew she could work with what he had.
Buggy's eyes widened in anticipation as he felt her hand wrap around him. Her focused gaze on him was a sight for sore eyes.
“Ready?”
Buggy only nodded.
With a slight smirk on her lips, Hana's mouth gently moved over his tip, her tongue and lips working in perfect harmony. The softness of her lips and the warmth of her mouth sent shockwaves through his body, igniting every nerve ending as he bucked his hips.
“S—shit!”
Buggy couldn't help but clutch the sheets tightly as he felt like he was floating on a cloud of indescribable bliss. Hana glanced up at him, smirking as she continued her ministrations.
He tried to focus on something, anything else to prolong the moment, but it was a losing battle. At the same time, he grappled with his desire to be dominant and the knowledge that, in this moment, Hana held all the power.
Meanwhile Hana reveled in her newfound dominance and the power she held over Buggy. She had never expected their relationship to take this turn, but she couldn't deny that she was enjoying every second of it. And from the sounds Buggy was making, it was clear that he was too.
Buggy's chest heaved with each ragged breath and hiss as Hana's skilled mouth worked its magic on him. His hands, knotted in her hair, tugged at the strands as if trying to anchor himself to reality. Despite his desire to be in control, Buggy couldn't deny how good it felt to let go and surrender himself to Hana's ministrations.
“Holy…holy shit…you’re…haha… g-good at..this..," Buggy panted, unable to contain his amazement with a lustful chuckle.
She cast a sultry glance up at him, reveling in the control she had over him in this moment.
"Of course, I am," she replied smugly, not missing a beat. "You underestimate me, Captain."
His body moved in rhythm with her, the way his hips involuntarily bucked, responding instinctively to her touch. The sensation of her tongue and lips against his sensitive shaft and tip was overwhelming, and he knew he wouldn't be able to hold back much longer.
As she continued to pleasure him, Hana couldn't help but notice how vocal Buggy was in expressing his delight. She marveled at the contrast between them — she had been so self-conscious about making noise earlier, whereas Buggy seemed completely unbothered by the possibility of being overheard.
“Keep going b-baby…ahhh…please…please…”
She looked up at him, smirking around his erection.
"Oh I can’t turn back now," she retorted.
Beads of sweat trickled down Buggy's temples as Hana expertly worked her magic. His breath hitched, chest heaving with each pant that escaped his lips. With every stroke, every swirl of her tongue and suction of her lips, Buggy could feel the mounting pressure within him. He tried to steady his heart, but it was a futile attempt. The intoxicating mix of rum and desire clouded his mind, leaving him vulnerable to Hana's touch.
Buggy's breathing grew even more ragged as he began to buck his hips upwards and pick up the pace of Hana’s administration. Her mouth and lips moved in tandem with his pace, easily adjusting.
"Babe, I don't know how long I can last..." Buggy panted, his face flushed with arousal and exertion.
Hana flashed a mischievous smile as she removed her mouth, gripped his shaft and gave him a long firm stroke.
However, the sensations proved to be overwhelming for Buggy, and he could no longer contain the intense wave of pleasure that had been building inside him. His climax washed over him with unexpected intensity. He felt his release pulse out of him into Hana's waiting hand, leaving him breathless and shuddering.
"Shit, I'm sorry! That normally doesn’t happen..." Buggy gasped, his embarrassment clear in his flushed face and stammering apology.
He couldn't believe he'd lost control so easily.
He'd barely had time to savor Hana's touch before being plunged off the cliff of ecstasy.
"Great, she's probably going to laugh at me," he thought bitterly to himself.
Hana looked at Buggy's flushed face, his embarrassment painfully evident. Instead of laughing, as he expected her to, she gently placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Hey, it's okay," she told him softly, her dark eyes filled with warmth and understanding.
She'd known exactly how to push him over the edge, and despite his initial shame, he couldn't deny the thrill of being so thoroughly undone by her.
"Really?" Buggy asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Hana nodded, her expression sincere. "Yes, really. Don't worry about it."
She shot him a knowing look, her eyes filled with amusement and affection. "Besides, you more than made up for it earlier."
With a sigh of relief, Buggy allowed himself to relax in Hana's comforting presence. The kindness in her eyes had an undeniable effect on him, and he couldn't help but feel grateful for her support. Buggy let out a shaky breath, his tension easing ever so slightly under the weight of Hana's kindness.
She gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze before standing up. "Let me get us some wet rags to clean up with."
As she disappeared into the bathroom, Buggy couldn't help but marvel at her caring nature. It was rare to find someone who could be so understanding in such an intimate situation, and he found himself feeling incredibly lucky to have her in his life.
When Hana returned with the damp cloths, Buggy gratefully took one and began to clean himself off, his movements slow and deliberate. Meanwhile, Hana attempted to remove the smeared clown makeup from between her thighs, a task that proved to be more difficult than she'd initially thought.
"Ugh, this stuff is really stubborn!" she complained, half-joking as she scrubbed at her skin. "It's like it's put up a fight against the rag!"
Buggy glanced over at her, a playful grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Need some help there?"
"Wouldn't say no to an extra pair of hands," she replied with a smirk, handing him her cloth.
Buggy, his face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and pride, continued dabbing at the stubborn makeup on Hana's inner thighs. His efforts were met with little success, but the laughter they shared in the process created an electric undercurrent of romantic tension, filling the room with a charged atmosphere.
With a resigned sigh, Buggy gave up on his attempts to help Hana clean the stubborn makeup from her thighs.
“I guess I'll have to admit defeat in the battle against my own makeup.”
He leaned back against the bedroom nightstand, watching with amusement as she continued to scrub at her skin.
"Y'know," he began with a chuckle, "I think it's time I invested in some...orgasm-proof makeup. Waterproof just doesn't cut it anymore."
Hana couldn't help but laugh at Buggy's remark, her eyes twinkling with mirth. The sound of her laughter sent shivers down Buggy's spine, and he found himself entranced by her joyous expression.
"I meant what I said, you know," he confessed, his voice softening. "I love hearing you laugh."
A blush crept across Hana's cheeks, and she met Buggy's gaze with a shy smile.
"I like it when you make me laugh," she admitted, her heart swelling in her chest at the sincerity in his words.
For a moment, they simply stared at one another, the romantic tension between them palpable and electric.
"Seriously though," Hana said, still struggling to remove the last traces of makeup, "do you have any tricks for getting this stuff off?"
“Use some rum, maybe?”
Hana scoffed and laughed at the ludicrous idea “I am NOT wiping rum around my body! Especially around my crotch!”
“Why not? It would make it even more delicious than it already is” Buggy added with a wiggle of his eyebrows
She playfully pushed him away from her. “I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. You’re ridiculous”
“And yet you let me eat you out” he added slyly.
Hana let out a frustrated sigh. She knew that Buggy had caught her in the act of teasing, and her attempts to remove the makeup were pointless now. She gave up trying to clean it off her thighs in defeat.
“That’s it. I’m gonna shower this off.”
Buggy smirked mischievously, waggling his eyebrows at her. "Need any help in there? I consider myself something of an expert on all things makeup-related, especially in the shower."
"Ha!" Hana snorted, waving him off good-naturedly. "I can handle this by myself, thank you very much. But feel free to take a shower after me if you'd like."
Buggy agreed, admitting that it had been a while since he'd experienced the luxury of a proper shower instead of a bath.
As Hana retreated to the bathroom, the sound of water cascading from the showerhead filled the air. Buggy found himself lost in thought, his heart pounding at the prospect of spending more time with Hana in such an intimate setting. He couldn't shake the feeling that their relationship was evolving, becoming something deeper and more profound than he ever could have imagined.
And as Hana stood beneath the warm spray of water, washing away the vibrant remnants of their passionate encounter, she too felt the stirrings of something new and powerful taking root within her heart.
Buggy wiped away the last traces of her makeup on him, his heart pounding in his chest. He glanced toward the bathroom door, trying to ignore the nervous energy that buzzed through his veins like electricity.
He knew Hana hadn't been with a man in her home in so long, and he couldn't help but wonder if she felt the same anxiety that gripped him.
"Get it together, Buggy," he muttered under his breath, attempting to quell the nerves threatening to overtake him. “You just ate her out, I bet she would be begging for you to stay!”
A soft chuckle escaped his lips, betraying his unease.
He had always viewed sex as a transaction, never allowing himself to become emotionally vulnerable. But with Hana, everything felt different – more intimate and meaningful than he'd ever experienced.
As Hana stepped out of the shower, the steam billowing around her like a warm embrace, she hesitated for a moment before drying herself in a towel and putting on some night clothes. Her thoughts raced, torn between the desire to invite Buggy to stay the night and the fear of rejection or potential consequences. She chewed on her lower lip, a telltale sign of her uncertainty.
"Alright, your turn," Hana called out, her voice wavering slightly.
Buggy nodded, slipping past her into the bathroom. As the hot water cascaded down his body, he tried to focus on the soothing sensation, but his thoughts were consumed by the prospect of spending the night with Hana.
Meanwhile, Hana paced her bedroom, wringing her hands as she contemplated how to broach the subject. The weight of their vulnerability and unspoken feelings hung heavy in the room. She paused by the window, staring out at the moonlit sky, before making a decision.
Buggy emerged from the bathroom, clad in only his boxers, which did little to hide his toned form.
Hana's breath caught in her throat at the sight, and without thinking, she blurted out, "Wanna spend the night?!"
Buggy's heart raced at Hana's invitation, the words tumbling out of her mouth like an unexpected gift. Buggy met her gaze, his eyes filled with a mix of surprise and gratitude, as they both braced for the next step in their unpredictable journey together.
The question hung in the air like a delicate thread, threatening to snap under the weight of their unspoken emotions.
He tried to hide his surprise and happiness, resorting to his usual defense mechanism of humor.
"Well, I suppose someone needs to keep you warm tonight," he joked, a playful grin spreading across his face.
Hana rolled her eyes, her lips curving into a smile at his teasing. But beneath that shock, Hana could see the relief and happiness that mirrored her own.
As they climbed into bed, Buggy marveled at the softness of the sheets, and the warmth of Hana's body beside him. The room was dimly lit, casting a romantic glow on their surroundings.
As Buggy lay down beside her, he found himself struck by the sudden intimacy of the moment, feeling more exposed than he ever had before – and not just because of his attire.
Hana snuggled against him, her head resting on his chest. The feeling of her soft skin against his sent shivers down his spine, and he hesitantly wrapped an arm around her.
As Buggy wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, he marveled at the way her body seemed to fit perfectly against his own. The vulnerability he felt was foreign and terrifying, but there was also an undeniable sense of comfort in the knowledge that Hana was experiencing the same emotions.
"I...I've never been with a woman like this...or like when you spent the night on the ship" Buggy confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.
His thoughts swirled with vulnerability and excitement, unsure how to navigate the uncharted territory of intimacy.
"But I'm glad that you're the first one I've done this with."
Hana's eyes glistened with emotion as she glanced up at him, touched by his heartfelt admission. She leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips, her lips warm and tender.
"Me too," she murmured, her breath tickling his skin.
The words hung in the air between them like a promise, binding them together in a way that went beyond the physical.
Buggy allowed himself to relax, his arm tightening around Hana as they settled into a comfortable embrace. The atmosphere shifted, the earlier tension melting away as they lay entwined, basking in the warmth of each other's presence.
As they lay there, wrapped in each other's arms, Hana found herself replaying the evening's events in her mind. She knew that things would never be the same between them, and a small but persistent part of her worried about what the future would hold. But for now, she decided to focus on the present, on the steady beat of Buggy's heart against her ear and the gentle rise and fall of his breathing.
Their breaths synced, creating a soothing rhythm that lulled them both into a peaceful slumber, wrapped securely in the embrace of newfound intimacy and trust.
"Goodnight, Captain," Hana whispered into the darkness, her voice tinged with affection.
"Goodnight, baby."
Chapter 18: #18 - The Morning After. Hana's Embarrassment and Revelations.
Notes:
I think this is the first instance of me publishing here before publishing on Tumblr. Hmm.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow across Hana's bedroom. She stirred in her bed, her tousled black hair fanned out across the pillow as she slowly opened her eyes. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, her gaze drifted around the room, taking in the familiar surroundings and noticing Buggy’s clothes still on the floor.
She caught a reflection of herself in her mirror and took notice of all the hickeys he had given her from the night before. The memories from the night before gradually surfaced and her heart began to race.
The undeniable chemistry they shared had finally reached its boiling point and their inhibitions had melted away, leaving them to give in to the desires that had been simmering just below the surface.
She traced her fingertips along her collarbone, recalling the sensation of Buggy's lips on her body and sighed in contentment as she reminisced the pleasure he gave her.
Her hand glided along her smooth skin, following the faint marks left by Buggy's kisses and nibbles. She shivered at the memory of his dual tongue flicking against her sensitive flesh.
“I can’t believe his Devil Fruit powers allowed him to do that. That was amazing…”
She breathed in deeply, a satisfied sigh escaped her lips, as she relished in the lingering remembrance of the throbbing pleasure he had given her.
However, the reality of the situation settled into her mind, she pursed her plump lips and furrowed her brow in thought.
She couldn't deny the passion that had ignited between them, and Buggy had always been there for her, both as a confidant and a source of laughter when times were tough.
But now they had crossed this line…
“What did this mean for our relationship?”
"Damn it," she whispered, frustration evident in her tone. "I need to talk to him."
Despite the heaviness of not knowing what was to come, Hana recognized that she had a responsibility to confront the situation directly – for her own sake and Buggy's. While part of her wanted to brush off their previous night together as a fleeting moment of desire, she couldn't ignore the undeniable shift that had occurred between them. Since their kiss, their bond had only grown stronger, and their vulnerability amplified her emotions towards him.
Yet, simultaneously, she couldn't shake the fear that their newfound intimacy might ultimately drive them apart.
“Gods, I hope that doesn’t happen…I don’t want to lose him…”
The bedroom door creaked open, and the delicious aromas of coffee and ripe fruit wafted into the room, catching her attention. Buggy entered the room with a tray of food in hand, seeming elated.
"Morning, Sweet Cheeks!" Buggy exclaimed, his red nose and bright blue hair comically contrasting his shirtless form clad only in underwear.
He closed the door behind him with a detached hand before facing Hana, suddenly feeling shy.
Admitting with a hint of sheepishness, he nervously placed the breakfast tray on the bed and took a seat next to her. "I'm not great at this kind of thing," he confessed. “But I figured you’d be hungry. I uh…got some fruit from your fridge and just chopped them up.”
Hana smiled warmly as her heart fluttered, appreciating his effort despite his obvious awkwardness.
"Thank you," she said softly, her eyes meeting his for a brief moment before they both looked away, the weight of the situation settling in.
Hana's fingers twirled around the fork, her eyes darting back and forth between her plate and Buggy. The silence that hung heavily between them was almost tangible, keeping her from meeting his gaze. She focused intently on the succulent strawberries on her plate, but it did little to ease the tension that enveloped them like a thick fog. Buggy, his eyes fixed on some distant point, drummed his fingers nervously on the tray's edge, revealing his own discomfort.
As they sat side by side eating breakfast, the air crackled with an unspoken tension. Hana continued to nibble at her fruit, trying to ignore the occasional brush of her knee against Buggy's. She chewed on her lip, sneaking glances at Buggy's chest while he fidgeted with the tray's rim, avoiding eye contact. He clumsily sipped his coffee, sneaking looks at her when he thought she wasn't paying attention.
"Good fruit," Hana mumbled, hoping to somehow dispel the awkwardness that had settled between them.
Buggy let out a nervous laugh, glad for any excuse to avoid talking about the elephant in the room.
"Uh, yeah," Buggy replied, running his fingers nervously along the edge of the tray. "Can't go wrong with a classic like strawberries, right?" He chuckled, but the sound was strained, betraying his own unease.
As Hana continued to pick at her breakfast, her thoughts drifted back to the previous night. The way Buggy's hands had felt on her skin, the heat of his lips pressed against hers, and the undeniable desire that had surged between them – it all made her heart race even now.
Yet, alongside this warmth and longing, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling of uncertainty that gnawed at the edges of her mind.
“I really want to continue seeing and being with him but…I don’t think…I don’t know…I don’t think I should sleep with him just yet…”
Hana's gaze drifted up to Buggy, taking in the subtle transformation in his demeanor. His usual flamboyant posture had given way to a more nervous stance, and yet his shoulders were loose and unguarded. The bold green accents around his eyes twinkled with an unusual light, mirroring the happiness sparkling in their depths. His sharp jawline was less tense than usual, adding to his overall air of contentment.
Even the grip he held on his cup of coffee was gentler, less possessive; as if he had found something - or someone - else worth holding onto. This was a Buggy refreshed and rejuvenated by her tender touch - a sight Hana found herself cherishing more than she could have ever imagined.
However, the mix of fondness and uncertainty made her mind drift to where this would possibly head for them.
“I just hope he understands that…I can’t sleep with him just yet. It’s still too soon…even though we…did more than kiss…”
Buggy, too, seemed preoccupied by the memory of their intimate encounter. His usual bravado and playfulness replaced by a certain restlessness that was uncharacteristic for him. Hana could see it in the way he tapped his fingers on the tray, the creases on his forehead, and the hint of doubt that flickered in his eyes. Buggy seemed to be grappling with similar thoughts, his eyes flickering with a mix of excitement and fear. He took a deep breath, as if preparing to say something important, but then the moment passed and they slipped back into silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
The last bite of strawberry disappeared between Hana's lips, its sweetness momentarily distracting her from the turmoil of emotions swirling inside her. She set her fork down and glanced at Buggy, who was finishing his own breakfast with a contemplative expression. The clatter of silverware against their empty plates hung in the air, punctuating the lingering awkwardness.
"So" Buggy began, his voice a mix of concern and uncertainty. His eyes darted back and forth, as if he were afraid to meet hers for too long as he rubbed the back of his neck. “You alright? Y’know …after last night?”
Hana let out a slow breath, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of the bedsheet as she considered his question.
“I am," she admitted, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "I enjoyed myself, but we still…uh…should talk about it."
Buggy's eyes widened, his body tensing up as if bracing for impact.
Hana noticed his apprehension and quickly tried to put him at ease.
"Last night was a great way to release built-up tension, right?" she said, watching as Buggy visibly relaxed.
He nodded, a relieved grin spreading across his face. "Yeah, that's what it was."
As the tension between them eased, Buggy allowed himself a sly smile and a disconnect of his hand. Buggy's fingers trailed up and down Hana's side, causing goosebumps to rise in their wake. He leaned closer, his rough fingers grazing against her soft skin under her clothes, sending shivers of anticipation down her spine. His hot breath brushed against her neck, sending tingles throughout her body.
"You know," he whispered huskily, his voice low and seductive, "I'm up for round two if you are."
Moving closer, he pressed gentle kisses against the delicate skin of her neck and shoulders. She couldn't stop herself from releasing a small gasp at the pleasurable feeling, unable to hold back a soft moan. His warm lips and stubble grazed along her throat, causing a rush of pleasure to pulse through her entire body. Her breathing became more erratic as he continued to tease her skin with each kiss, igniting a strong desire within her even as she struggled with her own hesitation.
"I can be as gentle or as rough as you want, baby," he purred into her ear.
“Buggy, I…” Hana breathed, her arousal evident.
His calloused fingers explored the length of her legs, gently grazing her skin with each touch.
"Tell me what you need."
Buggy's gaze trailed down to the bite marks he had left on Hana's neck and chest during their last encounter; his face lit up with pleasure upon seeing that she still bore the evidence of their passionate encounter. A low chuckle escaped from his throat.
“That’s a good look on you. All thanks to me.”
He leaned in once more and pressed his lips against hers. His kiss was intense, leaving no doubt about his intentions or desires as he climbed on top of her.
She could feel the heat radiating from his lips and touch as well as his growing hard-on. It reignited the desire that had lingered since their intimate encounter the previous night.
Her breath hitched as his hand crept into her inner thigh, but even as warmth spread through her body, she couldn't shake the nagging doubts that clung to her mind.
“Tell him, Hana…do it…do it…you need to tell him…”
Just as Buggy's hand inched closer to slipping beneath her panties, Hana found the strength to speak up.
"Wait," she whispered, gently grasping his wrist.
Buggy paused, standing up from her and quickly withdrawing his hand to respect her wishes. He gazed up at her, a mixture of surprise and concern on his face.
With a forced smile, he attempted to lighten the mood,
"What? Can't handle round two with the amazing Buggy the Clown? Can’t say I blame ya…"
Hana flashed him a nervous smile, but she couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that something was wrong. Despite his attempt at humor, Hana could see the worry in his eyes, the slight furrowing of his brow.
"I…I'm not ready for that yet. I want to take things slow between us."
Buggy's body language changed suddenly, his shoulders slumping and his eyes shifting away from hers. Hana couldn't help but notice how he kept glancing between her face and his fidgeting hands.
The atmosphere between them became tense as Buggy's doubts began to surface. He squirmed uncomfortably on the bed, unable to maintain eye contact with Hana. His fingers tapped nervously against his thigh, revealing his underlying anxiety.
In his mind, a whirlwind of doubts swirled.
“Shit…was she lying about last night?”
“Did she enjoy spending time with me or told me what I want to hear?”
"Hey," Hana said, gently squeezing his hand as she noticed him squirming. "It’s not that I don’t wanna do that. I just don't want to rush into anything, okay?"
Buggy forced a grin, trying to hide his worry. "Uh…sure thing, sweetheart. I can do slow."
"I care about you.” Hana continued, “and I want to explore this connection we have, but…at a pace that feels right for both of us. Can you understand that?"
Buggy's shoulders were rigid, his muscles taut under the striped fabric of his shirt. His gaze was evasive, darting towards the distant horizon and away from Hana as if bracing for a sudden shift in her feelings. An undercurrent of apprehension threaded its way through him, knotting itself around his heart and coiling tightly in his stomach.
The struggle to articulate himself was palpable; words seemed to trip over themselves within him, caught between the fear of saying too much or not enough.
“Buggy…?” Hana began, growing worried.
This tension hung heavy between them, an unseen barrier born from Buggy's deeply rooted insecurities that threatened to overshadow their shared moment.
"So… you didn’t enjoy last night, huh?" Buggy whispered, his voice wavering.
"No, of course not!” Hana replied defensively, her head cocking to the side in confusion. "I just want to be sure we're both on the same page before we take that next step, okay?"
Buggy’s eyes flicked back to hers, a flicker of insecurity flashing behind his usual bravado. He shrugged it off with a casual gesture and laugh, but his voice wavered slightly.
"Yeah. I guess I get it. Gotta prepare yourself properly for a romp with me, heh."
Despite his words, Hana could see the worry still gnawing at him. Cupping his cheek, Hana drew his attention back to her.
"Hey," she murmured softly, "I meant what I said. Last night was amazing, but I don’t want to rush into anything we might regret."
Buggy felt his heart drop. His worries came alive in his mind and his self-doubt rose to the top.
"Why? What's wrong with what we have now?" he snapped.
"Nothing is wrong!" Hana replied, with shock in her voice.
"Are you sure you don’t regret last night?" Buggy asked tentatively, bracing himself. "If you didn’t enjoy it, just be honest with me."
Hana’s eyes widened in shock. She shook her head, realizing her words had been misunderstood. "That’s not what I’m trying to say at all!”
Buggy's gaze wandered from her and landed on the skirt discarded on the floor, while he struggled with his own inner turmoil.
"Why would you think I would lie about last night?" she demanded, her voice trembling slightly.
But Buggy’s insecurities had already taken root. He pulled himself away from her touch, a mixture of hurt and frustration in his expression. Silence filled the room, heavy with tension. Hana’s frustration was evident in her dark eyes, while Buggy’s face showed a mixture of hurt and disbelief. He couldn’t fully grasp what she was saying.
Buggy faltered, his gaze dropping. "Because …I don’t know…I’ve only had flings before."
"Is that what you think this is?" she asked, her voice rising. "You think I’m just going to lie and walk away?"
Buggy swallowed hard, emotions clouding his voice.
"I don’t know," he admitted, his vulnerability raw.
“I would never do that! You should know me better by now!”
"It’s just hard for me to believe that someone like you would want to be with someone like me."
"Someone like you?" Hana repeated confusion in her voice. "Buggy, you mean more to me than anyone else ever could. So what if we’re taking it slow? It doesn’t change how I feel about you."
"But it could," Buggy argued angrily, his insecurities resurfacing. "What if you get bored of me? What if you decide you need someone more experienced, or someone…with a normal nose?"
"Don't just assume things!" Hana's voice wavered, her patience waring thin from the emotional tug-of-war she was experiencing.
Buggy's eyes were wide, a hurt look seeping into his usually jovial expression. His mind spiraled into worst-case scenarios as he pictured her leaving him and never returning.
She took a deep breath before locking eyes with Buggy again.
"I... I want to be with you," she confessed softly. "But I need to take things slow and be smart when it comes to sex. Right now, it feels like you’re getting upset over that."
“Hana…”
Her voice rose, her emotions taking over. “Are you really getting upset that I want to wait to have sex?!”
“It’s more than that!”
“Then tell me, Buggy. Why are you so upset I want to take things slow?”
Finally, with a shame-filled voice, he confessed, "I just… I don’t want to mess this up. I…i just…don’t wanna drive you away."
Hana’s heart swelled with affection as she saw through his vibrant exterior to the tender, uncertain soul beneath. She longed to soothe his fears and assure him of her unwavering care.
"I want to take things slow because I care about you, not because I’m planning to leave you.” Hana told him gently “How many times do I have to say it for you to believe me?"
The tension in the room deepened as they continued their heated argument. Buggy clenched his fists, struggling to keep his voice steady.
He finally admitted, "I’ve been hurt by people who I thought cared about me.”
Hana’s gaze never left his face as he continued
I…I also never had a serious girlfriend before. Just one-night stands where I never saw them again. So when you say you want to take things slow, especially after a night like last night…it feels like... like…I don’t know…that you don’t…wanna be with me..."
Hana’s heart ached at the raw honesty in his words and it made her realize how much he cared for her and was hurting.
She reached out, gently touching his arm.
"Buggy, I swear on everything I own that’s not what I mean," she assured him softly.
Buggy looked down at her hand, trying to calm the storm inside. Her words had exposed his insecurities, making him wonder if she truly meant them or was just sparing his feelings.
"Then tell me, Hana," he pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice. "I’m laying it all out here for you. Just tell me honestly—if you don’t see a future with me, I need to know."
"I do see a future with you, Buggy!” Hana said firmly, her voice steady but wavering from emotion. “That’s why I didn’t want you to leave after you kissed me."
Buggy fell silent, his painted face a mixture of emotions as he tried to process her words. The pleading look of sadness she emitted when she begged for him not to leave the previous night came back in a flashback.
"What did you say?"
"Please..." Hana choked out, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Don't leave me..."
With a soft sigh, she leaned forward and gently cupped his cheek again. His eyes glistened with emotion as Hana’s steady gaze locked onto him.
"Listen to me and listen good." she began, as stern as ever. "You’re not going to push me away, because you’ve been there for me like no one else has and I’ll never forget that."
She studied his face, trying to reconcile the vulnerable man before her with the confident clown she knew.
As Buggy looked into Hana’s eyes, searching for signs of deceit, all he found was the same warmth and affection that had drawn him to her.
“Thank you for being you…” she whispered.
With a gentle touch, Hana's eyes slowly closed as she leaned in closer to him, placing a tender kiss on his lips.
It wasn’t fueled by lust or desire; it was soft, and caring—a soothing balm for Buggy’s wounded pride. He relaxed into her embrace, feeling her warmth and the beating of her heart against his chest. The beating of their hearts, and the gentle rhythm of their breathing filled the space between them, creating a sense of intimacy and comfort.
And in that moment, as they melted into each other, there was no past or future, only the present and the deep connection between them.
Finally, he allowed himself to believe her.
The soft smacking sound of their lips filled the air when they parted. Their gazes remained steady as Hana spoke deliberately.
"I want to take things slow, because I’m still healing from everything that’s happened to me," she said softly, her eyes reflecting her sadness. “I…I don’t even know if I have fully processed my dad’s death properly!”
Buggy’s eyes widened at her declaration, unaware up until now she was battling another form of grief.
“Shit…I thought it was just her not getting over her shithead ex…”
"I just…” Hana struggled to articulate her feelings as she chose her words carefully. “I don't want us to be just 'friends with benefits' because that would mean using you for sex, and I care about you too much for that."
Buggy raised an eyebrow, a wry grin playing on his lips.
"Well, I wouldn't mind that arrangement, you know," he joked, trying to lighten the mood.
Hana rolled her eyes, but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. As she smiled, Buggy's eyes softened, and the playful banter between them gave way to a more intimate understanding.
"What I'm saying is, I want us to take things slow," she continued. "Because I know it wouldn’t be smart of me to use you and your feelings to just get myself off and be reckless."
“But…being reckless and getting off is fun…” Buggy attempted to joke again.
“Buggy, I’m serious…”
Buggy sighed and was silent for a moment, taking in her words and processing the weight they carried.
“I’m just trying to be responsible here…” Hana added.
The more Buggy thought about it, the more he knew she wouldn't say something like this without good reason, and he couldn't help but feel touched that she cared enough about him to consider his feelings.
Hana's face seemed to be glowing as she looked into Buggy's eyes, her heart swelling with a newfound appreciation for the man before her. He had been her rock through thick and thin, and she couldn't bear the thought of losing him now.
"Would you be okay with us casually dating?" she asked, her voice soft but firm. “It would be just like how it was before…only with more kisses,” she added with a hint of playfulness.
Buggy, who had been intently studying her face, blinked in surprise before a slow grin spread across his features.
"Well, babe, I ain't exactly an expert on dating," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "but I promise I'll do my best to make you happy."
Hana smiled at his sincerity, even as she felt a pang of sympathy for the vulnerability he was showing. She leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek, her lips just brushing against the painted red that marked his skin.
"Thank you, Buggy," she murmured, feeling the heat of his blush beneath her touch as she hugged him.
Buggy's eyes softened as he took in Hana's relieved expression, her happiness at his agreement warming his chest like a sunbeam breaking through storm clouds. He couldn't help but reflect on the adventures they'd shared so far – the flirting, dancing, drinking, and holding each other close during tender moments.
And despite his lack of experience in the realm of romance, he knew that he wanted nothing more than to keep Hana by his side. They were both navigating uncharted territory, but for once, their fears and insecurities seemed to be taking a backseat to the genuine connection they shared.
Hana’s eyes shimmered with relief and gratitude as she pulled away from the hug. Buggy couldn't help but marvel at the way her lips curved into a gentle smile as she gazed back at him, making his heart race.
“Maybe…this relationship thing won’t be so bad after all…”
"So," he began, trying to inject some humor into the situation, "Does this mean I’ve been promoted to being your favorite flashy Captain?"
"Yes, you goofball," she replied, rolling her eyes affectionately. “I guess you can say that, but you’ve always been my favorite captain.”
He sighed contently and wrapped an arm around her before kissing her forehead. “Now that’s what I like to hear”
Hana chuckled softly, and he looked at her with a sense of admiration and relief. He felt an overwhelming sense of happiness knowing that Hana would stand by him, despite his initial fears.
Feeling the tension in the air, Buggy's face is lifted into a cocky smirk, his dimples deepening as he quipped, "So I uh…guess now's not the best time to mention I woke up hard as a rock from last night, huh?"
Hana was taken aback by the abrupt crudeness of his remark, causing her to snort before bursting into laughter. Her eyes crinkled at the corners as she tried to regain her composure.
"Really, Buggy?" she asked, shaking her head in amused disbelief. "You just had to ruin the sentimental moment, didn't you?"
"Hey, can't have things getting too serious, can we? I’m still a clown, after all!" he shot back with a grin. "Besides, it's my job to make you laugh."
Hana smiled warmly at him, her hand reaching up to gently brush a stray lock of blue hair from his forehead.
"You always know how to make me laugh," she admitted, her voice soft and tender. "I appreciate that more than you know."
"Hey, it's part of my charm," Buggy retorted.
Buggy's lips then formed a mischievous grin as he leaned in closer to Hana, his green eyes twinkling with mischief.
"By the way babe, when the time comes when you're ready, just know something…“
“Know what, exactly?” she teased
His eyes were dark and smoldering as he stared at Hana with an intense gaze.
In a low, seductive voice, he leaned in and whispered in her ear, “Know that I'm gonna fuck your brains out to the point where you won't remember your own name."
Hana's eyes widened in surprise before softening with a hint of arousal as her face turned a deep shade of red. She was momentarily unable to speak as her breath caught in her throat. Buggy's lips curled into a mischievous smirk before letting out a chuckle, his dimples appearing like dents in his cheeks.
"Food for thought, sweetheart!" Buggy said in a sing-song voice, suddenly changing the tone as if he hadn't just whispered a seductive promise in her ear.
He gave her a quick peck on the cheek and got up from her bed, causing her to sneak a glance at his fit arms and toned body as he searched for his pants.
She couldn't resist squirming on the bed, feeling a heat building between her thighs as she thought about Buggy's tempting proposition.
“We just talked about this…no sex, no sex, no sex…”
She quickly shook her head, trying to push the alluring offer out of her mind, and made her way to her closet.
"Well, I’m gonna get dressed and fix myself up for the day” Hana commented as she went through some clothes.
“Awww already?” Buggy teased, admiring the way her ass looked as she bent over and reached for her shoes and boots. “But you would look cuter with your pajamas on…or with them off, I should say.”
“Buggy, what did we just talk about?” Hana warned.
“Yes, yes I knowwww!” Buggy teased with a roll of his eyes “Look, babe. It’s just after last night, I’m starting to think you’re a witch or something.”
Hana snorted in amusement as she turned to him.
“Why? Because I cast a spell on you?” she teased with a wiggle of her fingers.
“Because you know how to work magic on my cock…”
Hana gasped over his abrasiveness. She got an extra pillow from her closet and threw it at him, making him stumble backward on the wall.
“Oof!”
“You pervert!” she playfully chided him.
“But I meant that as a compliment babe!” he exclaimed, his voice laced with mischief.
“Yeah right, clown boy. Now leave me alone, I need to get dressed.”
With a scoff, she resumed her search in the wardrobe, pulling out a pair of dark pants and examining it briefly before hanging it back among the other clothes.
"What?! All I’m saying is that only a sorceress like you can make a flashy pirate captain such as myself irresistible to the magic of your mouth" Buggy retorted with a grin.
He couldn't resist stealing another glance at her as she turned away to change into her bra, hoping for a brief peek at her bare chest. Sadly, his efforts were fruitless.
Hana screwed up her face in mock seriousness, trying not to laugh at his antics as she put on a tank top.
"Well then maybe I should start brewing up potions for you.” she teased “Maybe something to help control the canon and Buggy balls in your pants…”
“Hey now, that’s going way too far!”
Knock knock knock
A knock on the door jolted Hana out of her thoughts, and her heart pounded in her chest.
"Just a minute!" she called out, trying to sound casual and failing miserably as she quickly put on a skirt.
She quickly looked at Buggy, who was still searching for his pants in a frenzy of nerves.
“Wait here…”
Hana quickly pulled away from Buggy, her cheeks flushed as she hurried to answer the door. Her brother Ren stood in the apartment corridor, a playful grin on his freckled face as he held out a box of art supplies.
"Hey, snothead. Just returning these.”
Hana breathed a sigh of relief as she quickly grabbed the box from him.
“Uhh…thanks.”
She quickly set them down with jittery hands next to a curious-looking Shelly.
Ren snickered at his sister’s state "What's with you? You seem...flustered."
"Nothing!" Hana exclaimed, perhaps a bit too quickly. “It’s nothing!”
She attempted to shoo him away, waving her hands dismissively.
"I'm just, uh, busy right now."
Ren raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"Busy, huh? Got some dirty little secret you're hiding in there?" He gestured towards her apartment with a teasing grin.
"I swear, it's nothing like that.”
Hana insisted, her face turning even redder as she tried to usher him away from the door.
“Just... go, okay?"
“Okay, now I have to see what’s going on!” Ren joked as he playfully pushed his sister aside to let himself in.
"Ren, seriously, I'm just--" Hana began, but was interrupted by Buggy's voice booming from within the hallway leading to her bedroom.
"You know, I just thought of something babe…" he began, his voice dripping with mischief,
Buggy sauntered into the living room with a roguish grin, still shirtless, and one hand on his pants that were halfway up his legs.
“Guess you could say I went from dining at the Baratie to eating out, if you catch my drift…”
Buggy snickered, clearly pleased with his own joke.
Ren's eyes widened and his eyebrows raised in surprise at what he just heard and what he had just seen.
“What the fuck did he just say?!! and is that…a fucking clown?”
Hana's face flushed bright red. "BUGGY!"
Buggy glanced up and his eyes widened in shock as he saw that Hana was not alone. He made eye contact with Ren, and the unexpected sight of Hana's brother threw him off guard.
Even with her hands hiding her face, the redness of Hana's skin was noticeable. She squeezed her eyes shut as the blush spread down to her neck.
"Please kill me…spare me from this embarrassment…let me disappear…I’m gonna go jump off a cliff now…"
"Uh, hi," Buggy said awkwardly. "I didn't realize we had company."
"Clearly," Ren replied dryly, his eyes narrowing as he looked between the two of them.
Hana lifted her red face and could see the gears turning in Ren’s head as he tried to piece together what had happened between her and Buggy.
"Ren, this is Buggy," she stammered, gesturing toward the pirate captain who was still in the process of pulling up his pants. "And Buggy, this is my brother, Ren."
Ren crossed his arms over his chest with a grimace, sizing up the clown who had unexpectedly become part of his sister's life.
"Uhhhh…nice to meet you, and all that jazz," Buggy offered, attempting to salvage the situation with a nervous smile.
He finally managed to pull up his pants and fasten it, though it did little to alleviate the tension in the living room. Buggy thought to offer to extend his hand, making Ren eye his hand warily.
"Likewise," Ren said dryly as he accepted Buggy’s hand, still not entirely sure what to make of the shirtless clown standing before him.
Hana fidgeted nervously, her mind racing with thoughts about how she would be able to explain all this to her protective older brother.
"Hana has mentioned you before." Ren casually mentioned, shooting a sideways glance at her as he spoke.
His grip on Buggy's hand tightened slightly, a subtle warning.
"Really?" Buggy replied, attempting to mask his discomfort with a grin. "All uh…good things, I hope."
He glanced at Hana, who continued to look mortified by the situation.
Ren's eyes flicked back and forth between Hana and Buggy, clearly not amused by Buggy's attempt at humor and released his hand.
"Mostly," he responded cryptically.
"Ah, well, everyone has their quirks, right?" Buggy joked nervously, rubbing the back of his neck and avoiding eye contact with Ren. "Like, you know, walking in on people when they're... uh, bonding."
Hana shot Buggy a pleading look, silently urging him to drop the jokes for now.
"Very funny," Ren deadpanned, unimpressed.
"Look, Ren, I can explain--" Hana began, but her brother cut her off.
"Save it, Hana. I get it. You're both adults, this is just…weird" he said, his tone measured but stern.
Each person's face revealed their discomfort through strained expressions, furrowed brows, and clenched jaws. Buggy feigned confidence as he quickly gathered himself.
"So, uh…you're Hana's brother, right? I've heard a lot about you!" he said, offering a friendly smile and attempting to establish common ground by making a joke. "So uh…she’s a feisty one. What's the secret to keeping her in line?"
Ren didn't laugh, his expression remaining stoic as he observed Buggy's actions and words closely. He maintained a guarded stance, not knowing who this creepy flamboyant clown was or what his intentions might be toward his sister.
Hana shifted her weight from one foot to the other, her nails digging into her palm as she tried to alleviate the tension.
"Nice try," Ren said flatly, letting the silence hang heavy in the air.
The tension was almost tangible, heavy and dense in the air like a thick fog. The air grew heavy with a palpable silence, only interrupted by the distant humming of Hana's refrigerator as it churned out ice in her kitchen.
The stillness lingered uncomfortably until Buggy finally realized it was time for him to go.
"Well uh…y'know I'd love to stay, babycakes," he said to Hana with a nervous grin, "but now it's time for me to exit stage left! I’ll uh…call you soon…"
He turned towards Ren and gave a brief nod of acknowledgement before swiftly retrieving his shirt from Hana's bedroom and exiting her apartment. The door clicked shut behind him, leaving Hana and Ren standing in the living room, the air thick with silence.
As the door shut, Hana exhaled deeply, her shoulders sagging as she did so. Her thoughts raced as she tried to process everything that had just happened.
Ren's eyes were wide with disbelief as he stared at his sister, trying to process the situation he'd just stumbled upon. His lips twitched, torn between laughter and disgust.
Hana fidgeted nervously, her mind racing with thoughts about how she would explain all this to her protective older brother.
She started to speak, her voice raspy with embarrassment. "Ren...”
Ren said nothing as he licked his lips nervously, his eyes darting from his sister's mortified face to the door Buggy had just exited.
"So…the clown. Is he uh…is he your… boyfriend?" Ren finally asked after what felt like an eternity of silence.
The words seemed to hang in the air, heavy with unspoken questions and concerns.
"I guess you could say that," Hana replied softly, her eyes on the floor. "It's new…and… it’s a bit complicated."
Ren's head was shaking in astonishment, his eyes growing wider as he tried to make sense of what he had just witnessed and gone through.
"I don't know whether to laugh or to throw up…I’m leaning towards the ladder.”
Hana flinched at his words. She had expected the teasing but hearing it made her cheeks burn hotter.
“It’s not what you think.”
"Oh really?" Ren raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Because it looks like I just walked in on my little sister being covered in hickeys and being visited by a creepy half-naked clown."
"Ren!" Hana exclaimed, mortified. "It's not like that. Buggy and I are... we're just getting to know each other better."
She couldn't help but feel defensive, even though she knew her relationship with Buggy was unconventional.
"Uh-huh…right." Ren replied skeptically.
Hana groaned, trying to downplay the situation. "Look, I know this is weird and you hate clowns. I swear, he's not that bad. You just caught us at a... weird moment."
"Caught you 'recovering', you mean?" he teased, earning a mortified glare from Hana.
"Shut up!” Hana snapped, her embarrassment making her more irritable than usual.
She sighed and ran a hand through her disheveled hair, trying to regain her composure.
“Hey, don’t blame me! I didn't expect to walk in on that little show when I came over!” Ren argued “Maybe next time, put a sock on the door or something."
"Thanks for the advice, big brother," Hana muttered sarcastically, rolling her eyes.
Ren smirked, not wanting to let this situation down "You know, you've dated a lot of clowns in your day, but this takes the cake!"
Hana clenched her fists, the anger bubbling inside her like a volcano ready to erupt.
“So does he honk every time you kiss him?”
"Oh my gods, will you shut up!" she snapped, glaring at Ren. "Look, I know this may seem weird to you, but Buggy’s proven to really care about me and even offered a lot of comfort from my breakup!"
"Wow, touchy! Sheesh! " Ren said, raising his hands defensively.
He couldn't help but smirk tease her some more.
"What crawled up your ass and died?"
"You don't understand," Hana muttered, turning away from her brother. "Buggy has been the only man that’s been there for me and showed me a bunch of care ever since... since..."
"Sanji?" Ren frowned, his voice softening as he sensed the pain behind her words.
Hana's head bobbed in agreement as tears welled up and cascaded down her face in a fit of frustration. Even at 25 years old, she still felt small whenever her older brother taunted her and especially now that Buggy is in the picture.
"Y'know what Sanji said to me when he broke up with me?"
Ren shook his head, still silent.
"He said that 'the threat,' whatever they are, disapproved of our relationship because they discovered something about my background. I don’t understand! I’m just the daughter of a fisherman! Why am I so special?"
Ren tried to lighten the mood with a sarcastic joke. "Maybe it could be because we have that icky dirty mermaid blood in our veins."
Hana was taken aback by Ren's words, her eyes widening in shock. It was as if he had struck her with a thunderbolt, snapping her out of her sorrowful state and thrusting her into a state of disbelief with the weight of her brother's words. Her chest tightened as she turned to him, trying to process everything he had just said.
"What did you say?" she demanded, the raw emotion in her voice barely contained.
"Oh c'mon, you know I don’t mean that," Ren said quickly, trying to defuse the situation. "I would never talk bad about our people."
“Our people?! OUR PEOPLE?!”
“Uh…”
"You mean…we’re actually part MERMAID?!!" Hana yelled, her mind racing with confusion disbelief and anger.
"Uh…yeah," Ren nodded, taken aback by her reaction. "I thought you knew…"
"NO, REN. I DIDN'T KNOW!" Hana shouted, more tears welling up in her eyes.
"Mom and Dad never told you?!" Ren asked, his voice laced with concern.
"NO!" Hana cried out, her body trembling with a mixture of anger and disbelief.
Hana shook her head, feeling betrayed and hurt. All this time, her own family had kept such a crucial part of her identity from her. Part of her identity that no doubt led to the heartbreak she experienced.
Ren, taken aback by her outburst, stumbled over his words as he tried to understand the situation.
"Wh-why wouldn't they tell you?"
His words were laced with concern and genuine bewilderment.
Hana's dark eyes filled with tears, her body shaking as sobs threatened to escape.
"I don't know!" she wailed, the weight of the revelation pressing down on her. Slumping against the wall, she buried her face in her hands.
Ren sighed, running a hand through his spiky black hair as he tried to process the information himself. The awkward tension between them thickened, and he offered an uneasy attempt at humor.
"Geez, I don’t know what’s more awkward: this or catching your boy toy with his pants down. Literally."
Hana's tear-filled eyes flashed with a mix of annoyance and embarrassment at her brother's attempt to lighten the situation. As his joke fell flat, and Hana's tear-streaked face only seemed to crumple further. Her body was wracked with sobs as the weight of the revelation threatened to crush her.
Her thoughts swirled in a storm of questions and emotions, all centering around her newfound heritage and its connection to Sanji's departure.
“How did this threat find out before me?”
“Did Sanji know before this threat did?”
“What else had been kept from me?!”
Ren moved closer, his arms wrapping around her in a protective embrace, his voice soft and soothing as he tried to comfort her.
"Hey, it'll be okay. We'll figure this out, I promise."
But Hana couldn't find solace in her brother's words. The betrayal and confusion gnawed at her heart like a relentless beast, refusing to be silenced.
She pushed herself away from Ren, wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand.
"I need answers, Ren," she choked out, her voice trembling. "I can't just... let this go."
The knowledge that she had mermaid blood coursing through her veins threw her entire sense of self into question. It was too much for her to process right now. She needed answers and she needed them fast.
Her resolve hardened as she wiped her tear-streaked cheeks with the back of her hand.
"I need to see Mom," Hana said resolutely, her dark brown eyes hardening with resolve. "She has to explain why she and dad kept this from me."
Her hands clenched into tight fists as she thought about confronting her mother, demanding the truth that had been hidden from her for so long.
"Alright," Ren nodded, offering his support. "I'll go with you if you want."
She suddenly gasped in a revelation “Does Sara know?”
“I have no clue…”
With that, Hana quickly gathered her things – her purse, her keys, and a sense of purpose that had been ignited within her. The door slammed shut behind her as they left the apartment, the sound echoing through the empty space.
As Hana and Ren strode towards their mother's house, determination fueling each step, she couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead.
“What would mom say? How would this change my life? Would this change my relationship with Buggy?”
Her mind raced, trying to anticipate the conversation she was about to have with their mother.
Would it be enlightening? Confrontational? Or would it just lead to more questions?
But one thing was certain: Hana wouldn't back down until she had the truth.
Notes:
Welp...poor Hana has had a rough morning. First she gets into an argument with Buggy, he embarrasses her, and now her family's secrets have been exposed.
Chapter 19: #19 - A Mermaid and a Pirate! Hana's Family Tragedy Revealed!
Chapter Text
Hana stormed out of her apartment, the warm night air wrapping around her like a second skin.
The distant hum of cicadas filled the quiet neighborhood, blending with the rhythmic clack of her sandals against the pavement. Behind her, Ren practically stumbled over the threshold in his rush to follow, his shirt sticking slightly to his back from the day's heat.
"Wait!" Ren called, but Hana didn’t even pause.
Her long, wavy black hair swayed with each determined step, her violet dress rippling like a storm cloud caught in a breeze.
"She’s going to answer my questions, whether she likes it or not," Hana muttered, her words burning as hot as the pavement beneath her feet.
"Alright, alright! But can we at least walk like normal people instead of like we’re about to duel at sunrise?!" Ren panted, struggling to keep up. "It’s still hot out here, and I—ow!"
His foot caught on a raised bit of sidewalk, sending him tripping forward. He barely managed to catch himself before going down completely, but not before grabbing Hana’s shoulder for balance. She jerked forward before whipping around with a glare.
"Would you watch where you're going?"
"Well, excuse me for not being built for high-speed pursuits in summer humidity!" Ren shot back, dramatically wiping sweat from his forehead. "Besides, the air's thick enough to swim through. Maybe you enjoy marinating in your own sweat, but some of us have delicate constitutions."
"You’re about as delicate as a drunk seagull," Hana deadpanned, picking up her pace again.
Ren threw his arms up. "And yet, somehow, I am the voice of reason here! Are you sure about this? You know how Mom is when you start asking questions she doesn't wanna answer. Remember how she convinced us the ice cream truck only played music when they ran out of ice cream? She is capable of evil!"
"That’s not evil, you dumbass!" Hana snapped, turning a sharp corner. "I’m just more concerned over what else she’s been hiding!"
Ren considered this, frowning. "Okay, but what if the truth is worse? Like, what if you find out you’re, I dunno, half-sea monster or descended from some warlord—"
Hana stopped dead in her tracks and turned to glare at him.
Ren held up his hands. "Okay, okay! No stalling! Just throwing options out there."
As they neared their mother’s house, Hana’s steps faltered. The sunlight light shimmered through the thick summer air, and the distant scent of honeysuckle and salt from the nearby coast made her chest tighten.
Her anger wavered, just for a second, before something heavier took its place.
Doubt.
Ren, despite being an absolute disaster of a human being, noticed immediately.
"Look, I’m just saying—we could technically turn around…"
Hana exhaled sharply, shaking her head.
“I have to know,” she said, quieter now but firm.
Ren sighed but nodded. "Alright, alright. Just know if things get weird, I am fully prepared to fake heat exhaustion to get us outta there."
Hana ignored him and marched up the front steps. The brass doorknob was warm beneath her fingers, and the weight of what lay ahead settled in her chest like a thick, unmoving summer storm.
“Here goes nothing,” she muttered under her breath.
The door to their mother's house slammed open, hinges protesting as Hana stormed in.
"Mom!" she barked, her voice sharp and demanding. Ren followed close behind, wincing at the sudden noise but remaining silent.
Lilly looked up from her seat on the couch, startled. The book in her lap slipped to the floor as her wide eyes met Hana’s furious glare. The tension in the room was palpable, thickening the air like a suffocating fog.
“Hana? Ren?” Lilly’s voice wavered, confusion laced with fear.
"Explain yourself," Hana snarled, her dark eyes glinting with anger. Every muscle in her body seemed coiled for a fight, her clenched fists trembling at her sides.
"I... I don't—" Lilly stammered, her expression a mix of guilt and fear. She glanced toward Ren, as if seeking an ally, but he merely stared back, his face impassive.
"Ren told me everything," Hana continued, her tone unforgiving. "So don't bother trying to deny it. Why didn't you tell us about our mermaid background?"
Lilly swallowed hard, wringing her hands together in her lap. "Hana, please," she said, desperation creeping into her voice. "I had my reasons—"
"Reasons?" Hana scoffed, her anger momentarily giving way to bitter amusement. "You mean lies? Secrets? How could you keep something like this from your own children?"
"Look, I…" Lilly shot back defensively, her gaze flickering between her two children. "I never intended for you to find out like this."
"Then how did you intend for us to find out?" Hana demanded, her eyes narrowing. "Did you even care that we were walking around with this huge secret being hidden away from us? Didn’t you and dad always preach for us to tell the truth and not keep secrets?"
Lilly's eyes filled with tears, and for a moment, she looked every bit the vulnerable, frightened woman that Hana had always known her to be. Hana's glare bore into her, a storm of emotions brewing beneath the surface. Her chest heaved as she drew in a deep breath, attempting to regain control over the situation.
A heavy silence hung in the air, broken only by the distant sound of a clarinet.
"Ugh, what's all this racket?" Sara grumbled as she emerged from her room, her clarinet still clutched in one hand.
She scowled at the tense scene before her, clearly irritated by the disruption to her practice.
"Apparently," Hana began, her voice tight with barely contained fury, "Mom and Dad hid from us that we have mermaid heritage."
Sara's eyes widened, her annoyance momentarily forgotten as she processed the revelation. "You're joking, right?"
"No, I'm not," Hana replied sharply, her gaze never leaving her mother's face. "And apparently Ren knew about it all this time."
"Hey, don't blame me!" Ren interjected defensively, his spiky hair seeming to bristle with agitation. "I didn't ask to be put in this weird spot!"
He mumbled under his breath, "First the clown and now this..."
"Clown?" Sara echoed, her confusion mounting as she looked between her siblings and her mother. “What clown?”
"Never mind that!" Hana snapped, her focus returning to her mother.
She crossed her arms over her chest, a gesture that seemed both protective and defiant.
"We deserve answers, Mom. And we deserve them now. Is it true we have mermaid ancestry?"
When their mother nodded, Sara blinked, her eyes wide as the news sank in. For a moment, she was completely still, as if frozen in time.
Then, with an exuberant whoop, she threw her arms into the air and twirled around in a spontaneous dance of pure joy.
"Oh my gosh, are you serious? That's amazing!" she exclaimed, bouncing on her toes like an excited child.
Her clarinet, momentarily forgotten, clattered to the floor.
"Can we just focus, please?" Hana snapped, her impatience evident as she turned her attention back to their mother. "We need the whole truth!"
Their mother hesitated, her hands wringing together nervously.
“You don’t understand,” she said, her voice breaking. “If people knew about you—about us—they would have hunted you, just like they hunted your grandparents.”
The shock of her words stretched taut between them, filled with unspoken questions and heavy with anticipation.
Lilly’s lip trembled as fresh tears streaked her cheeks. She clasped her hands tightly in her lap, her voice barely audible.
"Your grandfather, known as Navarro ‘El Sangremar’ Santiago, was a feared pirate. Your grandmother, Lucia, was a mermaid."
Their mother’s voice wavered as she spoke, her gaze distant, lost in memories long buried. "Your grandfather told me when he first saw your grandmother in the depths of the ocean, he instantly fell in love. Their love defied all obstacles and boundaries to be together."
The words hung in the air, thick with significance.
A frisson of shock rippled through Hana, her anger momentarily forgotten. She turned to Ren, whose expression remained solemn, and then to Sara, who still vibrated with excitement but seemed to sense the weight of their mother’s confession.
Hana felt emotions churn violently inside her—anger, betrayal, and confusion all morphing into something raw and unsteady.
"A pirate…and a mermaid??" The thought pounded in her skull. "All these years… all this time, and we never knew."
Lilly’s voice softened, tinged with something between sorrow and reverence.
"Fishman Island," she murmured, a wistful smile tugging at her lips. "That’s where they met. Your grandfather had ventured there on one of his many voyages, and when he laid eyes upon your grandmother…"
Lilly exhaled shakily, eyes glistening as she recalled the memory. "He told me that the first time he saw Mama, it was like the ocean itself had come to life. Her voice… her grace… she was something no man could resist."
Hana swallowed thickly, her mind painting the picture as vividly as if she had been there herself: a fearsome pirate, weathered by the sea, standing on the shores of Fishman Island as an ethereal mermaid emerged from the waves, her voice weaving a spell around him.
"It sounds like something out of a romance," she thought, almost entranced.
“Wow," Sara breathed, almost dreamlike. "That sounds like something from a fairy tale.”
But her mother’s face darkened, and the warmth in her voice turned fragile.
"Their love defied the rules of both their worlds," she whispered. "Humans and merfolk were never meant to mix. Their union brought hatred and violence."
A heavy silence settled over the room, thick with the weight of the past.
Hana's heart raced with anticipation as the story took on a significantly darker tone.
"Then… what happened?" Hana asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lilly hesitated. Then, in a voice barely holding together, she uttered the words that would change Hana forever.
"Thats when they were…killed."
A chill settled over Hana’s skin, her breath freezing in her lungs.
Lilly’s voice cracked as she continued, the once lively room now eerily cold. The air pressed in around them, heavy with sorrow.
"Your grandparents and uncle… they were murdered," she whispered, her hands trembling in her lap. "I was only ten when it happened. I remember it like it was yesterday."
The words sent a violent shudder through Hana.
"Murdered."
The word rattled in her skull, bouncing around her brain like something sharp and jagged.
She could see the pain on her mother’s face, as if it had never left her. The weight of a lifetime of secrets bore down on her, pressing into her ribs.
"Who did it?" Hana choked out, her voice raw.
Lilly’s jaw tightened. Her fingers curled into the fabric of her skirt, gripping it like it was the only thing keeping her upright.
"We never found out his name. All we knew that he was someone filled with hatred and prejudice," she whispered, her voice trembling. "A man who believed that humans and merfolk should never mix, that our family was an abomination. He killed your grandparents and uncle right in front of me, shouting ‘Humans and beasts shouldn’t multiply!’ before leaving us orphaned."
The room spun.
Hana felt like she had been struck, like something inside her had cracked open and spilled everything out.
"They were slaughtered. Not in war. Not at sea. But because of hate. Because they dared to love each other."
"He killed them for existing," Hana whispered, horror tightening around her throat.
Lilly nodded, blinking back tears. "Me and your aunts… we got away by the skin of our teeth. But we lost everything."
Sara had gone completely still, her earlier excitement extinguished. Ren sat stiffly, hands curled into fists at his sides.
Hana, however, felt something inside her snap.
Anger.
White-hot and searing.
She clenched her hands so tightly her nails bit into her palms.
"And no one did anything?" she spat, voice shaking. "No one avenged them?"
Lilly let out a bitter laugh, one that held no joy. "There was nothing to do, Hana. He was powerful. He had support. And we were children."
Hana’s stomach twisted violently. The weight of the truth settled over her, suffocating and inescapable.
This was her bloodline. This was her inheritance. A love story turned tragedy, an entire family wiped from history because of hatred.
She wanted to scream.
To cry.
To tear something apart.
But all she could do was sit there, trembling, as the truth wrapped around her like chains.
"In the aftermath of their deaths, I made a vow to keep the truth hidden – a vow shared only with your father. I couldn't bear the thought of anyone else I loved falling victim to the same hatred that had torn my world apart."
Hana staggered back a step, her hands gripping the doorframe for support. Her heart pounded, her chest tightening as if the air had been stolen from the room.
“They were killed. Because of who they were. Because of what I am.”
"Ever since you were born," Lilly continued, "we did everything we could to keep you safe – even if it meant keeping our family's past shrouded in silence. We wanted to give you a life free from fear and danger."
The room fell silent, Lilly’s words lingering in the air like a heavy fog. Hana’s mind raced, each thought colliding with the next as she tried to process the tragedy her mother had endured—and the years of secrets that had been kept from her. Hana's chest tightened more, the weight of her mother's words settling heavily upon her heart. The room seemed to close in around her, the walls whispering the secrets that had been locked away for so long.
Lilly exhaled slowly, her breath trembling with the weight of unspoken fear and regret as she watched her eldest daughter drop to her knees.
Hana's hands tightened into fists, her nails digging into her palms. A wave of anger and betrayal swept over her, colliding with the sympathy she harbored. Realizing that her parents had shielded her from the truth, wrapping her in a cocoon of protection, sparked a tumultuous mix of emotions in her heart.
“They thought they were protecting me. But they were just keeping me in the dark. Depriving me of the chance to understand myself, to decide who I am.”
"Hana, I wish I could have told you sooner. But the truth is… I was scared." She crossed her arms protectively over her chest, as if bracing herself for the storm of emotions that threatened to break through her fragile composure. "I wanted to protect you all from the dangers our heritage brings."
Hana's eyes flicked upwards to Ren, her gaze narrowing as she sought answers from him as well.
"So then why were you told about this and not me or Sara?" she demanded, her words cutting like shards of glass "What made you so special?"
Lilly hesitated, her voice trembling as she replied, "After Ren was born, we thought the secret wouldn't affect him since he's male. It wasn't until you were born that we decided to keep it a secret. You would be a target as a woman with mermaid blood, Hana."
Her eyes filled with regret as she added, "We had to keep it from Sara as well."
Hana’s breath hitched, the revelation sinking in like a stone. The weight of it pressed against her chest, suffocating any semblance of understanding. The revelation seemed to hang in the air, suffocating any semblance of comfort or understanding that might have existed moments before.
“All this time, they thought they were protecting me. But all they did was make me feel lost after Sanji left... Like I didn’t even know who I was and what made him go...”
She felt like she was being swallowed by a tsunami of lies that her family had kept hidden for so long, leaving her identity entangled in a lineage she barely understood. As the truth slowly emerged, like an old shipwreck rising to the surface, Hana found herself doubting everything she thought she knew about her family, her past, and even her own self.
"As if Sanji leaving didn't hurt enough...”
Hana's nostrils widened as she fixed a fiery glare on her mother, her intense anger unmistakable. Rising slowly, she confronted her mother directly.
“Y…you could've still told us!" she spat, her voice cracking under the weight of her anger.
"We were just trying to protect you from danger!" her mother insisted, her own voice rising in desperation.
“Well, congratulations,” Hana spat bitterly, tears pricking the corners of her eyes. “Because of this secret, Sanji broke up with me! He found out before I did—he knew more about my past than I did! Do you know how humiliating that is?”
Lilly’s mouth opened, but no words came. The painful memories of Sanji's departure resurfaced, a fresh wave of heartache threatening to consume her.
Hana’s voice rose, shaking with raw emotion. “He left because he wanted to protect me from someone who found out about my heritage! If I had known—if you had told me—I could’ve prepared for this. I could’ve stopped all of this before it started.”
As the weight of the revelation settled heavily on Hana's shoulders, she struggled to reconcile the image of the mother she had always known with the woman standing in front of her – a woman who had withheld the truth from her own daughters out of fear and misguided love.
Hana took a shaky breath, her voice softening but losing none of its sharp edge.
"Mom, do you even realize the consequences of your actions?" Hana whispered, her voice barely audible as she choked back a sob. "Look at what it's done to our family."
Her voice broke, and for a moment, the room felt unbearably heavy. Memories of Sanji’s departure continued to flood back, his words replaying in her mind like a haunting refrain. The ache of his absence stabbed through her, fresh and unrelenting.
“All that pain. All those lost nights I spent crying over him. All because of a secret I didn’t even know existed.”
Lilly’s tears spilled over, her hands trembling as she tried to hold herself together.
“I knew you’d react like this…” she murmured weakly, her voice barely audible.
Hana’s cheeks burned as her mother’s words cut through her like a blade.
With a clenched jaw, she shot back, “What’s that supposed to mean? That I’m the bad guy for being upset about this?”
“Hana, think about why I couldn’t tell you!” Lilly cried, desperation bleeding into her voice. “Your grandparents and uncle died because of this! They were murdered!”
“And yet,” Hana shouted, her voice cracking, “we might still be in danger anyway because someone dangerous found out about us! So thanks! Thanks for keeping this a secret from your daughters—because it’s worked so well so far.”
Her words hung in the air, thick with venom and heartbreak. The tension between them became suffocating, each unspoken word adding to the weight.
With a final, furious glare, Hana stormed out of her mother's house, slamming the door behind her with a resounding crash.
The world outside was suddenly too bright, too cheerful – a stark contrast to the darkness brewing within her.
Hana hurried down the uneven path, her mind in a frenzy of emotions - despair, anger, and heartache all swirling together. Each stride felt like she was carrying the weight of her past on her back, unyielding and heavy. The truth she had uncovered weighed heavily on her, threatening to break her apart like an approaching storm.
She rushed towards the beach, her safe haven, where the soothing rhythm of the waves always brought comfort. The crisp smell of saltwater filled her nostrils as a refreshing breeze blew by, carrying with it the distinct scent of the sea. Her pace slowed as she reached the shoreline, struggling to catch her breath. She took off her shoes and the damp sand beneath her bare feet provided a grounding sensation, reminding her to stay in the present moment.
As she reached the shoreline, the familiar sound of waves crashing against the rocks pulled her from her spiraling thoughts.
The humid air was suffocating, but it was nothing compared to the weight in her chest.
She dropped to her knees, the coarse sand cushioning her fall as she fought to steady her breathing. The waves crashed against the shore, their rhythmic roar mirroring the storm inside her.
“I guess I know now why I’ve always been drawn to this place,” she murmured, her voice shaky and low.
Her gaze fixed on the endless expanse of the ocean, its surface shimmering under the bright sun.
“It’s been a part of me all along… and I’m only just realizing it.”
The waves surged forward, cool and soothing as they kissed her fingertips. For a brief moment, the rhythmic crash of water against the shore lulled her into stillness, but the storm inside her refused to settle.
Her heart was heavy, burdened by her family's secret, growing more intense with every moment. Her brow knitted together as she contemplated the consequences of her newfound knowledge.
“If someone knows about this… if the word spreads...” Her voice broke, and she felt a chill run through her, cutting deeper than the sea breeze. “It could put all of us in danger.”
And then it hit her.
“Oh god... Buggy.”
Her breath caught, her chest tightening painfully. The thought of him—chaotic, vibrant, and utterly unafraid—flashed in her mind, and with it came the sharp sting of fear.
She clenched her fists in the sand, the grains biting into her palms.
“How can I tell him?” she whispered, her voice trembling. “That I’m part mermaid… and that just being near me might put him in danger?”
Her eyes stung she struggled to reconcile the depth of her feelings. The thought of Buggy hurt, not just because she feared for him, but because of how much he meant to her.
The ocean’s timeless rhythm slowly worked its way into her heart, soothing her frayed nerves. She focused on the cold kiss of the waves against her skin and the salt-tinged breeze threading through her hair. The familiar sensation anchored her, pulling her back from the edge of despair.
"He’s a pirate…” she tried rationalizing with herself “Of course, he would be in danger already! I have nothing to do with that! He has a 15 million Berry bounty!”
And then, without meaning to, she thought of him again. Buggy’s laugh, loud and theatrical, echoed in her mind. The memory of the way he exaggerated his every move and word to command attention made her chest tighten—but this time with something warm, something reassuring.
She remembered a moment not long ago when he had placed a mug of beer in her hand with a flourish.
“Here! Now you’re part of the Buggy crew. You can thank me later, Sweet Cheeks.”
She had rolled her eyes when Buggy had last pestered her about the sand getting everywhere on his ship, but now, the memory of his dramatic whining tugged at her lips. She could almost hear him now, standing beside her, cursing at the ocean for ruining his boots, shaking a fist at the waves like he could order them to stop.
"Damn ocean! You think you can intimidate the Great Captain Buggy?! Hah! I've seen worse things in a tavern brawl!"
Despite herself, she smiled.
How did he do that? How did he turn everything—danger, fear, even heartbreak—into something I could face?
The thought steadied her, and yet, it unsettled her at the same time. Because as much as she wanted his presence—his humor, his unwavering self-confidence, the way he made her feel like she wasn’t alone in the storm—she couldn’t help but wonder…
Would he still look at her the same way once he knew the truth?
The deception her family had kept from her, the bloodline that made her a target—it was all so far removed from Buggy’s wild, untamed world. He was chaos incarnate, free as the sea itself, and she… she was drowning in the weight of a past she barely understood.
What if this is too much for even him?
She swallowed hard, her gaze drifting to the horizon. The Big Top loomed in the distance, its bright, garish colors stark against the moonlit night.
"I need to tell him," she whispered, but the words wavered on her tongue.
She wasn’t ready.
Not yet.
Because the more she thought about it, the more something gnawed at her, something that refused to be ignored.
If they’ve kept this from me… what else have they buried?
The realization struck like lightning, jolting her upright.
She had spent her life not knowing.
Not asking.
And now that she had the truth in her hands, she was afraid to grasp it fully.
What if it was worse than I imagined? What if knowing only made everything more painful?
Her first instinct was to shove it all away—to let the past stay buried.
But then she thought of Buggy.
Of the way he threw himself into the unknown without hesitation. Of the way he seemingly laughed in the face of fear, how he never let anything—his past, his failures, the entire world calling him a fool—define who he was.
She could almost hear him scoff, arms crossed, that ridiculous grin on his face. "So what if it’s ugly? Who cares? You look it in the face and laugh! That’s how you win, sweetheart."
A breath she hadn’t realized she was holding escaped her lips.
She wanted to understand where she came from.
She needed to.
And she knew exactly where to start.
Her heart pounded as she came to the decision.
"The library," she murmured. "Old records… newspapers… there has to be something."
But even as determination settled in her bones, she knew she didn’t want to do this alone.
Her mind drifted back to Buggy, to the image of him standing beside her in the dusty aisles, loudly complaining about how boring libraries were, only to be completely distracted by an article about some notorious pirate and launching into an exaggerated tale of how he totally outsmarted them.
She needed that.
She needed him.
Not just for his antics, not just for the distraction—but because somehow, in all of his absurdity, Buggy made the impossible feel possible.
“Maybe he can help me too,” she admitted to herself, the words soft but certain.
The waves crashed once more, but they no longer felt overwhelming.
Hana stood, brushing the damp sand from her knees and putting her shoes back on. The wind carried the salty scent of the ocean, but now, it smelled less like an impending storm and more like a path forward.
She turned toward the Big Top, toward the ridiculous, chaotic man who had unknowingly helped her find clarity.
And as she walked toward the ship, she felt the first spark of hope cutting through the darkness. Together, they could face whatever came next.
Hana sprinted toward the cave where the Big Top was hidden, her heart pounding as the ship came into view. Her sharp eyes scanned the deck until they landed on Mohji, who was standing near Richie. She cupped her hands around her mouth and called out.
“Hey, Mohji! I need to talk to Buggy!”
Mohji turned, his face lighting up when he recognized her. “Miss Hana! What a pleasant surprise!”
“Can you get him for me? It’s important,” she said urgently, her voice leaving no room for delay.
“Of course! One moment!” Mohji said with enthusiasm before sprinting toward the captain’s quarters.
Inside, Buggy was lounging on his oversized throne-like chair, boots kicked up on a barrel as he examined a map. His hat rested lazily on the armrest. He barely looked up when Mohji burst through the door.
“This better be good, or I’m launching you out of the cannon.” Buggy snarled in annoyance
Mohji panted as he replied “C-Captain! Miss Hana is here! She’s waiting for you on the shore!”
Buggy’s booted feet hit the floor instantly, his map forgotten.
“Really?!” he barked, his voice an octave higher.
His dramatic demeanor immediately kicked in as he leaped to his feet.
“Why didn’t you lead with that, you idiot?! MOVE!”
In his haste, Buggy shoved Mohji aside—sending him tumbling into Richie—and barreled out of the quarters. He tore across the deck like a hurricane, yelling at the crew to get out of his way. Once at the edge, he didn’t even bother with using the rope to climb down, opting instead to dramatically leap off the ship in hopes of landing on his feet.
Unfortunately, Buggy’s trademark flair didn’t include measuring distances. His legs landed at an awkward angle, and he hit the sand with a loud thud, face-first.
“Ow!” he grumbled, spitting out sand as he pushed himself up. “I meant to do that...”
Brushing himself off with exaggerated movements, he straightened his back and immediately resumed his confident strut. His painted face softened when his eyes landed on Hana, taking her presence in.
Buggy forced his usual bravado as he approached her.
“Hey there, gorgeous!”
Buggy’s smile faltered, but only slightly as he took in Hana’s morose demeanor. He tilted his head, trying to gauge her mood.
“What’s the matter? Wait, don’t tell me! Did your brother insult me? I’ll fight him. Swear to God, babe, I’ll fight him.”
Hana let out a soft, half-hearted chuckle. “No, Buggy. It’s... it’s not Ren.” Her voice wavered, and her eyes darted away. “I need your help.”
She took a deep breath, her voice steady but tinged with tension.
“I need to go to the library and find some old newspapers—periodicals. I’ve found out something about my family, and I need answers.”
Buggy blinked, leaning closer with mock curiosity.
“Wait, wait, wait. Hold up. Periodicals? What are you, eighty? What’s so important about dusty old newspapers?”
Hana crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing.
“I think my family’s been hiding more stuff from me. I want to uncover the truth, even if it means going behind my mom’s back.”
For a moment, Buggy studied her. Her determination flickered in her dark eyes, and despite himself, he couldn’t help but be impressed.
Buggy grinned slyly “Ooh, sneaky business behind Mommy Dearest’s back? I like it.”
“I’m serious. I found out something about my family. Something they’ve been hiding from me, and I need to dig deeper.”
Her voice softened, her gaze lowering to the sand. “I need to know the truth.”
“What’s the truth you’re after, huh? That you’re secretly royalty? Or maybe your family is part of a clown dynasty! That’d explain why you’re into me.”
Hana gave him a flat look, though a small chuckle escaped despite herself. “You’re impossible.”
“That’s why you like me, babe.” He smirked, stepping closer and lowering his voice.
Hana groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose.
“This is serious, Buggy. I’ll tell you everything when I figure everything out. For now, I just need your help at the library without causing a scene.”
Buggy scoffed in mock offense “Me? Cause a scene? Sweetheart, I am the scene.”
His voice rang with its usual flamboyance, his arms thrown wide as if the very sky should bow to his presence. But when he looked at Hana—really looked at her—his bravado faltered, just for a second.
The determined set of her jaw, the way her shoulders squared like she was readying for battle, and yet… there was something else. A heaviness in her eyes, a weight pressing down on her that even her stubborn will couldn’t quite shake.
She looked… tired. Not physically, but in the way someone carries too many burdens for too long.
Buggy’s grin softened at the edges. The usual cocky glint in his eyes dimmed ever so slightly, replaced by something more thoughtful—more real.
Without a word, he reached for her hand, his grip firm yet uncharacteristically gentle. He lifted it to his lips, pressing a dramatic, lingering kiss to the back of it, but this time, it wasn’t just an act.
For once, Buggy the Clown wasn’t performing.
His lips hovered for a moment before pulling away, his thumb brushing absentmindedly over her knuckles, making Hana’s heart race. His gaze flickered up to hers, searching.
“Baby…” he started, his voice quieter now, more grounded.
Hana glanced up at him, looking into his eyes.
“You’ve got your favorite Captain on the case. We’ll find your answers—and I’ll even try not to blow anything up in the process. Can’t make any promises, though.”
Hana shook her head but couldn’t hide the faint blush that crept onto her cheeks as she smiled at him.
“Thank you.”
Buggy straightened, puffing out his chest.
“Anything for my number one fan!”
But before he could bask too long in his self-appointed heroism, Hana leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. The sudden gesture froze him in place, his face going slightly pink beneath the face paint.
“What?” Hana asked playfully with a smile
Buggy blinked a few times and muttered “Still getting used to that...”
Hana smirked, her mood noticeably lighter as she grabbed his hand.
“Come on, Captain. Let’s go before you change your mind.”
As they turned toward the horizon, the determination in Hana’s eyes returned, and Buggy’s grin softened. Whatever truths lay ahead, he’d help her uncover them.
After all, what kind of Captain—and what kind of man—would he be if he didn’t stand by her side?
Chapter 20: #20 - The Comfort of a Fool! Buggy Stays by Hana’s Side!
Notes:
This took me awhile to do, but I'm happy with how it came out. I think I managed to make this still in character for Buggy while making him still sympathetic.
Chapter Text
Hana and Buggy walked up to the heavy, creaking door of the library. There was a sense of anticipation in the air, something that was both thrilling and heavy with mystery.
She couldn’t quite shake the feeling that something was waiting for her—answers, perhaps, or something far more elusive about her family’s past. She didn’t know what she was about to uncover, but she needed to know.
The hinges creaked loudly as Hana and Buggy pushed the door open, revealing a dimly lit room beyond. The library stood like a fortress, guarding secrets and memories that begged to be unearthed.
The musty scent of old pages, dust, and forgotten secrets filled the air. Tall, imposing bookshelves stretched up to the ceiling, crammed with books that looked like they hadn’t been touched in ages. The silence was thick, broken only by the quiet shuffle of their footsteps.
Buggy, however, wasn’t impressed. He immediately wrinkled his nose and made an exaggerated gagging sound.
"Ugh! It even smells like nerds in here!” he grumbled, tugging at his hooded cloak like it was a nuisance.
Hana didn’t even look at him, her attention already consumed by the labyrinth of bookshelves. Each one was a potential key to unlocking the questions she had carried for years.
What else happened to my family? Why had they kept their history a secret from her?
"We’re here to find answers, Buggy,” she said, her voice steady, low, and determined. “Try to act like you’re actually contributing.”
Buggy scoffed, making a show of dramatically flipping his cloak over his shoulder.
"Act like I belong?" he snorted, eyes sparkling with his usual flair. "Sweetheart, I belong everywhere. The Great Buggy the Clown doesn’t waste his time on dusty old books. My genius brain already knows everything.”
Hana's brow arched, a wry smirk tugging at her lips.
"Oh yeah? Then enlighten me. Tell me everything you know about mermaid-pirate bloodlines."
Buggy’s confident grin faltered, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water.
He blinked twice, completely caught off guard, before clearing his throat.
“Listen,” he said, struggling to regain his bravado, “if I told you everything I knew, your puny little mind wouldn’t be able to handle it. I’d be the one in need of a vacation after you tried to process the awesomeness of it all.”
He waved a dismissive hand, his voice growing louder and more theatrical.
“It’s better if I show you how it’s done. I am a walking encyclopedia of greatness.”
Hana barely spared him a glance, her gaze fixed firmly ahead.
"Great," she said dryly. "Then show me by helping me find something useful."
Her tone was laced with patience, but it was clear she wasn’t in the mood for games.
Buggy grumbled, kicking the ground like a petulant child forced to do chores, but he followed her nonetheless.
“Tch. Fine. But when I die of boredom in here, I’m haunting you, you know that, right?”
Hana didn’t reply, the weight of her thoughts pulling her deeper into the sea of books. She couldn’t let herself get distracted, not when the answers could be buried within these ancient pages. She knew they were here. Somewhere. The legacy of her family, their secrets, their connections to the pirates and mermaids, their true history.
Each step she took felt like it was leading her closer, and yet, there was no telling what she would find. Would it be the truth she had always suspected? Or would the answers shatter everything she had believed?
Her hand hovered over a shelf filled with faded journals and tomes. She pulled one out, its cover cracked and brittle. The weight of it felt different in her hands, as if it had been waiting for her to discover it. She flipped it open and began to read, not yet realizing that this moment would be the beginning of uncovering everything her family had kept hidden from her.
"Help me search, Buggy," she muttered without looking up, her voice calm, but her determination unwavering. “We’ve only just begun."
With a resolute expression etched on her face, Hana began to extract ancient newspapers and journals from the dusty shelves. Each one was handled with a reverence born of her determination to uncover the secrets that lay dormant within their faded pages. Her fingers traced over the brittle paper, gingerly flipping through each artifact as if it were a sacred text.
Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and questions, each one more urgent than the last. What truths about her family's past were hidden in these old documents? What secrets had been kept from her? The weight of her task bore down on her, but she refused to let it deter her.
On the other side of the table, Buggy's method was much less meticulous. He selected a book at random and slapped it onto the table with an air of triumph, his grin wide and proud.
"Boom! Found it. We’re done."
But Hana paid him no mind; she was too engrossed in her quest for answers, too determined to unravel the mysteries of her lineage.
“Ahem! I said, we’re done!”
Hana looked down at the book, her expression blank. "The Joy of Knitting?"
Buggy didn’t even flinch. "Exactly. You weave threads, you weave bloodlines! It’s all the same thing!"
She pinched the bridge of her nose. "Please shut up."
"You love this," he said smugly, grabbing another book at random.
This time, he at least tried to read the title.
"'The Complete History of... Fish Migration Patterns'?"
He turned to her, grinning.
"See? Now we're talking! Maybe your family was studying some badass fish that eat people or something!"
Hana stared at him. "Why am I with you?"
Buggy smirked, winking as he leaned in. "Because you love the way I go down on y-"
"Shhhh! Quiet down, you idiot!" Hana whispered urgently, glancing around nervously and hoping no one overheard him, her cheeks flushing a deep red.
Buggy rolled his eyes in annoyance “Fiiiine! The quest continues…”
With a huff, Hana continued to ignore his antics, sifting through the articles with laser focus—until her fingers suddenly froze on a page.
Hana’s fingers trembled as she brushed the dust from the fragile newspaper, her breath catching in her throat. The page was old—yellowed and brittle, as if time itself had tried to erase it.
But the names printed in bold ink still hit her like a punch to the gut.
The article was about her grandfather, Santiago, the feared pirate known as El Sangremar. About her grandmother, Lucia, the mermaid who fought beside him. And about Louis, the uncle she never got to meet, a child stolen from the world far too soon.
But seeing it written like this—cold, impersonal, nothing more than ink on a page—made it feel fresh.
Brutal.
Like she was reading about strangers instead of her own blood.
Her chest tightened.
A hand rested on her shoulder.
“Hana.” Buggy’s voice was uncharacteristically gentle.
He must’ve seen the way her hands clenched the paper, the way her breath had gone shallow. She exhaled slowly, forcing herself to release the page before she crushed it in her grip.
“I already knew about this,” she murmured. “My mother told me about my grandparents and uncle...”
Buggy stayed quiet for a moment before shifting beside her.
“Still rough to see it, huh?”
Hana nodded once. The weight of it pressed against her ribs, but she refused to let it drown her. She swallowed and shook herself out of it. This wasn’t why she was here. Steeling herself, she pushed forward, flipping through more papers, skimming articles and headlines with laser focus.
Buggy watched her for a moment before sighing and grabbing a random book off the shelf, probably to amuse himself while she worked.
Then—
Her fingers stilled.
A name jumped out at her. One she hadn’t been expecting.
She let out a gasp and covered her mouth in shock.
Buggy, who had been flipping through a book upside-down, noticed immediately.
“Hey, what’s up?"
She swallowed, voice barely above a whisper.
"Look at this…"
Buggy leaned in as she slid the old newspaper toward him. There, in faded ink, was her father’s name—listed under an illegal underground fish trading ring.
Buggy blinked, then grinned. "Well, damn! Looks like your old man wasn’t just gutting tuna—he was running some high-stakes, back-alley seafood operation!"
Hana didn’t respond. Her eyes were locked on the page, her hands gripping the paper tightly.
"He was arrested for this… before I was born."
Buggy’s grin faltered slightly at her expression. For all his joking, he could tell this was big for her.
"Hey, uh… y’know, it’s not that bad. Could’ve been worse! Maybe he was smuggling some mutant sea kings! That’d be way cooler, huh?"
Hana shot him a look that clearly said not helping. But before she could say anything, Buggy’s eyes caught something else in the photograph attached to the article—something that made his heart stop.
He snatched the newspaper from her hands.
"Wait a damn minute— LOOK AT THIS!"
“SHHHHH!”
Hana was startled as Buggy nearly shoved the paper in her face, his finger jabbing at a blurry, barely visible symbol in the photo's background.
"That’s the Oro Jackson’s Jolly Roger. That’s ROGER’S ship!"
Hana’s breath hitched. "Gold Roger? The Pirate King?"
Buggy, meanwhile, was still gaping at the article trying to process everything all at once.
"Hold up. Hold the hell up. You know what this means?! Maybe your old man was selling fish to ROGER! And—ha!—he was running an illegal fish trading ring at the same time?!"
“Shut up!” Hana hissed.
He slapped the paper with both hands, letting out a wheezing laugh.
"Now that’s what I call a power move!"
Hana’s eyes were sharp with disbelief.
"This doesn’t make sense! He wasn’t some underground criminal—he was just my dad! He raised us! He—he wasn’t like this!"
Buggy’s head snapped toward her, his expression unusually serious.
"Babe, your old man wasn’t just selling fish. He had connections to Roger’s crew. That’s huge!"
Her mind reeled.
Had her father simply been a supplier?
Or was there more to it?
What had he been involved in?
Buggy, however, was already spiraling into wild conclusions. He slammed a hand on the table, standing up so fast that his chair nearly toppled over.
"This is it! This proves it! You—my beautiful, lucky, probably-pirate-blooded girlfriend—are DESTINED for greatness!"
Hana gave him a flat look. "That is not how genetics work."
"IT IS IF YOU BELIEVE HARD ENOUGH!" he declared, throwing his arms out like some kind of prophet. "You could be PIRATE ROYALTY! A lost heiress of the sea! A legendary descendant of—"
"He was selling fish, Buggy.” Hana hissed as he gave him a frantic look “Keep your voice down before we get kicked out!"
"ILLEGAL fish, babe! The best kind of fish!" He pointed at the paper dramatically. "And not just to anyone—to the damn Pirate King!"
Hana shushed him again as she noticed visitors were starting to stare at them.
She groaned, burying her face in her hands. "This is the most mind boggling conversation I’ve ever had."
Buggy smirked, leaning on the table. "Nah, sweetheart. This is the greatest conversation you’ve ever had."
His eyes flickered over to Hana, taking in the slight trembling of her fingers and the furrowing of her brows as she processed the new information. His face held a knowing smirk, while hers showed a mix of confusion and deep thoughts.
It seemed like this conversation was a lot for her to handle, and he could see her trying to process everything.
This was a lot for her.
For once, he dialed it back.
He nudged her gently. "Hey... you okay?"
Hana exhaled slowly, staring down at the article.
"I don’t know. This changes everything."
She stared at the picture, her mind whirling with questions.
What had Dad’s life been like before I was born? How deep had he been in the world of piracy?
Buggy furrowed his brow, trying to find the right words to comfort her.
"Babe, people have many sides to them. Your dad must've had his reasons why he didn’t tell you."
"Reasons? But..." Hana's voice trailed off as the weight of the discovery bore down on her.
Hana's gaze lingered on the scattering of articles spread out before her, each one like a jigsaw piece fitting into the puzzle of her family's concealed history.
Her thoughts whirled in a tempest, grappling with the weighty revelations about her lineage and its ramifications on her sense of self.
It seemed as if everything was falling apart around her, yet she could only sit there, attempting to comprehend the magnitude of her recent discovery. Her thoughts drifted back to the memories of her family being stalked by the pirate, who insisted he had suffered from food poisoning because her father had inadvertently sold him spoiled fish.
Was…was that fish he sold illegal?
Is that why he sold it to that pirate?
Everything was falling into pieces like a puzzle…
"No, I can't deal with this right now," she muttered under her breath.
With a determined look, Hana stuffed the newspapers into her bag, not caring if they crumpled in the process. Her heart pounded in her chest as she stormed out of the library, leaving Buggy behind feeling confused.
Buggy opened his mouth, but for once, words failed him.
“Shit.”
What do you say to something like that?
He was great at cracking jokes, bragging, and making a scene, but comforting someone in a serious moment? That wasn’t his specialty.
"Wait—hey!" Buggy shook himself out of his stupor and hurried after her, his cloak flaring behind him. "Babe! Come on, wait up!"
She didn’t.
She marched through the streets, her mind clearly elsewhere, and Buggy, for all his showmanship, had no idea how to fix this.
Hana’s footsteps hit the gravel hard as she made her way through the cemetery, Buggy trailing behind her, still trying to catch up.
"Wait, babe!" Buggy called after her, quickly following her retreating figure.
He had never seen her so emotional before, and it left him uncertain of how to approach the situation.
As he caught up to her, he noticed her shoulders shaking with suppressed sobs.
“Hana, please, talk to me," he implored, reaching out to touch her arm gently.
Her breath came in ragged gasps, tears streaming down her face as she raced towards a particular headstone.
Buggy chased after her, his cloak billowing behind him, concern etched on his painted face.
"Wait!" he called, but she didn't slow down.
Finally, she reached the grave she was looking for.
Hana collapsed on her knees in front of the headstone, tears streaming down her face as she let out gut-wrenching sobs that echoed around the silent graveyard.
Buggy halted a few steps away, watching her helplessly.
"First Mom hiding secrets from me, and now you?!" Hana choked out between sobs, staring up at the engraved name on the stone as if demanding answers.
Tears continued to flow, blurring her vision as she cried her heart out.
Buggy stood awkwardly beside her, unsure of how to help or comfort her.
He eventually walked to her and wrapped his arms around her trembling form, saying nothing but offering comfort through his presence.
Hana clung to him desperately, feeling like she was drowning in a sea of emotions. Her tears wet his cloak, but he didn't care. He gently rubbed her back in soothing circles, trying to ease her pain with his touch. Hana's face was contorted in grief and anger, her tears leaving makeup streaks down her cheeks.
"It's not fair," she cried, her voice muffled against Buggy's shoulder. "Why did they have to keep this from me? Why did I have to find out like this?"
"Hey," he said softly. "It's okay.”
Hana's tear-streaked face glistened in the sunlight as she looked up at Buggy.
Her eyes were puffy and red from crying, their normally bright color dimmed by the weight of her emotions. Buggy saw the pain etched onto her features, the tears leaving tracks down her face.
"How can it be okay?" she whispered. "Everything I thought I knew about my life...my family...it's all changed."
Her face was a canvas of emotions, painted with a mix of grief, anger, and confusion.
"By the way, this...this is my dad," she whispered, her voice barely audible as she turned to face the headstone. "I haven't visited him since...well...for a while..."
"Oh." He shifted awkwardly. "So, uh… that’s why you bolted here."
Silence stretched between them, thick and heavy. Buggy rubbed the back of his head. He wasn’t great at this kind of thing, but he studied her trembling form, noting the way her shoulders shook with suppressed sobs.
"Why did you say your mom was hiding secrets from you?" he asked gently, his usual flamboyance absent from his tone.
She looked into the pirate's eyes, seeing genuine concern mixed with his usual mischievousness.
"My mom... she told me something today that I never knew about my family. Something they kept hidden from us," she began, her voice trembling slightly.
She took a deep breath, preparing for the worst out of Buggy.
"My grandparents were… a mermaid and a pirate."
"A Mermaid AND a pirate?!" Buggy repeated, raising an eyebrow.
His usual tendency to crack a joke faltered, his concern replaced by an expression of surprise.
He nodded for her to continue, trying (and failing) to hide the tension that was starting to creep into his posture.
"Apparently, our grandmother was a mermaid who left the sea to be with our grandfather, the pirate. My parents kept it hidden from us to protect us, but now I think it was what Sanji meant when he said ‘the threat’ that broke us up found out about our family background. That threat didn’t see me as worthy because of my background. Probably thinks I have tainted blood or something...”
She looked at Buggy with a raw vulnerability that made Buggy’s heart do something strange. She seemed smaller somehow, as if the weight of the world was crushing her hopes and dreams. Her hands clenched into fists, with her nails pressing into her palms as she tried to keep her emotions in check.
“Hey, hey…” Buggy's words rushed out before he could stop them, more nervous than usual.
He waved a hand as if brushing away the heaviness of the moment.
"I mean, mermaids? That's... kinda cool."
His tone was too high-pitched to be convincing, but he tried, damn it.
"That’s nothing to be ashamed of. I mean, I'm a freak too, so I know freaks, and you’re definitely not one. Trust me!"
Hana’s tears only seemed to flow harder at his attempt at reassurance, and Buggy’s eyes widened in alarm.
"Shit," he muttered under his breath, his usual confidence unraveling in the face of her emotion.
"Okay, okay, you know what? I didn't mean it like that. You’re not a freak, alright?"
Hana’s sobs echoed in the quiet cemetery, and Buggy froze, his mouth snapping shut.
She wasn’t laughing. She wasn’t angry.
She was just… hurting.
And that made him feel like an idiot.
“I’m not ashamed of my family history,” Hana muttered between sobs. “I think my grandparents’ love story was beautiful. It's just heartbreaking that some still view people like us as abominations and believe they have the right to control how others love. That way of thinking made me lose my grandparents and my uncle."
Buggy’s chest tightened. He wasn’t good at this. Comforting people.
But seeing her like this, so hurt, made something in him twist. He had to do something.
"Aw, come on, babe..." His voice was gruff, unsure, like he was stepping into territory he didn’t quite know how to navigate.
He shifted beside her, hands twitching at his sides before finally giving in and cupping her face.
His thumbs brushed away her tears, his touch surprisingly gentle for someone so prone to grand gestures and dramatics. His heart pounded, but for once, it wasn’t from fear or bravado—it was from the sheer desperation to make her believe him.
"To hell with what anyone else thinks," he said, his tone firm, but not unkind. "They don’t get to decide what’s right. I don’t care if your grandparents were mermaids, sea monsters, or damn sea gods—I only care about you, and anyone who’s got a problem with that can go drown."
He swallowed hard, his grip tightening just slightly, as if grounding himself in her warmth. "So don’t…don’t cry like this. Anyone who’s got a problem with you—hell, they can deal with me first. And I don’t think they want that."
Then, softer, almost like a secret, he added, "Besides, I like it better when you're laughing at my jokes."
His voice was steady now, though there was a rawness to it he didn’t often allow anyone to hear.
The cool evening breeze rustled through the cemetery, whispering between the gravestones like ghosts of the past, but it did little to quell the storm inside Hana.
"But…between what my dad did and my grandparents…who am I? Who truly am I?" she wondered out loud, her voice barely more than a whisper as the weight of her newfound knowledge threatened to crush her.
"Listen to me."
Buggy’s voice was soft—softer than she’d ever heard it. He reached out, gently lifting her chin with his fingers, forcing her to look at him. The concern in his painted eyes was genuine, and something about it touched a part of Hana that desperately needed reassurance.
"You're you," he told her, his voice steady, certain. "A kind, smart, and beautiful woman who stood up for a certain pirate even when he didn’t deserve it."
For a moment, time seemed to stand still as Hana tried to absorb his words.
She had spent her entire life trying to define herself through others—through her family, through her work, through the pieces of her identity she could never quite fit together.
But Buggy’s voice cut through the chaos, grounding her with a simple truth.
She was still her.
He smirked, but there was no humor in it—only sharp-edged protectiveness.
“You're not some mistake. You’re not some abomination. You’re mine," he muttered, his forehead pressing against hers, his grip tightening like he could shield her from the world itself.
"And I don’t let anyone mess with what’s mine."
His voice dropped lower, softer, like he was telling her a secret meant only for the two of them.
"You hear me? I don’t care what the world thinks. You’re perfect as you are."
Hana's heart skipped a beat at the possessiveness in his voice and his protective nature, feeling that he was neither lying nor exaggerating his declaration.
The man before her, his face adorned with paint and his heart brimming with sincerity, saw her for who she truly was. Buggy’s presence had become an anchor in the whirlwind of her life, but the more she relied on him, the more fear crept in.
He must’ve seen the hesitation in her eyes, the way her hands trembled ever so slightly against his chest, because his grip on her waist tightened. His voice dipped into something softer.
Something meant just for her.
“You’re still you,” he murmured, tilting her chin up so she had no choice but to look at him. “And if the whole damn world wants to take you from me, then I’ll tear it apart with my bare hands.”
Before she could protest, before she could remind him of the danger, he closed the distance between them, pressing a kiss to her lips. It was tender and slow, less about passion and more about reassurance, about quiet devotion.
She melted into him, gripping the lapels of his coat as if holding on could keep her from breaking.
But the fear didn’t vanish. If anything, it only made the knot in her chest tighten further.
When they pulled apart, her breath hitched, and before she could stop it, a broken sob tore from her throat. She collapsed into his chest, her body wracked with the force of her emotions.
Buggy froze for half a second, but then his arms came around her, fierce and unyielding, caging her against him like he could physically shield her from whatever haunted her.
"Whoa, whoa, hey, it's okay, babe!" he mumbled, burying his face in her hair.
"No, it's not okay!" she argued through her sobs. "Because of me, you might be in danger!"
Buggy tensed. His first instinct was to brush it off, to laugh, to tease her until she smiled—but the second he opened his mouth, Hana’s sobs grew harder. She shook against him, her body wracked with grief, her face pressed against his chest.
"You don’t understand," she gasped between hiccuping breaths. "I… I don’t want to put you in danger. My blood, my background—people might come after me, and if they do, they'll come after you too. And… and I can’t lose—" Her voice cracked, raw and broken. "I can’t lose anyone else. Not again. Not after my dad."
The light in Buggy’s eyes faded. His grip on her tightened instinctively and he let her cry.
No interruptions.
No deflections.
No jokes to mask the way his own chest ached at the sound of her breaking apart.
The day stretched around them, quiet except for her muffled sobs and the distant whisper of the wind through the cemetery’s trees. The scent of damp earth and salt lingered in the air, wrapping around them like a ghost of memories neither of them dared to speak of.
Buggy stared past her, over her shoulder, at the gravestones lined in neat rows. He had spent years pretending loss didn’t touch him.
That it didn’t dig its claws into his ribs and stay there.
But now, holding Hana—feeling the way she clung to him, the way her body trembled with grief—something in him cracked.
His gloved hand came up to her back, rubbing slow, soothing circles. His other hand curled into a fist at his side, as if trying to keep something buried.
Finally, when her sobs softened into quiet sniffles, he swallowed hard and forced the words out.
"Just to let you know… I uh… I know what it feels like to lose someone important to you."
Hana pulled back just enough to look at him, her dark eyes searching his face.
Buggy hesitated, his painted lips pressing together.
“Seeing that Jolly Roger in that article again…it…took me back…”
He wanted to leave it at that.
He could let her assume what she wanted.
But under the sunlight, with her tear-streaked face and trembling hands clutching at him, the weight of his past felt heavier than usual.
"Is it true, then?" Hana asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "You really knew Gold Roger?"
Buggy hesitated. He looked away for a moment, his jaw tightening as if debating whether to answer. Then, with a sigh, he nodded.
"Yeah, it's true," he admitted, his tone quieter than before. "He was… he was like a father to me."
Hana’s heart pounded in her chest. She had known Buggy once sailed under a great pirate, but never in her wildest dreams did she imagine it was him.
Buggy exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair.
"I was just a kid when I joined his crew. Annoying little brat. Thought I was smarter than everyone else. And I was—still am—but Roger, he…"
He trailed off, shaking his head with a quiet chuckle.
"He had this way of making you feel like you belonged, even when you were just some snot-nosed runt with big dreams and a bad attitude."
He stared at the gravestone in front of them, his lips pressing into a thin line.
"I remember this one time, we were anchored near this tiny island, and I was pissed off—can't remember why. Probably something dumb, like Shanks stealing my food."
He scoffed, shaking his head.
"Anyway, Roger found me sulking on the deck, arms crossed, dead set on running away to start my own crew that very night. I told him I didn’t need anyone. That I could be the greatest pirate who ever lived all on my own."
Buggy let out a small, humorless laugh.
"You know what that old bastard did? He just laughed. Ruffled my hair, grinned down at me, and said, ‘That’s the spirit, Buggy! But even the greatest pirates need a crew to watch their back.’"
Hana gave Buggy a sympathetic smile, “He sounded like a great guy. Not at all like I’ve been led to believe.”
Buggy paused, his expression darkening.
"Years later, after they executed him, I kept thinking about that moment. About how he always believed in us, even when we didn’t believe in ourselves."
Hana squeezed his hand gently.
"Shanks was there too…" Buggy murmured, his voice barely audible.
"After Roger’s execution, we met up again. Just the two of us. I told him we were supposed to go to Laugh Tale together, like we’d always planned."
A bitter laugh escaped him.
"But he… he changed his mind."
Hana watched him closely, sensing the pain in every word.
"He still wanted to be a pirate, but not that way. Not like Roger."
Buggy’s hands clenched into fists, his knuckles going white.
"I called him a coward. Told him we’d be enemies if we ever met again."
The words hung in the air like an open wound.
Hana hesitated, then asked gently, "Do you really still believe that?"
Buggy’s expression flickered—just for a second. Then, his bravado kicked back in.
"Of course I do," he scoffed. But the way he turned his head slightly, avoiding her gaze, told her otherwise.
"You sure?" she pressed. "Or do you just want to?"
Buggy’s fingers twitched, his grip tightening around his coat. For once, he had no immediate comeback.
Hana reached for his hand, squeezing it softly.
"You lost two people you cared about in such a short time," she murmured. "And as a child, too. No wonder it still hurts."
Buggy let out a dry laugh, but there was no real humor behind it. He rubbed the back of his neck, exhaling slowly.
"Look at me, getting all sentimental," he muttered.
After a beat, he added, "Don’t go thinking this means I’m gonna start pouring my heart out all the time. I got a reputation to maintain."
Hana smiled faintly. "Of course not. That would ruin your whole terrifying, bloodthirsty pirate image."
"Exactly!" Buggy huffed, waving a hand dismissively. But there was something softer in his eyes now.
She leaned into him, resting her head against his shoulder.
"I’m glad you’re here, Buggy," she murmured. "I’m glad we can share our stories, our pain… and help each other heal. You don’t have to carry all that by yourself anymore."
Buggy grinned, trying to lighten the mood again. “But don't forget—I'm the guy who will burn down a million villages to keep you safe."
He winked, but there was an honesty behind the jest that made Hana’s heart swell.
"I don’t know what I’d do without you,” she whispered, her voice barely carrying over the stillness of the cemetery.
He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. "You’d be a lot worse, but lucky for you, you don’t have to find out."
Hana exhaled a slow, tired breath. The air was cool against her skin, the scent of damp earth and wilting flowers lingering between the gravestones. A soft breeze stirred the silence, rustling the overgrown grass around her father’s headstone.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The weight of the past, the weight of loss, sat between them like an unspoken truth.
Buggy didn’t rush her, didn’t try to fill the silence with nervous jokes.
He just held her.
Without thinking, Hana reached up, her fingers brushing the paint along his cheek, tracing the lines she had memorized so well. Buggy stilled under her touch, his breath catching in his throat.
"This... what the hell is this?" Buggy thought. "She’s touching me like…like I'm... fragile or something."
Hana’s thumb lingered at the edge of his jaw, and she felt him swallow.
His mind scrambled for a joke, something to break the tension, but all he could do was sit there, frozen, as her fingers traced his face with unbearable gentleness.
The cemetery around them was still, the wind carrying the scent of rain that hadn’t yet fallen. For a moment, there was no danger, no looming threats—just them, wrapped in the quiet agony of knowing what it was to lose, to hurt, to fear.
And Buggy, for once, didn’t run from it.
He just held her closer, pressing a lingering kiss to the top of her head, letting the silence speak for them both.
When he finally spoke, his voice was lower, quieter. "You thinking deep thoughts over there, sweetheart?"
She hummed "Just… a lot to process, I guess."
Buggy leaned back, arms falling to his side.
"Look, I don’t know jack about all this deep, soul-searching crap, but I do know one thing—you’re not just some girl who’s part pirate and part mermaid. You’re a damn knockout, the sharpest mind I’ve ever met, and—" he huffed, rubbing the back of his neck before forcing himself to meet her eyes.
The hesitation in Buggy's eyes was replaced by determination, and Hana couldn't help but be struck by the intensity of his gaze.
"And…probably the best thing that ever happened to me."
Hana's face was a map of emotions as she blinked up at Buggy, processing his words. Her heart beat faster as a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips, her eyes softening as she looked up at him.
"That might be one of the sweetest things you’ve ever said to me."
Buggy grinned, immediately recovering. "Eh, don’t get used to it, sweetheart. Can’t have you thinking I’m going soft."
Hana gave a snicker and shook her head.
I can see right through you, Buggy. Besides, you're already a softie...
She wiped her eyes and looked around the cemetery, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.
"Let's go," she said, rising to her feet and extending her hand to Buggy. He took it without hesitation, standing up beside her.
Buggy stretched and let out a dramatic sigh. "Yeah. I think I’ve hit my emotional quota for the next ten years, so how about we head back to my ship before I start saying even more things that make me sound like a decent person?"
Hana shook her head, still smiling. "Yeah, yeah, whatever you say.”
As they turned away from the grave, Buggy casually slung an arm around her shoulders.
Together, they began to leave the cemetery, their steps more purposeful and united than before. Buggy’s mind, however, couldn’t help but run back to him revisiting his grief.
His mind drifted back—Roger’s execution, Shanks, everything they were supposed to be crumbling in an instant. He’d walked away that day and told himself he didn’t care. Told himself he was better off without any of them.
But as he was walking side by side by Hana, watching her try to hold herself together, he felt that familiar, unwelcome weight pressing on his chest.
His gaze flickered down to the flowers decorating the cemetery.
His fingers twitched at his side.
I don’t do this kind of thing.
Ech… didn’t matter….
And yet—
Before he could stop himself, his hand detached, drifting toward the ground. He plucked a stray flower from the grass, rolling the stem between his fingers.
What am I doing? Seriously, what the hell am I doing? It’s just a stupid flower. Meaningless.
And yet, his grip tightened as he stared at it, the weight in his chest pressing harder.
Buggy detached one of his hands and, as Hana wasn’t looking, let it drift back toward the grave. Carefully, he placed the flower atop the headstone.
For a long moment, he just stared at it.
Tch. Why the hell did I do that?
The thought annoyed him more than he wanted to admit.
Maybe it was because the old man had been a part of Roger’s journey.
Perhaps it was because he had unknowingly played a role in keeping Roger and his crew—Buggy included—fed and sailing forward.
Or maybe it was because this was Hana’s father, and for all his running, all his denials, Buggy found himself caring far more than he should.
Still, as they left the grave behind, something gnawed at him.
Buggy, the Great Buggy the Clown, wasn’t the sentimental type.
But… well.
He was a showman, and even the dead deserved a good send-off.
He lingered a second longer, his throat tightening, then turned away before Hana could see the look in his eyes.
"Tch. Hope you’re happy, old man," he muttered under his breath, stuffing his hands in his pockets like the act meant nothing.
But Hana had seen.
She had turned just in time to catch him, her breath hitching at the sight. The simple act—casual as he tried to make it seem—stitched something inside her that had been unraveling for far too long.
Her father may have been gone, but in this moment, she wasn’t alone.
She wasn’t sure if Buggy meant it as a tribute, if he even fully understood why he’d done it, but that didn’t matter.
She blinked back the sting of tears and stepped beside him, her heart lighter than it had been in days.
“I can’t believe he did that…on his own…”
Buggy caught her staring and immediately scoffed, waving a dismissive hand.
"Don’t go reading into it, sweetheart," he huffed. "I just thought the grave looked a little bare. You know, for aesthetics. Gotta keep the place lookin’ dramatic and all that."
Hana hummed knowingly. "Mhm. Sure."
"I mean it!" He gestured wildly. "I just have an eye for presentation!"
She tilted her head, giving him a pointed look, and Buggy faltered for a split second before turning away with a loud "Hmph!"
Hana didn’t call him out.
She didn’t need to.
Instead, she slipped her hand into his, squeezing gently.
“Thank you…” she murmured.
Buggy hesitated—then squeezed back.
The sun bled out over the horizon, drowning the Organ Islands in rust and shadow.
The market, once alive with chatter and bartering, now cowered beneath the weight of two approaching figures.
Fang didn’t walk so much as he prowled, his massive frame swallowing space, his jagged scar twisting with every sneer. He was a beast of raw brutality, his presence a promise of violence. Beside him, Reaper moved like a specter of death itself—silent, patient, inevitable. His cold, sunken eyes slid over the crowd with something far worse than hunger.
There was no need for words. The air around him carried the hush of a freshly dug grave.
The moment they stepped into the market, the world shrank. Conversations strangled into silence. Merchants shrank behind their stalls. Parents dragged their children away, praying they wouldn’t be noticed.
Fang inhaled deeply, his lips peeling into a grin. Fear smelled sweet.
"Listen up," he growled, his voice gravel and steel. “We're looking for a woman who shops here often. Goes by Navarro Hana. Long black hair. Big eyes. Pretty little thing. You make this easy, and I won’t have to start breaking things."
He reached out, fingers curling around the nearest wooden stall. With a flick of his wrist, he splintered the counter in two, sending fruit and trinkets clattering to the ground.
A woman stifled a scream.
A man took an unsteady step back.
Reaper said nothing. He only watched. That was enough. His silence was suffocating, coiling tight around throats like an unseen noose.
For a moment, no one dared to speak. The market stood frozen.
Then, an elderly woman—her hands trembling as she clutched her shawl—stepped forward.
Her voice was barely more than a whisper.
"Please… she's a good girl. Don't hurt her."
Fang let out a dry chuckle. "You hear that, Reaper? 'Good girl.'" He tilted his head, feigning thoughtfulness before flashing a wicked grin.
"Shame what’s about to happen to her, then."
His boot came down hard on a merchant’s display, crushing fragile wares beneath his heel.
"Maybe a little incentive will help us find her...”
Without warning, he grabbed a young man by the collar and yanked him forward. The merchant let out a strangled yelp, hands clawing at Fang’s grip as his feet barely brushed the ground.
"Don’t make me ask again."
Reaper finally moved. He plucked a knife from his belt, twirling it between his fingers as he stepped forward. The blade caught the last light of the sun, flashing like a promise of pain. He crouched beside an old woman, her knuckles white as she gripped the edge of a stall.
"Loyalty," he murmured. "It bends and it breaks. Once it does, there’s no putting it back together, is there?"
He pressed the knife against the wooden counter. With a slow, deliberate motion, he dragged it across the surface, leaving a deep, jagged groove.
Then, without warning, he slammed the blade down, embedding it inches from the woman’s trembling hand. She gasped, her breath hitching in fear.
Fang tightened his grip on the struggling merchant.
"Talk."
The merchant choked, nodding frantically. "Sh-she comes here often… w-when she’s not working at Baratie."
Reaper tilted his head. "And?"
"A-and she’s always with a man," the merchant stammered, his voice barely more than a breath. "He—he hides his face. Always in disguise."
Fang’s grin widened. His fingers flexed once before he shoved the man backward, sending him sprawling onto the cobblestones.
"Now that’s interesting…" He cracked his knuckles, the sharp pop of bone loud in the dead silence. "Guess we’ll have to pay them both a visit."
Reaper’s eyes darkened, a predator catching the scent of prey.
"The clown hides behind her," he murmured. "When we take her, he’ll have no choice but to crawl out of whatever hole he’s cowering in."
Fang let out a low, rumbling chuckle. "Bet he thinks he’s smart. Keeping her close. But all he’s done…"
He stomped down on a fallen wooden carving, shattering it to splinters. "…is hand us the perfect leash."
Reaper gave a slow nod.
"A man like him will burn the world down to get her back."
He flicked the knife from the counter, letting it spin in his fingers before catching it by the hilt.
"Let’s make sure we’re there to watch the fire."
Fang rolled his shoulders, the anticipation thrumming beneath his skin.
"Hope he puts up a fight. Makes it more fun that way."
They left the market behind, their shadows stretching long and jagged under the dying sun. No one dared to move until they were gone.
But the damage was already done.
No locked door would keep the monsters out. No whispered prayer would save Hana.
The hunt had begun.
Chapter 21: #21 - Between the Past and the Sea! Hana’s Heart in Turmoil!
Chapter Text
A week later ========
The Big Top buzzed with reckless energy—a whirlwind of laughter, slurred sea shanties, and the clinking of tankards. The deck pulsed beneath their feet, swaying with the waves as if the ocean itself was part of the revelry. The air carried the thick scent of rum and salt, the remnants of past drinks seeping into the wood.
Hana spun through the chaos, swept up in music and movement. The crew sang loudly, off-key but spirited, their voices rising above the waves. She let herself be carried by the rhythm, lost in the moment—until a voice cut through the din.
“I can’t wait to get back to sea and away from this boring place!”
Laughter followed, but Buggy’s ears caught on the words differently. His painted lips twisted into a scowl as he stormed toward the source of the comment.
“And what’s wrong with this place, huh?!” His voice cracked like a whip, silencing the chatter.
The crew member stiffened, blinking wide-eyed at his captain’s sudden outburst.
“We’ve been here for days, Captain,” the man stammered. “We’re just getting restless.”
Buggy’s expression darkened, something sharp flashing behind his eyes. “Oh, restless, are we? Well, you won’t be bored when I toss you overboard!”
The threat wasn’t unusual, but something in his tone felt off—a frustration deeper than mere irritation.
He turned abruptly, locking eyes with Hana across the deck. For a heartbeat, his bravado flickered, something raw peeking through.
Then, without a word, he spun on his heel and stormed into his cabin, slamming the door behind him.
The celebration continued, but an unspoken tension lingered. No amount of rum or revelry could shake its weight.
Hana exhaled slowly, her movements faltering until she came to a stop at the edge of the dance floor. The laughter and music carried on around her, distant now, muffled against the storm swirling in her mind. Her fingers curled around the railing as she turned away, the salty breeze cooling her skin.
With one last glance at the lively deck—the carefree spirits she envied—she slipped into the shadows, closely following the same path Buggy had taken moments before.
Even through the music and waves, she could still hear the echo of that unspoken sadness between them.
She stood at the railing, fingers curled loosely around the worn wood, the moonlight casting the ocean in silver. The vast, unknowable sea stretched before her, mirroring the feelings she could no longer deny.
Buggy was leaving soon.
She had always known it would come to this—that his presence in her life was fleeting, like the tide rolling in only to pull away again. It was the pirate way. It was his way.
This wasn't like the previous times they've known each other within the past months, that he would leave and be on his way.
Something had changed.
Everything had shifted since they experienced their first kiss and their first passionate night together.
The thought of watching his ship disappear over the horizon this time left a hollow ache in her chest.
She could still feel the ghost of his touch, the warmth of his arms when he had held her at the cemetery. She had cried against his chest, grief and fear unraveling in ragged breaths, and Buggy—loud, brash, ridiculous Buggy—had simply been there.
No theatrics, no grand gestures. Just a steady presence she hadn’t realized she needed.
And then, the flower.
Her grip tightened on the railing at he memory from earlier that week. The way his gloved hand had moved and placing the delicate flower on top of her father’s grave. No words, no flourish. Just a quiet act of respect that had undone something inside her.
It had been such a simple thing. And yet, it had meant everything.
Somewhere between the fights and laughter, the teasing and unexpected tenderness, Buggy had become something vital.
When had his laughter stopped being just amusing and started feeling like something I needed? When had his voice become a comfort instead of just another sound in the chaos?
The realization settled deep, heavy as an anchor.
I’m going to lose him again.
A sharp wind tugged at her sleeves, and she wrapped her arms around herself, as if trying to hold in the emotions threatening to spill over.
She had lost so much already.
And now, she was about to lose him too, even if it was for a month or so.
Would he even realize how much this hurt?
Or worse—would he leave without a second thought?
Hana swallowed hard, her nails pressing into her arms as she stared out at the dark horizon.
I don’t want you to go, Buggy. Not this time.
The words ached in her throat, raw and unspoken. But what right did she have to say them?
Buggy was a pirate. The sea was his home, his thrill, his purpose.
She couldn’t ask him to stay.
She wouldn’t.
But as the ship rocked beneath her, as the salty wind filled her lungs, she couldn’t shake the terrible, aching truth.
This time, when he left, he wouldn’t just be taking his crew, his ship, his wild, impossible dreams.
He would be taking a piece of her heart with him.
The worn leather of Buggy's boots pounded against the wooden floorboards, creating a steady rhythm that echoed through the cabin. His steps were quick and restless, his body tense as he paced back and forth. His brows were furrowed in concentration, and his eyes scanned the room with an intense focus.
“Dammit,” he muttered, raking a hand through his hair. “She doesn’t need me. I’ve got places to be. Things to do.”
He snorted, nodding as if that settled it.
But the moment he tried to move on, Hana’s laugh echoed in his mind. The way her eyes softened when she looked at him, like he wasn’t just a pirate, a flashy showman—he was more to her.
Buggy groaned and pressed his forehead to the railing. “Ugh, I hate this. I hate this.”
He wasn’t supposed to care.
He wasn’t supposed to sit here thinking about her, wondering what she deserved, what he could give her.
“Captain,” a crew member called, snapping Buggy from his spiraling thoughts.
“We’re almost ready to depart.”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever,” Buggy grumbled, waving the man off. The interruption only fueled his frustration.
He needed to do something, anything, to stop the uncomfortable, squirming feeling in his chest.
His gaze flicked toward his quarters. A reckless, half-formed plan began to take shape.
Buggy turned on his heel to open the door to his cabin.
“Alright, listen up!” he barked at his crew. “Get the ship ready. I’ve got business to handle.”
He stormed below deck, muttering under his breath. “This is dumb. She won’t care. She’s got more important things to worry about. She—”
His eyes landed on his treasure hoard, and his hands curled into fists.
“Okay, fine!” he growled. “I’ll make her something! Happy now, stupid feelings?!”
The dimly lit room shimmered with reflections from gold coins and priceless jewels, but none of it felt right. He sifted through his hoard, shoving aside extravagant treasures with increasing frustration.
“No. No. Definitely not. Too gaudy…”
“Too stabby. Actually, she might like this…” He flung an ornate dagger over his shoulder. “Not sentimental enough—ugh, why is everything I own so perfectly suited for me but terrible for this?!”
Then, his eyes landed on something small, something simple—a smooth, pale seashell nestled between some spare ship parts.
Buggy froze.
His fingers hovered over it before he reached down and picked it up, rolling it between his fingers. The shell was warm from being stored below deck, its surface worn smooth by the sea.
This... this was it.
His gaze darted to a scrap of old wood—part of his ship. A slow grin spread across his face. Perfect.
He grabbed both pieces and carried them to a small table. His hands worked quickly, the sharp scent of sanded wood filling the air as he carefully shaped it.
"Alright, Buggy," he muttered to himself. “Let’s make something that actually means something.”
What the hell was he doing?
Pirates didn’t make things.
They took them.
They stole.
This whole thing was ridiculous.
His knife worked with purpose, the wood taking shape under his hands. Every cut, every knot he tied, felt like a confession. Something he wasn’t ready to say out loud.
A quick hiss escaped his lips as the knife nicked his finger, but he barely glanced at it before wrapping it in cloth.
“No time for pain,” he grumbled. “Focus. Can’t give her something half-assed.”
As his hands worked, thoughts of Hana flooded his mind—the way she stood on the beach, hair whipping in the wind, eyes full of fire and defiance. He could practically hear her teasing voice, see the way she always managed to get under his skin.
But then, the worst thought of all hit him like a cannonball to the chest.
What if she doesn’t even want it?
His hands froze mid-knot.
The realization hit him hard. He wasn’t the type to give. He took. He plundered. This? This was different.
Buggy scowled. He had to finish.
She’ll love it, right?
With a sharp tug, he tied the final knot.
“There,” he exhaled, leaning back in his chair. “It’s done.”
The necklace wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t covered in jewels or gold. But it was real. And it was for her.
He traced the seashell with his thumb, his stomach twisting in knots.
“Please let this be enough,” he whispered, just as the door creaked open.
His breath hitched. Damn it, did he just say that out loud?
Hana stepped inside. “Hey, what’ve you got there?”
Buggy nearly dropped the damn thing. He fumbled with the necklace, clearing his throat as he tried (and failed) to act nonchalant.
“Uh—uh, nothing! I mean—” He clenched his jaw, face burning beneath his makeup. With an irritated huff, he thrust the necklace toward her. “Here! I made this. Take it before I change my mind.”
Hana blinked in surprise, then took the necklace from his outstretched hands. Her fingers brushed against his, sending a jolt up his arm.
A slow smile spread across her face as she examined it. “Buggy… this is beautiful.” Her voice was soft, filled with something he wasn’t ready to name. “You made this for me?”
Buggy’s heart did a weird, uncomfortable flip in his chest.
He crossed his arms, looking away.
“Eh, it’s nothing,” he muttered, shifting on his feet. “I mean, it’s something—handcrafted masterpiece, one-of-a-kind, irreplaceable—but, y’know, no big deal.”
Hana chuckled, slipping the necklace on.
“It’s perfect.”
Buggy coughed, still refusing to meet her gaze.
“Yeah. Yeah, I know.”
But when he finally glanced up, her eyes were still on him—warm, shining with something that made his throat go dry.
And just like that, the moment changed.
Hana’s fingers lingered over the necklace, her smile dimming ever so slightly.
It wasn’t the gift itself—it was what it represented. A moment in time. A piece of him, given freely.
But no matter how much she wanted to hold onto this, onto him, the truth still loomed over them like a dark cloud.
Buggy had a ship. A crew. A life that moved with the tides.
And soon, he would be gone.
The realization sank into her chest, heavy and suffocating. She clenched the necklace, something desperate flickering behind her eyes.
Before she could think better of it, she stepped forward and kissed him.
It wasn’t careful or tentative—it was urgent, needy. A way to anchor herself to him, even if just for now.
Buggy stiffened at first, his breath catching, but then instinct took over. His hands found her waist, yanking her against him as he kissed her back just as fiercely.
The world outside the cabin melted away. The only thing that existed was the heat between them, the crash of lips, the way Hana’s fingers threaded through his hair, tugging just enough to make him groan into her mouth.
He chased her, deepening the kiss with an intensity that sent his brain spinning. He felt her nails scrape against the back of his neck, his pulse hammering as he backed her into the nearest surface—his desk.
Hana gasped against his lips, her body molding against his, as if trying to commit every part of him to memory. Her hands roamed—over his shoulders, down his chest, gripping his coat like she was afraid if she let go, he’d disappear.
And God help him, he felt the same.
Buggy’s fingers curled around her jaw, tilting her head as he kissed her deeper, harder, as if he could brand himself into her soul. The taste of her was intoxicating, warm and familiar, and it made something tighten in his chest.
This was dangerous.
Because he knew what this was.
This wasn’t just a kiss. This wasn’t a game.
This was her giving herself to him, piece by piece, and it scared the absolute hell out of him.
But he couldn’t stop.
His hands slid down her sides, gripping, teasing, desperate to pull her closer, to take and take before long distance stole her from him.
She sighed against his lips, and the sound sent heat rushing through his veins.
Buggy groaned, his forehead pressing against hers. “Baby….”
A sudden crash.
His elbow knocked over a pile of gold coins, sending them clattering to the floor.
The moment shattered like glass.
They froze, breathless.
Hana’s smeared lips were red, her pupils blown, a mix of want and sadness swirling in her eyes.
Buggy blinked at her, then at the mess he’d made.
“…Okay, in my defense,” he panted, still gripping her waist, “that was not my fault.”
Hana let out a breathless laugh, shaking her head. “You’re such a disaster.”
“Yeah, well—” Buggy smirked, but it was softer now, tinged with something raw. His fingers brushed over the necklace at her collarbone. “You still like me, though.”
Hana swallowed hard, her hands resting over his. “Yeah,” she admitted quietly. “I do. I like you a lot.”
Buggy’s breath hitched. He should joke. Laugh it off. Make some cocky remark.
But he just stood there, hands on her, feeling something terrifying, unfamiliar—yet wonderful—settle in his chest. Something about the way she said it—so sure, so unguarded—made his chest ache. It should’ve been funny. Should’ve been something he could brush off with a joke.
But all he could do was stare.
Then she kissed him again.
Buggy barely had a second to process it before instinct took over—his hands found her waist, yanking her flush against him. His lips parted, letting her deepen the kiss, and a deep, guttural noise rumbled in his throat when she pressed herself closer.
God. He was in trouble.
Hana wasn’t just kissing him—she was devouring him. Her fingers tangled in his hair, tugging in a way that made him groan. She let herself take, let herself pull him deeper into something she wasn’t sure she had the strength to resist.
His hands roamed—hips, back—gripping her like he needed to anchor himself. Or maybe like he was the one about to slip away. She was soft under his touch, warm and real, and she hated how much she wanted to lose herself in him.
She gasped against his mouth as his hands wandered lower, gripping the curve of her thighs and lifting her onto the table’s edge. Instinctively, her legs wrapped around him, pulling him impossibly close. A hot shiver ran down her spine.
“Hana—” Buggy’s voice was rough, almost desperate, but she swallowed whatever thought he had with another kiss, her lips parting against his.
Every inch of her burned.
This wasn’t just need.
This was something else. Something deeper. Something raw.
Her fingers slid under his shirt, tracing the lines of his body like she was memorizing him. His skin was hot beneath her touch, his muscles taut, coiled tight like he was barely holding himself back.
“Fuck,” Buggy muttered, pressing his forehead against hers as he tried to catch his breath. “You’re really doin’ a number on me, babe.”
A small, breathless laugh left her, but it was tinged with something heavier. Something fragile.
“Good.”
Buggy exhaled harshly, his fingers trembling slightly as he cupped her face, brushing his thumb over her cheek. He wasn’t used to this—to tenderness laced with such devastating need.
It scared the hell out of him.
But not enough to stop.
He kissed her again, slower this time, but no less intense. His lips moved against hers like a silent promise, like a plea, and when she sighed into him, she felt it everywhere.
This was dangerous.
His fingers brushed along her hip, slow and unhurried, tracing lazy circles over the fabric of her shirt. It wasn’t an accident—Buggy didn’t do anything by accident when it came to touching her. But there was hesitation in his movements, a silent question hanging between them.
Hana didn’t stop him.
She didn’t flinch or pull away like she might have before. Instead, she let herself feel it—the heat of his palm against her skin, the way his touch sent a shiver down her spine.
Buggy sucked in a sharp breath through his teeth, his whole body tense as Hana shifted in his lap, her legs still wrapped around his waist.
Shit.
He was hard. Very hard. And there was no way in hell she hadn’t noticed.
Panic shot through him like a cannon blast, cutting through the haze of heat clouding his brain.
This would be too much for her. Too fast.
She wanted to go slow—he knew that. He knew he should pull back before he scared her, before he ruined whatever fragile thing was growing between them.
But then Hana shifted again, her breath hitching as she felt him, her thighs unconsciously tightening around him.
Buggy went rigid, hands hovering like he’d been caught doing something he wasn’t supposed to.
“Hana—” His voice cracked, and he winced at himself, immediately trying to backtrack. “Shit, sweetheart, I didn’t—”
Hana bit her lip, and he swore his heart stopped.
Her fingers trailed slowly down his chest, hesitant but curious, like she was considering something.
“You’re not scaring me,” she whispered.
Buggy’s breath caught.
Oh.
That wasn’t what he expected.
His hands twitched at his sides, every instinct screaming at him to do something—pull her closer, kiss her stupid, let himself take what she was offering. But he held back, watching her carefully, giving her room to decide.
Hana hesitated, but only for a moment. Then, with deliberate slowness, she traced her fingers along his jaw, tilting his face back toward hers.
“I like this,” she admitted softly, a teasing lilt creeping into her voice. “I like you like this.”
Buggy swallowed hard, his pulse thundering as she kissed him again—slow, deep, and full of unspoken promises.
But beneath the heat, beneath the pull of desire curling low in her stomach, something else stirred.
Doubt.
She wanted him—wanted to lose herself in the way he touched her, the way he looked at her like she was something precious. But as her fingers ghosted over his skin, another thought crept in, cold and unwelcome.
He wasn’t supposed to be something she used for her gain.
Her fingers trembled as she placed them against his chest. Not to push him away. Not to pull him closer. Just to stop. To breathe. To think.
Buggy froze instantly. His hands didn’t retreat, but he didn’t press forward either, holding steady, waiting.
Hana swallowed hard, forcing herself to meet his gaze.
“I… I don’t want to do this for the wrong reasons.”
His brows furrowed slightly, his lips still kiss-swollen, breath warm against her cheek. “Wrong reasons?”
Hana exhaled, feeling the weight of her own hesitance pressing against her ribs. “I don’t want to use you. Remember when I said I didn’t want to treat you like a rebound?”
Something flickered in his eyes—something raw, something unreadable. Then, to her surprise, he let out a breath of laughter, his lips curving into the smallest of smirks.
“Sweetheart,” he murmured, his hands sliding back up her sides, resting just beneath her ribs. His thumbs brushed slow, soothing circles against her skin. “Feels a hell of a lot like you’re the one bein’ used here.”
Her breath hitched. “What?”
Buggy tilted his head, his grin crooked, softer than usual—lacking his usual bravado but somehow more devastating.
“You’re holdin’ back,” he said simply, like it was the easiest truth in the world. “Tryin’ so damn hard to do the ‘right thing’ that you won’t even let yourself have what you actually want.”
Hana sucked in a sharp breath, her nails pressing slightly into his chest. He wasn’t wrong.
And that terrified her.
Buggy must have seen the battle in her eyes because his smirk faded, his expression turning unreadable.
“Don’t worry about me.”
Then, slowly, he dipped his head, pressing a slow, teasing kiss just below her ear.
Hana’s breath hitched again.
“Tell me what you want,” he murmured against her skin. “Not what you think you should want.”
She shivered beneath his touch, caught between the hunger in his voice and the fear in her heart. Her fingers tightened in his shirt, her pulse pounding in her ears as she searched for the answer.
But she didn’t have one.
Not yet.
A shiver ran down her spine, her breath hitching as his lips traveled lower, his hands skimming along her ribs with agonizing patience. The heat of his touch seared through the thin barrier of her clothing, setting fire to every nerve beneath his fingertips.
“Buggy…I…”
She wanted him. Wanted to stop thinking.
Her body burned with longing, but her mind warred against it, still grasping for control. Every rational part of her screamed that she needed more time, that this wasn’t just about desire but about trust—about letting herself be vulnerable in a way that went beyond the physical.
But God, he felt so good.
“T-touch me…please…”
Buggy groaned against her mouth the moment she gave in, her lips parting, her body pressing into his without hesitation.
He didn't waste time—his hands slid beneath her shirt, rough fingers tracing the lines of her body with a reverence that made her shiver. His touch was firm yet unhurried, like he was savoring every inch of her, committing the feel of her skin to memory.
Hana gasped softly when his palms brushed higher, skimming over her ribs, teasing at the edges of her control. His fingers flexed slightly, gripping her like he was afraid she’d slip away.
She didn’t stop him. Didn’t want to.
But that small, nagging thought still lingered at the edges of her mind.
Was she really ready for this? Or was she just desperate to lose herself in him, to escape the weight of everything else?
Buggy pulled back just enough to look at her, his chest rising and falling with uneven breaths. His pupils were blown wide, his makeup smudged from the way she’d clung to him. His hands trembled slightly against her waist, like he was holding himself back by sheer will alone.
“You sure, sweetheart?” His voice was rough, hushed with restraint.
The way he said it made her stomach flip—like he was giving her every opportunity to change her mind, even though he was barely keeping it together himself.
Hana swallowed, her fingers trembling as she slid them over his chest, feeling the heat of him beneath her touch. Her heart pounded as she struggled to separate want from readiness, lust from something deeper.
“Yes.” It was barely above a whisper, but it was enough. “Touch me.”
Buggy exhaled sharply, like he’d been holding his breath, and then his hands were on her again—slow, exploring, like he was trying to memorize every inch of her. He traced the dip of her spine, the curve of her waist, fingers ghosting along her stomach before sliding up, cupping her through the thin fabric of her bra.
Hana bit her lip, a quiet moan escaping as he kneaded softly, his thumbs stroking over sensitive skin with devastating patience. The contrast of his rough hands against her softness sent a shudder through her, the intensity of his touch making her head spin.
“Fuck,” Buggy muttered, leaning in to kiss her neck, his breath hot against her skin. “You feel so damn good…”
His voice sent a wave of heat pooling low in her belly, and she arched into him, her fingers threading through his hair, tugging him closer.
But even as her body screamed for more, her mind whispered something else.
Not yet.
Buggy must have sensed her hesitation because he stilled, his lips barely brushing against her skin. His hands flexed, his breath ragged, but he didn’t push. Instead, he pressed a lingering kiss to her shoulder, his grip on her easing just slightly.
“Tell me when to stop,” he murmured, his voice rough but sincere.
Hana exhaled shakily, threading her fingers through his hair. She tilted his face back up to hers, meeting his gaze—dark, hungry, but still waiting. There was something there, beneath all the heat and urgency. Something careful. Something real.
She smiled, just a little. “I think… we should stop here.”
Buggy groaned dramatically, dropping his forehead against her shoulder. “You’re killing me, sweetheart.”
She laughed breathlessly, running her fingers through his hair in slow, soothing strokes. “I want you, Buggy. But not just for this.”
He lifted his head at that, searching her face for any hint of doubt. When he found none, something unreadable flickered behind his eyes—something softer, something almost fond.
Buggy let out a sharp breath through his nose, eyes flicking over her face like he was searching for something—some kind of hesitation, some kind of doubt. When he found none, he snorted, lips twitching into a smirk—crooked, teasing, but not quite as cocky as usual.
“Well, sweetheart, if waiting means I get all of you…” He tilted his head, giving her a lopsided grin. “I guess I can suffer through the agony.”
Hana smiled, amused. “Sorry to give you blue balls.”
Buggy rolled his eyes, scoffing. “Somehow, I really doubt that you’re sorry.”
“No, I mean it!” Hana teased, her voice all saccharine innocence.
Then, leaning in, she whispered against his ear, “But I’m not sorry for getting you hard.”
Buggy groaned, throwing his head back dramatically. “You’re evil, you know that?”
“Wow, a wanted pirate captain calling me evil?” Hana gasped in mock horror. “I must be, then!”
Buggy exhaled, a mix of frustration and amusement, rubbing his hands down his face like she was physically exhausting him. She just grinned, clearly enjoying herself.
Rising from the table, Hana extended a hand toward him.
"Come on, let's just relax, you and me." Her smile softened, teasing melting into something gentler.
Buggy eyed her for a second, then huffed. “Fine. But if I die from sexual frustration, my ghost is haunting you.”
“Noted.” She smirked, lacing her fingers through his.
She led him toward the massive bed dominating his quarters, and he followed with a grumble, but no real resistance. As they settled onto the plush mattress, Hana nestled her head against his chest, and for once, Buggy didn’t overthink it—he just let himself enjoy the warmth of her against him.
The room fell into a comfortable quiet, their breathing syncing up, hearts still racing but slowly settling into something steadier. Buggy stretched out beside her, fingers lazily tracing patterns along her arm, his mind pleasantly hazy from the weight of her against him.
“…Still evil,” he mumbled.
Hana just smiled, pressing a lazy kiss against his collarbone. “And yet, you love it.”
Buggy groaned, tugging the blanket over them both with more force than necessary.
“Shut up.”
Her laughter resonated, a soft and airy melody that filled the cabin, bouncing off its wooden walls. As her laughter dwindled, Hana locked eyes with Buggy. There was warmth there, a spark that made him feel unstoppable. Yet, beneath it all, an unspoken understanding began to take root.
The room seemed to close in around them as the reality of his imminent departure settled into their minds. The air grew heavy with tension, thick and foreboding, like a fog rolling in from the sea. The cheer slowly faded from Hana's eyes, replaced by a hint of sadness that mirrored his own. Their smiles diminished as they were reminded of the inevitable parting hovering over them like a gathering storm cloud.
Then, she spoke.
"Are you—" Hana hesitated, voice barely a whisper, trembling with vulnerability.
"You're leaving, aren't you?"
The question hit Buggy like a cannonball to the gut, blasting away the cozy afterglow. His fingers stilled against her skin. He blinked up at the ceiling, trying to ignore the way his heart gave a weird little twitch.
Of course he was leaving. That was what he did.
He came, he conquered, he left before things got complicated.
That was the Buggy way.
So why did he feel like he’d just swallowed a live sea urchin?
He flexed his fingers, drumming them against the sheets, shifting slightly like he couldn't get comfortable. His jaw clenched, then relaxed. His foot tapped once against the bed frame, then again, faster this time. A restless energy coiled inside him, making his limbs itch with the need to move, to do something. His instincts screamed at him to get ahead of this feeling before it swallowed him whole.
But then he made the mistake of looking at her.
Hana’s eyes held something raw—something that made his stomach flip in a way he refused to name. He swallowed hard and shifted onto his elbow, forcing out a grin.
"I’ll be back soon," he said, aiming for confidence, but it sounded more like an afterthought. "You know I always come back."
The way she looked at him—like she wanted to believe him but couldn’t—was worse than a blade between the ribs.
His usual bravado cracked, and before he could stop himself, the words slipped out:
“You… you won’t be alone. I promise."
Why did I say that?
The words felt flimsy, weightless.
I promise?
When had he ever made a promise?
His brain scrambled, searching for anything to shift the conversation, anything that would make this feel less real.
Then, like a bolt of theatrical genius, an idea struck him.
"Come with me," he blurted out.
Hana’s breath hitched. She stared at him, blinking in disbelief.
"What?"
Buggy cleared his throat, doubling down before his brain could catch up.
"Yeah. Yeah! Come with me! Think about it—me, you, the open sea, a legendary adventure! No more waiting around for me to come back, ‘cause you’d be there!"
The words tumbled out so fast he barely processed them himself. But once they were out in the open, they felt right. Then, suddenly, the weight of them hit him like a cannon blast to the gut.
What the hell was he doing? Pirates didn’t ask people to come along. They took what they wanted.
Yet here he was, asking—practically begging—like some lovesick fool.
A strange, uneasy feeling curled in his chest, and for once, he had no idea how to cover it up.
His fingers twitched where they rested on the sheets, his usual instinct to deflect clawing at the back of his mind. He should laugh, turn it into a joke, something to make this moment feel less dangerous. But he couldn’t.
The words had already left his mouth, and the way Hana was looking at him made his stomach twist in knots.
Hana opened her mouth but didn’t speak. Instead, she pulled away slightly, her fingers curling into the sheets as if grounding herself. Her gaze flickered toward the door, her breath shallow. A nervous energy rippled through her; she tapped her thumb against her palm, then smoothed a hand over the sheets, as if trying to find some solid ground beneath her.
Buggy immediately felt the loss of her warmth, but for once, he didn’t try to fill the silence. He watched her, eyes narrowed, as she turned her gaze to the ceiling, searching for answers in the dim candlelight.
He hated this. He hated waiting. He hated the possibility that she might say no.
"...I need a minute," she murmured.
Buggy flopped onto his back dramatically. "Oh, come on! What is there to think about?! Me! You! Adventure! That’s a fantastic offer, babe!" He threw his hands in the air, as if she was being utterly unreasonable.
But there was something different in his eyes—an unspoken worry. Would she take the leap?
Hana let out a quiet breath, ignoring his theatrics. Her mind was racing.
Could she really do this?
The thought of leaving felt like tearing herself away from everything familiar—her family, her past, her identity. Could she really walk away from all of it to follow him into the unknown?
Yet, when she imagined a future where Buggy sailed away without her, leaving her behind once more, watching his figure disappear over the horizon with no promise of his return, her heart ached with a dull pain.
She glanced sideways at him. Buggy wasn’t flashy now. His usual bravado was gone. He just... watched her. Was he really risking everything on this?
This quiet patience spoke volumes to Hana. It stirred a flurry of thoughts as she considered the consequences of Buggy’s offer. Maybe it doesn’t have to be a lifelong commitment, she thought. Perhaps I could join him for a while, using this journey to explore my own identity and aspirations.
Her heart pounded in her chest, the weight of the moment pressing against her ribs. She had spent so long trying to define herself, to carve out a place between duty and desire. Was this the answer? Trading the expectations she had always carried for the uncertainty of the sea?
For a moment, her thoughts strayed to Sanji—the dreams they had once shared, never realized, now lingering in the back of her mind like an unfinished melody. Was this her chance to pursue what they’d only talked about?
A journey, wild and uncertain, beckoned from beyond the horizon.
Could she really step into the unknown?
Could she finally choose for herself?
Her fingers tightened around the sheets, her breath unsteady. If she said yes, everything would change.
There would be no turning back, no safety net, no guarantees.
Just the sea, the uncertainty, and him.
Her gaze flickered to Buggy again, and for the first time, she let herself see him fully in this moment—the nervous tap of his fingers, the way his chest rose and fell a little too quickly, the tension in his jaw that betrayed his impatience.
He was waiting. And for all his theatrics, all his bravado, there was something vulnerable in that waiting.
I could go. The thought struck her harder than she expected. I could go, and I could be free. Figure out who I am and study the sea creatures I encounter along the way…Wouldn’t that be amazing?!
The idea of freedom had always been just that—an idea. A distant, impossible thing.
But here it was, within reach, offered in the form of a pirate captain with a ridiculous hat and a grin that could hide a thousand fears.
Her pulse thundered in her ears. Maybe she didn’t have to overthink this.
Maybe, for once, she could just act.
Hana took a breath.
She had her answer.
She exhaled, long and slow. Then, turning to him fully, she said—
"Okay."
Buggy froze. His brain short-circuited. "Wait, what?"
"I said okay," she repeated, steadier this time. "I'll come with you."
For a full second, Buggy didn’t move. He just stared at her, mouth agape, as if his brain was struggling to process what he’d just heard.
Then, suddenly, he was on his feet.
Before Hana could react, she let out a surprised gasp as Buggy scooped her up into his arms, lifting her clean off the bed. In an instant, he was twirling her, spinning in gleeful circles, his wild laughter echoing through the room.
"HAHAHAHA! THIS IS THE GREATEST DAY OF MY LIFE!" he crowed, holding her tight as he spun them both. "YOU SAID YES! YOU'RE REALLY COMING WITH ME!"
Hana clung to his shoulders and laughed along with him. The sheer joy became infectious.
But just as suddenly as the excitement hit, her laughter softened, and her grip on him tightened slightly. Her joy remained, but the weight of reality was creeping in at the edges.
“…I need to take care of things first,” she said carefully. “My job, my family, I need to pack my things and bring Shelly…—Buggy, I can’t just leave everything behind overnight.”
Buggy’s spinning halted. For a brief second, a flicker of doubt crossed his face, but then he was right there, crouching in front of her, his gloved hands resting on her shoulders.
“Baby,” he said, softer now. “We’ll figure it out. You don’t have to do this alone.”
She looked into his eyes, searching for any sign of hesitation. Instead, she found something solid. Something real.
A slow exhale left her lips. "Thank you, Buggy," she murmured, shoulders easing just slightly. "I just… I never thought I’d be doing something like this."
Buggy’s grin returned full force. "That’s what makes it exciting! The unknown, the thrill of a reckless, questionable decision—" he threw his arms out dramatically, "—it’s the pirate way, babe!"
Hana huffed a laugh despite herself. “Oh, so now you’re an expert on making good life choices?”
"Absolutely not!" he declared, puffing out his chest. "But that’s why I need you! You’re my common sense! My moral compass! My—" he waggled his fingers in the air, searching for the right words, "—designated responsible person!"
Hana let out a real laugh at that. “That might be the worst title I’ve ever heard.”
"Eh, it’s a work in progress," Buggy dismissed with a wave of his hand.
Then, with a wink, he extended his hand to her. "So? Are we doing this or what?"
She slid her hand into his.
"Let’s do this."
Buggy’s grin stretched impossibly wide. “Perfect! Now hurry up! I have a dramatic ship departure planned, and I refuse to be fashionably late to my own adventure!”
Chapter 22: #22 - Steel Meets Flesh. Hana's Gamble
Chapter Text
Hana's fingers dug into the strap of her bag, her knuckles turning pale as she drew a shaky breath.
Leaving means freedom.
Adventure.
Excitement.
The open sea and Buggy's outstretched arms.
But it also means missing out on everything she knew and loved. Her heart clenched, pinned down by guilt, like an anchor dragging her under.
Ichiro’s birthdays without me there. Ren’s relentless teasing from a distance. Mom’s worried glances I won’t be able to see.
Her stomach churned as her thoughts spiraled, each one heavier than the last.
Am I really ready for this?
The sounds of her family echoed around her mother’s living room, sharp and bittersweet. Ichiro’s laughter rang like a bell, bright and clear, as Sara teased him with a playful poke. Ren’s voice boomed in the background, recounting some old tale with dramatic flair and wild hand gestures. She could almost feel the heat of the kitchen, smell the comforting blend of spices and fish, as if her mom was cooking just for her.
It’s not too late to change my mind, the thought flickered, tempting and terrifying.
Hana’s eyes flitted from face to face, drinking them in, storing them like precious memories right before they slipped through her fingers. She opened her mouth, but the words stuck, tangled in her throat.
“Everyone…”
Her family all looked up at her, waiting for her to continue.
She forced herself to look up to look at all of them.
“I’m leaving…the island.”
Silence gripped the room.
Lilly frowned. “What?”
Hana exhaled, feeling like the words were lodging themselves in her throat.
“I…I’m sailing with Buggy.” The weight of the confession settled between them, thick and suffocating. “I don’t know when I’ll be back, but… I need to go.”
Lilly blinked, almost as if she’d misheard her. There was no doubt rhe Navarros were in a state of confusion by her declaration. Then, with a nervous chuckle, the matriarch of the Navarro family shook her head.
“No, you’re just confused. You’ve always been a good girl, Hana. You think things through. You’re not reckless like—”
She stopped herself, pressing her lips into a firm line.
Hana’s jaw clenched. “Like who? Grandpa? The PIRATE?!”
Lilly straightened, her voice sharper now. “You are NOT going to be a pirate, Hana!”
“Hah!” Ren let out a dry laugh, rubbing his temples. “Mom’s worried about her turning into a pirate, but I’m worried about her taste in men.”
Hana’s eye twitched. “Ren.”
“No, seriously!” He turned to their mother and sister, throwing his hands in the air. “Your boyfriend’s a total clown! And I’m not exaggerating!”
“Ren, I swear, if you say one more word—”
Sara blinked, cocking her head. “Wait, you met him?! That guy she was talking about?”
Ren ignored Hana completely, his smirk widening. “Oh, I meant to tell you! But I was too busy recovering from the absolute horror of it all!”
Hana’s stomach dropped. “You better not…”
His smirk stretched impossibly wider. “It was the day Mom told us about Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Louis. I must have forgotten to mention that I found out something crazy too…”
Hana narrowed her eyes, a silent warning.
Ren grinned.
Sara looked between them. “What are you talking about?”
Ren clasped his hands together, taking a deep breath like he was about to deliver the most tragic tale known to man.
“Well, dear baby sister, allow me to tell you about the traumatic day I discovered that our Hana—our sweet, innocent, allegedly sane Hana—had a clown over at her apartment. He had makeup, a big red nose, the works!”
Sara’s head snapped toward Hana.
“Wait… what?”
Hana rubbed her temples. “Ren, I swear to God—”
“Oh, no, no, no.” Ren wasn’t finished. “Not just any clown. A pirate clown.” He turned to Lilly with a pleading expression. “Mom. Mom, she needs to be grounded. I know she’s 25, but I don’t care—ground her.”
Hana rolled her eyes so hard it was a miracle they didn’t get stuck.
“REN, STOP BEING DRAMATIC!”
“STOP BEING DISGUSTING!” Ren shot back. “You have terrible taste in men, and this is coming from me.”
Hana groaned, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, for the love of—Mom, don’t listen to him! He caught us in a—”
She hesitated, realizing how ridiculous it sounded.
“—a weird spot.”
“That’s putting it lightly,” Ren muttered. “He was shirtless and had his pants down! It was traumatizing!”
Hana buried her face in her hands in sheer embarrassment.
“Shut the hell up, please! I don’t want my brother to air out my private life, thanks!”
“I need therapy. I need bleach. Mom, do we have bleach?” Ren asked Lilly in a panicked state.
“I think what Ren means,” Sara interjected, finally processing, “is that he caught you and Buggy—”
Ren shuddered violently. “YES. AND I HAVEN’T KNOWN PEACE SINCE.”
Lilly still looked utterly shocked, her lips parted like she was having trouble breathing.
She put a hand on her chest.
“I—I need a moment.”
“I like him, okay?!” Hana snapped, her patience gone as she lifted her hands from her face. “He makes me laugh, he makes me feel safe, and…" she hesitated for half a second, then muttered, “he’s actually really sweet when he wants to be…”
Ren made a gagging sound. “Oh god. I think I’m gonna be sick—”
Hana rolled her eyes. “Shut up, dumbass.”
“No, YOU shut up!” He pointed an accusing finger at her. “Shut up and stop being in love with a pirate clown, you absolute lunatic!”
“I…I…” Hana stuttered, as her face turned red in both anger and speechlessness.
In love?!
Hana instead launched into a full-blown argument with her older brother.
“Why am I the lunatic?!”
“He’s fucking creepy!”
“Don’t call him that!” Hana argued.
“Fucking creepy, fucking creepy, fucking creepy!” Ren taunted her in her face like a child.
Hana’s frustration boiled over, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. “Oh, I’m sorry, did my love life ruin your entire existence? Maybe if you focused on yours instead of mine, you wouldn’t be a single dad!”
Ren froze for a second, his smirk faltering, but it quickly returned, even more taunting this time. “I’m not the one making poor choices!”
“Oh, really?” Hana shot back, her voice sharp, cutting through the tension. “You’re one to talk. You’ve been making bad decisions since I was born!”
She stepped forward, getting right in his face, eyes blazing. “And I’m not the one who can’t even keep a girlfriend.”
Ren’s jaw clenched, and he took a step toward her. “That’s low,” he muttered, voice tight with barely contained anger.
“Yeah? Well, you’ve been digging pretty low all day!” Hana snapped. “What ever happened to me finding someone? You kept telling me I should move on after Sanji left, so when I finally find someone I care about, you freak out. Why? Because ‘He’s scarwy’?”
Her voice was a screech of frustration now, the words tumbling out faster than she could control.
“What, you can’t even stand the idea of me being happy?”
Ren didn’t answer right away. His chest was rising and falling as he tried to keep his composure. But the words hit him like a slap, and the tightness in his face betrayed the hurt that he was trying to hide.
“You don’t know anything about me,” he finally muttered, his voice darkening. “You think I want to be in this mess? I’m just trying to make sure you don’t make the same stupid mistakes I did.”
At that moment, Lily stepped forward, trying to intervene. “Ren, Hana, please—can we just calm down?”
But Hana’s fury was uncontainable. “No, Mom, this is something that needs to be said,” she snapped, not breaking eye contact with her brother. “You have no idea how suffocating it is to have you breathing down my neck, trying to control every decision I make. You’ve been treating me like a child, Ren, like I need you to save me. But I don’t. I never did.”
Sara, standing just behind Lily, tried to help. “Guys, this isn’t the time—”
But Hana wasn’t listening. Her heart was pounding, and she was done holding back.
“STOP BEING SO RECKLESS!” He argued
“STOP TRYING TO BE DAD!” The words ripped from her throat, louder than anything she’d ever yelled before.
The room fell deathly silent, the weight of her words hanging in the air between them. She could see the shock on Ren’s face, the way his whole body stiffened, but she didn’t care anymore.
Ren’s face twisted in disbelief. His eyes narrowed, and his voice dropped, cold and biting. “What the hell did you just say?”
“I said stop trying to be Dad! You’re not him!” Hana’s voice cracked with the finality of everything she’d been holding in. “You never will be.”
For a split second, the room seemed to freeze. Ren’s expression faltered, a flicker of something close to pain flashing in his eyes before it was replaced with anger. But before he could respond, Lily stepped forward again, grabbing Hana’s arm gently but firmly.
“Hana, please, you need to calm down,” Lily said, trying to soothe the tension. “We’re all on edge right now.”
Hana jerked her arm out of Lily’s grasp, stepping away from them both.
“I’m done,” she said, her voice shaking but still filled with fire. “I don’t need this. I don’t need him telling me how to live my life.”
Ren was seething now, his fists clenched at his sides, but he didn’t speak. He just stood there, watching her like he didn’t know who she was anymore.
“I’m done,” Hana repeated, turning away and grabbing her purse off the table.
Her hand shook, but she kept her head high, as if she could hold her composure long enough to walk out of this nightmare.
She reached the door, but just before she opened it, she stopped. Her voice cracked one last time, her face flushed with the anger that had been building up for years. “Maybe I’m the one who needs to get out of here... for good.”
"Hana, wait!" Sara called after her, hurrying to follow.
Hana’s hand froze on the door handle, and she glanced back at them.
Her jaw tightened, shoulders squared. Without another word, she pulled the door open, the cold air rushing in like a final punctuation mark to her decision.
Lilly finally snapped out of it, shaking her head rapidly. "Hana, this is insane! You can’t leave to sail with some—some pirate!"
"Watch me." Hana shot back, her voice firm and unwavering, like a blade slicing through any further argument.
Ichiro, who had been quiet until now, suddenly ran after his aunt, his small hands gripping the sleeve of her jacket.
His fingers curled tight, bunching the fabric as if that alone could anchor her in place. "But you’ll be back before my birthday, right?"
Hana's breath hitched, causing her shoulders to tremble slightly. She glanced down at Ichiro, taking in his wide, hopeful eyes and the small furrow in his brow. Her own face showed a mix of emotions, from sadness to determination, as she battled with her decision. Her heart ached visibly in her chest, the pain evident on her features.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked down at Ichiro, the little boy she loved so dearly.
"I… I don’t know, buddy." Her voice wavered, each word heavy with the weight of uncertainty. "But I promise, no matter what, I’ll always come back."
Ichiro’s lower lip trembled.
His grip on her sleeve is desperate and strong, like a little bird trying to hold onto its mother before she flies away.
Then, suddenly, he stomped his foot, shaking his head violently. "But…but I don’t want you to go! Don’t leave like mommy did!"
Hana's breath hitched in her chest, and she could feel her heart twisting and squeezing painfully, like a tight fist clenching inside her ribcage.
She knelt and wrapped him in a tight hug, pressing a lingering kiss to the top of his head, breathing in the soft scent of his hair as if she could memorize it.
"I know, sweetheart. I know," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "But I have to. Just for a little while. I promise I’ll be back, okay?"
Ichiro pulled back slightly, his big, round eyes searching hers, his tiny nose scrunching up like he was trying to solve the most confusing puzzle in the world. When he didn’t find the answer he wanted, he sniffled, rubbing his eyes with both fists before wiping his nose on his sleeve.
"Will you send me letters? And toys? Oh! And candy! But not the gross kind, like the green ones."
Hana smiled softly and ruffled his hair. "Every chance I get."
Lilly had followed them outside, her face unreadable, but her breath caught as she took a hesitant step forward, her eyes darting to the side as if searching for an escape. The chill in the air wasn’t just from the chilly day—it was in the tension thick between them.
"You know," Hana said softly, still holding Ichiro close, "if this threat is still targeting me—or us—maybe I should leave for a while. Take the heat off you guys."
Lilly’s lips trembled. She swallowed hard, arms folding around herself as if warding off a deeper kind of cold. "I don’t want you to go."
Hana smiled sadly and hugged her again, her mother’s warmth almost making her hesitate.
After a moment, she pulled back and looked her mother in the eye. Hana swallowed, steadying herself. "Mom… I found an old newspaper. Dad’s name was in it."
Lilly went very still, her breath hitching. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides.
"Hana—"
"Did you know?" Hana pressed, her voice softer now but no less demanding. "About the illegal fish?"
Lilly hesitated. A flicker of something—guilt, regret, pain—passed over her face before she exhaled. "…Yes."
Hana paused, looking at her mother silently, as if pleading for her to stop keeping secrets from her.
"Please don’t think of your father any differently," Lilly finally said, her voice fragile but resolute. "He wasn’t perfect, but he loved you. He wanted the best for you."
Hana exhaled shakily, rubbing her arms. "You see, Mom? This is what I’m talking about. My grandparents were a mermaid and a pirate. Dad was an underground fish merchant. Maybe I’m meant for more than just being a hostess. Maybe I need to figure out who I really am."
Her words were a confession, a declaration, a plea for understanding. The weight of her lineage, the mystery of her own identity—it all hung between them, pressing down with an intensity she could no longer ignore. She looked at Lilly, searching for support, for permission, for something that would make this decision easier to bear.
Lilly sniffled, wiping her eyes with the sleeve of her sweater. "I don’t like it… but I can’t stop you from doing this."
She hugged her arms around herself, the posture protective and vulnerable all at once, as if trying to shield her own heart from the impact of Hana’s choices.
"You’re so much like your grandfather," she whispered, almost to herself, her voice catching.
The words carried a mix of nostalgia and heartache, a mother’s reluctant acknowledgment of her daughter’s determination to carve her own path.
Hana’s expression softened, the rigid resolve giving way to a flicker of tenderness. She knew how much this was hurting Lilly, how much she was asking her to accept. But she also knew she couldn’t back down. She had to discover her own story, her own future, even if it meant leaving behind the safety of everything she’d known.
"I love you, Mom." The words were filled with sincerity, with gratitude, with the hope that Lilly would understand why she needed to take this leap.
Lilly stepped forward and kissed the top of her head, lingering there for just a second longer than usual. "I love you too, baby."
Hana turned and met Ren’s glare as he stepped onto the porch, his son’s small hand clutched in his own. She met his gaze without flinching, her determination unwavering.
"By the way, I visited Dad’s grave the other day," she said, voice even.
"Buggy left a flower on his tombstone." She let the words settle, waiting for them to land. "I didn’t ask him to."
Ren’s mouth opened slightly, his features shifting ever so slightly in something between shock and disbelief. He clenched his jaw, looking away, hands tightening into fists as if grasping onto something unseen.
Hana turned on her heel. "Give him a chance, Ren. I did."
And with that, she walked away, her steps steady, unshaken.
Ren just stood there, staring at the door long after she was gone, his expression unreadable. The silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken thoughts.
Lilly sighed deeply and rubbed her temples. The night air felt heavier now. "A pirate clown."
Ren, still in a daze, nodded. "Yeah."
Sara squinted, arms crossing over her chest. "Wait. Does he, like… honk when you squeeze his nose?"
Ren’s eye twitched, and he exhaled sharply. "I don’t want to think about it."
============================
Sunset slashed through the bustling marketplace. Vibrant fabrics fluttered in the breeze, their colors flashing like jewels in the sun's embrace, while glinting coins jingled merrily as they exchanged hands.
The air was thick with the scent of fresh citrus and salty sea air, mingling with the hum of merchants calling out their prices, vying for attention amidst the cacophony of seagulls overhead.
Hana moved through it all hurriedly, her presence cutting through the chaos like a whisper in a storm. She knew she needed last-minute supplies before sailing off with Buggy the next day, but she just had to visit her favorite vendors to say farewell.
"Two silver for these oranges, Jim? You must be joking!" she teased, her lips curving into a playful smile as she tilted her head, challenging the vendor to meet her wit.
The burly man, his thick beard as wild as his laugh, grinned back at her.
"Alright, one silver. But only because it's you," he said, his voice rumbling like distant thunder.
"Deal!" Hana’s smile broadened as she flicked a coin toward him. It spun in the air, dancing for a moment in the sunlight, before landing perfectly in his palm. She turned away, the small basket of oranges now tucked safely into her satchel.
"Nice necklace, by the way," the vendor added, nodding toward the delicate piece resting against her collarbone. "Where’d you get it?"
Hana’s fingers instinctively brushed against it—a necklace crafted from rare gold, a piece of wood from his ship, and a pretty seashell. Buggy had made it for her. He had spent hours grumbling and cursing under his breath, hands fumbling with the delicate work, but he had finished it.
For her. And he had been so damn smug about it, too, acting as if it wasn’t a big deal when she knew better. Her heart warmed at the memory.
"A gift," she said simply, unable to hide the small, knowing smile that tugged at her lips. But just as the warmth settled in her chest—
A strange prickle danced across the back of her neck.
Not the casual, passing glances of sailors admiring a pretty girl, but something deeper.
Something darker.
Her instincts flared to life. Someone was watching her. And they weren’t just looking. They were waiting.
She didn't have to look to know who it was. From the shadows of a nearby stall, Reaper’s piercing gaze locked onto hers with the precision of a hunter eyeing its prey. His features, sharp and unforgiving, were half-hidden beneath the brim of his hat, but the cold glint in his eyes told her everything she needed to know. He was waiting, and with him was Fang, the hulking brute with the twisted grin, his hands crackling with menace as he cracked his knuckles in anticipation.
"Easy as taking candy from a baby," Reaper muttered, his voice a low drawl of dangerous certainty.
Fang’s laugh rumbled like a thunderstorm. "Can’t wait to see the look on her face when we corner her."
A cold shiver ran down Hana’s spine. This wasn’t a random encounter. They were after something. Or someone.
Without hesitation, her body shifted into motion. Her heart raced as she wove through the crowded market, her senses on high alert. She had to lose them. She had to think—fast. Her steps were quick and light, her hair whipping behind her as she darted between stalls, knocking over a basket of apples in her wake.
"Oi! Watch it!" a merchant yelled, but Hana didn’t break her stride. She couldn't afford to slow down. Not now.
She glanced back—bad move.
Fang's smug grin flashed across the distance. He was too close. Too close.
Panic seized her chest. Think, Hana. Think. She could feel the weight of their pursuit—like two wolves circling their prey.
Her pulse thundered in her ears as she cut sharply to the left, ducking into a narrow alley, her feet pounding against the cobblestones. But when she reached the end of the alley, the world stopped. There was nowhere to go.
Her stomach plummeted into her shoes as Fang's massive frame loomed at the alley's entrance, blocking her only escape.
"Going somewhere?" he taunted, his voice thick with mockery.
Hana spun around, her breath hitching in her throat. Reaper was already there, his figure emerging from the shadows like a specter. His cold eyes gleamed with cruel amusement, and in that moment, Hana knew—she was trapped.
A fight was pointless. She couldn't win against both of them. But she wouldn't go down without a struggle. Her fingers clenched into fists, her jaw set as she forced herself to breathe.
"I don’t know who you are," she spat, "but if you're looking for trouble, you've found it."
Reaper chuckled, the sound devoid of warmth. "That's cute." He tilted his head, his lips curling into a smirk as he circled her like a predator closing in on its prey.
Fang's grin stretched wider as he took a step closer. "We are trouble."
Hana’s mind raced. There had to be a way out. She couldn't let them win. Not like this. Not now.
=====
"Who sent you?" Hana demanded, forcing steel into her voice despite the icy tendrils of fear creeping up her spine. The alley was damp, reeking of salt, rot, and the stale stench of unwashed bodies. Dim lantern light flickered against the wet cobblestones, casting eerie shadows that twisted like grasping fingers around her captors. Her pulse pounded against her temples, a deafening drumbeat that refused to slow.
Reaper’s smirk deepened, his dead-eyed gaze locked onto her. "So many questions. Trust me, sweetheart, you don’t want the answers."
"Stop calling me that," she snapped, fire laced in every word.
But it was no use.
These men weren’t listening.
They were here to break her.
So, Fang struck first.
The brute lunged, his speed belying his size. Hana barely had time to react, twisting out of the way as his fist crashed into the brick wall behind her with a sickening crunch. Dust and mortar rained down, but she didn’t waste a second gawking.
Her mind screamed at her to move, to act—hesitation meant death.
Her boot kicked out, sending a discarded crate rolling into Fang’s path. His foot caught on the splintered wood, throwing him off balance just enough for her to snatch up a rusted metal pipe lying nearby. She spun on Reaper, aiming for his ribs.
But he was faster.
Steel flashed—quick and merciless.
Pain seared across her side as the blade grazed her ribs, slicing through fabric and skin alike. White-hot agony pulsed through her, her breath hitching as she fought to stay upright. Her fingers trembled against the slick warmth of her own blood, but she bit down the scream clawing up her throat, using the momentum of her own swing to twist into Reaper, ramming her elbow into his gut. He grunted, staggering back.
She didn’t let up.
Snatching up a handful of gravel from the ground, she flung it into his face. He cursed, reeling, and that was all she needed.
She whirled, pipe in hand, and brought it down on Fang’s knee with every ounce of strength she had. He bellowed, dropping to one leg, but he wasn’t down for long.
Hana bolted, weaving between barrels and debris, using the alley’s cramped space to her advantage. Her breath came in sharp, ragged gasps, her vision already starting to blur at the edges. She was losing too much blood. Every step felt heavier than the last, her limbs sluggish, her fingers growing numb against the cold steel of the pipe.
Not yet.
Keep going.
She darted up onto a stack of crates, kicking the top one down toward Reaper. It crashed between them, splinters flying.
A flicker of hope sparked in her chest—maybe she could actually get away. If she could just make it to the next street, blend into the crowd—
Then something wrenched her back.
A vise-like grip clamped around her ankle, yanking her off balance. She barely had time to throw her arms out before she hit the cobblestones hard, pain jolting up her spine.
The impact stole the breath from her lungs, her head snapping back against the unforgiving stone.
Black spots danced in her vision.
Fang.
Shit.
He yanked her up by the front of her shirt, his bloody snarl inches from her face.
"That all you got?"
She spat in his eye.
His grip faltered for a split second, just long enough for her to slam her knee into his stomach. He grunted, but his hold didn’t break. Instead, he swung her like a ragdoll and hurled her into the alley wall.
The impact was brutal. Her back cracked against the bricks, a fresh wave of pain crashing through her body. Her legs gave out beneath her, and for a terrifying second, she couldn't move.
Get up.
Move.
Her limbs refused to listen.
A dull, droning ring filled her ears, the world spinning as nausea threatened to overtake her. The alley blurred—lanterns swam in her vision like ghostly orbs, and the silhouettes of her attackers distorted into shifting specters. Her own heartbeat pounded against her ribs, erratic and desperate.
She barely had time to recover before Reaper was on her. A hand tangled in her hair, yanking her head back, forcing her to look up at him.
"You fight dirty," he mused, amused despite the cuts on his face. "I like that."
Hana gritted her teeth, blood trickling down her chin. Her chest heaved, her body screaming in protest. "Then you’re gonna love what happens next."
With a sharp twist, she jerked free, headbutting him with all the force she could muster. His grip loosened, just enough.
She dove low, reaching for the broken glass shard from earlier. Her fingers closed around it—
A boot slammed down on her hand.
She choked on a cry, agony splintering through her wrist as Fang pressed down, grinding bone against stone. A fresh wave of nausea rolled through her, darkness creeping at the edges of her sight. The edges of her consciousness wavered, her body struggling to obey even the simplest commands.
No.
Stay awake.
Think…
Her mind clung to one last desperate idea. She needed an opening—anything. With what little strength she had left, she shifted her weight, feigning weakness, letting her body slump just enough to sell the illusion of surrender.
Fang sneered, his grip on her loosening just a fraction. "Looks like she’s finally breaking."
Hana’s pulse roared in her ears.
Now.
With the last of her dwindling strength, she wrenched her trapped hand free and swung the jagged shard upward—aiming right for Fang’s face.
His howl split the night as the glass tore into his cheek, blood spurting from the fresh wound. The momentary distraction gave her just enough time to scramble backward, gasping for air, her vision swimming.
But it wasn’t enough.
A heavy boot crashed into her ribs, sending her sprawling across the cobblestones. White-hot pain flared through her, every nerve screaming in protest. She tried to rise, but her arms buckled beneath her weight.
"Enough."
Reaper’s voice was eerily calm as he knelt beside her, pressing his knife to her throat.
"You’re not getting out of this, sweetheart."
Her breath came in sharp, ragged gasps. Every muscle screamed in protest, but she refused to let them see her break.
Not like this.
She forced herself to glare up at them, defiant even as blood pooled beneath her. Her mind scrambled for options, for anything she could use. If she could just get one more opening, one more chance—
"What do you want?!" she spat, voice raw with fury.
Reaper crouched beside her, his expression predatory, his grin stretching wider. "You're gonna help us reel in your little clown, whether you like it or not."
Her heart stopped. The realization hit her like a hammer, cold and merciless.
They weren’t just after her.
They were after Buggy.
And she... she was the bait.
A sickening weight settled in her stomach, twisting like a stormy sea. The alley, the fight, the pain in her ribs—all of it faded for a moment as the horrifying truth took shape. This wasn’t just about revenge or ransom. They wanted him. And they were using her to get to him.
No.
No, no, no.
She felt it like ice creeping into her veins, chilling her from the inside out. Buggy could handle himself—of course he could—but this wasn’t a fair fight.
This was a trap.
A calculated, merciless ploy.
They knew he’d come for her. That was the part that made her sick. They were counting on it.
Her fingers curled into fists, nails digging into her palms so hard she swore she’d break skin.
She couldn’t let them hurt him. She couldn’t.
Not him.
Buggy might have been a ridiculous, over-the-top, loud-mouthed menace, but he was hers. And if these bastards thought for even a second that they could use her to break him—
"Over my dead body," she snarled, the words slipping through her teeth like venom.
A promise, not a threat.
Let them come. Let them try. She’d tear them apart with her bare hands if she had to. Because there was no way in hell she was going to let them lay a single filthy hand on him.
Fang tightened his grip on her wrist. "Careful what you wish for."
Reaper’s voice dropped low, cold, and steady. "How much do you care about this... Buggy?"
Her breath caught in her throat.
The weight of the question felt like an anchor around her chest.
"More than you could possibly imagine."
Reaper leaned in, his gaze never leaving hers.
"Good," he whispered. "Because you're going to choose, right here, right now: help us, or watch him die. Then his debt will finally be paid."
Her world shattered into pieces as the weight of their demand slammed into her chest. The air seemed to evaporate, leaving only the thrum of her heart and the icy chill of the alley.
Fang’s words echoed in her mind— his debt will finally be paid. The realization crashed over her like a tidal wave, drowning her in confusion and guilt. Buggy had always kept her at arm’s length, even if his actions spoke louder than words. He didn’t want her to get involved in his messes, yet here she was, caught in the crossfire, with the very thing that could break him.
Her trembling hand hovered over the necklace—the symbol of Buggy’s care, the one piece of him that kept her tethered to sanity. It felt too heavy in her grip now, its warmth a reminder of the man who would risk everything for her. Could she really hand it over? Could she sacrifice this connection to repay a debt that wasn’t hers to shoulder?
Her breath caught as the weight of the decision pressed down on her chest. The cold of the alley seeped deeper into her bones, but it wasn’t the chill that rattled her—it was the fear of losing something irreplaceable.
He needs this, and you need him.
Is this the price?
Shaking, she drew the necklace up to her chest, feeling the cool metal brush against her skin.
It had been his gift, his token of something deeper, something unspoken. The thought of parting with it felt like tearing away a piece of herself. She wondered if Buggy would ever understand why she gave this up, if he would ever realize the depth of her feelings for him... but that was a question for later. Right now, she had to survive.
With a shaky breath, she forced herself to hold the necklace up, her trembling fingers clutching it with desperate intensity.
"Take this," she whispered, her voice shaking, raw with emotion and desperation. "Please, just... leave him alone."
Reaper's lips curled into a sneer as he glanced down at the necklace. "This?" He scoffed. "A pretty little trinket. Don’t think we care about that. But we’ll take it, sure." His dismissive tone made it clear he didn’t understand the weight of what she was offering.
The sting of rejection cut deeper than she anticipated. The necklace wasn’t just a piece of gold—it was a part of her, a thread that connected her to Buggy. It was a reminder of his care, of the rare moments when he was soft with her. And now, she was handing it over to monsters who wouldn’t even think twice about it.
But she had no choice.
Swallowing the bitter taste of regret, Hana steadied her breath and forced herself to keep going. "It’s made from the most valuable gold," she said, her voice strained. "And... and I’ll give you a vial of my blood."
The shift in their posture was instantaneous. They weren’t just threatening anymore. Now they were interested.
Fang and Reaper exchanged a glance, their eyes narrowing as they processed her offer. The seconds dragged on, heavy with tension, until Reaper finally spoke again, his tone still mocking but tinged with curiosity.
"Why would we want that?"
Hana’s heart hammered in her chest, but she forced herself to meet Reaper’s gaze, her voice steadying as she pushed through the panic rising in her throat. "Because... I’m part mermaid. And my blood is more valuable than you know."
Fang’s skepticism was palpable, but his eyes remained locked on her face, searching for any hint of deception. He didn’t speak, but his cold stare made her feel like he could see straight through her.
"You better not be lying," he warned, his voice low and dangerous.
"I swear," Hana replied, the words tasting like ash on her tongue. "Just... take these and leave him alone."
The final blow came when she offered the necklace. Her hand trembled as it dangled between her fingers, the cold metal biting into her skin. But as she released it into the space between them, something inside her broke. The necklace wasn’t just a trinket—it was a tangible connection to Buggy, to everything they were together. The moment it left her hand, the hollow emptiness inside her chest widened, as if the last piece of her was slipping away.
This was her sacrifice. For him. For Buggy.
Fang pocketed the necklace without a second glance, and Reaper twisted it between his fingers, his smirk widening. "Maybe we will," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "Or maybe we just enjoy watching you break."
Hana’s chest tightened. Her heart raced, but she held her ground, even as the weight of her sacrifice threatened to crush her. The emptiness inside her felt like a void that couldn’t be filled, a loss that was too great to comprehend.
But she wouldn’t let them see her broken. Not yet.
"Please," she whispered, the plea escaping her lips in a broken, desperate whisper. "Please just leave him alone."
Reaper’s eyes gleamed with cruel amusement as he drew a blade from his side and moved toward her with sickening precision. With a swift motion, he slashed it through the air, the cold steel cutting through her skin like it was nothing more than paper.
Hana’s body jolted with the shock of pain, the cold steel biting into her flesh. The sharp burn of the cut sent a wave of nausea through her as her knees buckled, but she refused to let herself collapse. Her vision blurred, but she held on, clenching her teeth to stifle the scream rising in her throat.
"Shh," Reaper cooed, his voice sickeningly sweet. "Don’t want to draw attention now, do we?"
Blood spilled from the wound, hot and sticky, each drop an offering she had never wanted to give. The pain was unbearable, but she kept her focus on the task. Her blood wasn’t just blood—it was power. A piece of herself, of her heritage. If she could give them this, maybe they would leave him alone. It had to be worth something.
As the vial filled with her blood, her strength began to falter. Each breath came harder, each moment more difficult to endure. Her body screamed for release, but she refused to give in. She would not give them the satisfaction of seeing her broken.
She fought to stay conscious as the pain was too overwhelming. She would stay alive—for him.
She had to.
With the final drop of her blood, Reaper sealed the vial with a twisted grin, tucking it away like some dark trophy.
"A deal’s a deal," he said, his voice flat and emotionless.
"Let her go," Fang commanded, his voice cold and indifferent.
Reaper spared her one last glance, his gaze mocking and cruel, before he and Fang turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Hana alone on the cobblestones.
Her body shook with exhaustion, the blood dripping from her wound, but it was the emptiness inside her that left her feeling hollow. She had given them everything. She had paid the price. And yet, it still didn’t feel like enough.
"Please let that be enough" she whispered to herself, the words barely audible as her vision swam. "I can't lose Buggy...I just can't..."
As the tears began to well in her eyes, Hana pulled herself to her feet. Her arm ached with the brutal reminder of what she’d just sacrificed, but there was no time for weakness. She had to keep moving. Had to keep fighting. For him. Always for him.
With her wounded arm cradled to her chest, Hana stumbled away from the alley, her heart heavy, her spirit defiant, and her care for Buggy the only thing that kept her going.
Chapter 23: #23 - Tears on the Tide! A New Life Sets Sail!
Notes:
Sorry this took forever. I've been busy with life stuff and drawing when I'm not writing this fic.
Chapter Text
Buggy’s head whirled like a carousel on the fritz—spinning, screeching, and ready to throw passengers. He stalked the deck of The Big Top, muttering like a madman, his painted frown deepening with every step. His eyes flicked toward the harbor, his heart thudding so loudly that it felt like it might rattle his ribs loose.
“She’s late!” His voice cracked through the salty air like a whip. “Where is she?!”
Doubt itched at him, infuriating and persistent. What if he’d gotten it all wrong? What if she were still back at the Baratie, deciding this life wasn’t worth it? What if she had second thoughts and stayed with her family? The thought clawed at his chest.
No. No, no, no.
He shook his head violently, like he could rattle the doubts loose. “She’s coming,” he told himself. “She has to be coming.”
His crew, wisely avoiding eye contact, gave him a wide berth.
“What if she doesn’t show?” he muttered under his breath, panic strangling his usual swagger. His fists clenched. “What if she doesn’t want to?”
The what-ifs swarmed like angry bees in his brain—loud, relentless, stinging.
Then he froze mid-pace, eyes wide. “Wait. Maybe she’s testing me!” he blurted, voice rising with unearned confidence. “Yeah! She’s checking if I’ll stick around!” He puffed his chest. “Well, joke’s on her! I won’t leave! I’ll wait here all day!”
...Even he didn’t believe himself.
Meanwhile, at the harbor, Hana was decidedly not spiraling. Her energy was the opposite of frantic. Measured, excited, and humming with purpose.
Shelly, her snail, wiggled contentedly on her shoulder, leaving shiny trails on the bright purple fabric of Hana’s dress like decorative silver ink.
Hana gave a breathy laugh as she adjusted the last of her bags and stepped onto the harbor, heart pounding in joyful disbelief.
Holy shit, I’m actually doing this…
The deck welcomed her with a solid thunk underfoot. The Big Top loomed above her, all gaudy colors and dramatic flair, a ridiculous ship for a ridiculous man.
And yet… perfect.
The sails flapped like a siren call, the sea breeze tousling her hair like an old friend.
“Oh my gods,” she whispered, grinning so hard her cheeks ached. “I’m going to live at sea.”
The cries of gulls overhead sounded like cheers, and she squeezed Shelly gently. Her arms ached from the weight of her bags, but the pain was a promise: she had packed up her life, her old life, and stepped into something entirely new.
Baratie was behind her now. The warm smells, the rhythmic clatter of dishes, the comfort of a routine she'd outgrown.
Carne and Patty’s final jab echoed in her ears:
“Don’t do anything we wouldn’t do!”
She'd rolled her eyes and shouted, “That narrows it down!”
But she’d smiled, because she knew they meant to take care of herself.
And she was.
She paused and inhaled the salt air deeply. It filled her lungs and tugged at her heart. Memories of her father teaching her to fish drifted through her mind like sea mist—his calloused hands, the reverence in his voice when he spoke of the ocean.
"I’m not just a hostess anymore. I’m starting over. I’m becoming someone new..."
And yet, with every step further from the Baratie, her chest tightened. She was leaving behind more than a job. She was leaving safety. Familiarity. Family.
That kitchen was the heartbeat of her life for so long.
Even Zeff’s yelling and the smell of frying fish in the morning were going to sting in their absence.
“Is it possible to be this happy and still feel like crying?” she murmured, absently scratching Shelly behind the shell.
Shelly wiggled her eyestalks like she was nodding along in solidarity.
“You’re gonna love it, girl,” Hana promised, her voice soft and bright. “We’re going to see the world. Maybe even find you a cute little sea-sailing snail boyfriend.”
Shelly immediately ducked deeper into her shell.
“Okay, okay. No pressure. Just us girls,” Hana laughed.
She scanned the deck, eyes sparkling. Her mind painted pictures of the future: wild ocean nights, fierce storms, louder laughter, starlit quiet.
And Buggy.
That chaotic, brilliant, maddening man.
"Would he be surprised to see me here already?"
Hope fluttered in her chest at the thought of his expression.
"Maybe he’d be stunned. Maybe he’d smile that lopsided, ridiculous grin..."
She hugged herself, spinning slightly on the spot. Her bags were scattered around her like breadcrumbs from another life, reminders of who she’d been.
Shelly peeked out again, as if catching Hana’s joy.
“Sorry,” Hana said, scooping her up for a cuddle despite the slime. “I just can’t believe this is real.”
She was ready. Ready for madness, for mischief, for love and storms and late-night chaos.
Ready for this clown-faced pirate and the insanity he brought with him.
“Auntie Hana!”
The voice rang out over the bustle of the harbor like a bell, sharp and clear and impossibly young.
Hana froze. For a split second, the world narrowed to a single heartbeat—then the next thing she knew, a black and green blur launched itself at her legs.
Ichiro.
His little arms clamped around her like iron shackles.
“You’re doing it!” he shouted, beaming up at her with all the unfiltered awe of a child who still thought pirates were just cooler fishermen. “You’re going on a real adventure!”
“I—Ichiro?” Her voice cracked as she looked down at his smiling face. “What are you doing here?”
“Duh! Saying goodbye! I brought everyone!” He gestured grandly with both arms, like he’d single-handedly arranged a diplomatic envoy.
Sure enough, her family was there walking toward her, a strange parade of love and chaos. Her mother, Lilly, had a hand over her heart. Sara trailed behind her, arms swinging and eyes already suspiciously glassy. And Ren… Ren was bringing up the rear like a bouncer at an emotional nightclub, arms crossed, jaw clenched, eyes unreadable.
Hana’s breath caught in her throat. “You guys... I thought…”
“You thought we’d let you leave without a goodbye?” Lilly interrupted gently, stepping in and brushing a windblown strand of hair from Hana’s face. “Please. Give us a little credit.”
Her mother cupped her cheeks with both hands and looked at her as if she were seeing her for the first time. “You’re all grown up,” she whispered. “And braver than any of us ever were.”
Hana blinked rapidly. “Mom—”
“I know it’s scary,” Lilly said, her voice warm but tinged with that ache only mothers carry. “But scary things are often the ones worth doing.” She smiled, watery and proud. “Just… take care of yourself. Please.”
“I will.” Hana leaned into her mother’s touch for just a second longer before finally pulling her into a tight, aching hug. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
When she finally stepped back, Sara swooped in like a sarcastic storm cloud.
“Oh great, now I have to say goodbye like I’m in some drama show finale,” she muttered, eyeliner perfectly smudged in a way that wasn’t from crying.
“You were crying.”
“I was sweating from my tear ducts, shut up.” She pulled Hana into a death-hug. “Don’t come back prettier than me or I’ll toss you into the sea.”
“You’d miss me too much.”
Sara grunted. “Still rude. But accurate. Just don’t forget to write. And send gossip. Good gossip. If I hear you’re dating yet another pirate, I will riot.”
“Don’t worry,” Hana said. “I’m just dating one chaos clown at a time.”
Sara snorted. “You’ve got terrible taste. Classic older sister behavior.”
Then Ren stepped forward, and all of Hana’s emotional armor faltered. He was still wearing his usual resting jerkface, but his eyes—oh, those traitorous eyes—held a storm she knew too well. He hadn’t slept. He hadn’t stopped worrying. He hadn't said a word yet, and she already felt her chest ache.
“Ichiro wanted to come,” he muttered. “Didn’t think you’d want a big scene.”
“I didn’t,” Hana admitted. “But I needed it anyway.”
Ren looked away, jaw tight. “So you’re doing this.”
“I am.”
“With him?” The disbelief in his voice was palpable.
Hana crossed her arms, her spine straightening. “Yes. With Buggy.”
Ren let out a breath through his nose, more a growl than a sigh. “You couldn’t have just... gone to sea with a normal guy? A sailor? A fisherman? Anyone who doesn’t paint his face and run a floating murder-circus?”
“He’s more than that,” she said softly, her voice firm.
“I know,” Ren muttered. “That’s what worries me.”
Hana took a step closer. “You don’t have to like him. But I need you to trust me.”
He didn’t answer at first. Then, finally, his posture sagged just enough for the mask to slip. “I do trust you, Snothead,” he said, almost too quietly. “It’s him and the rest of the damn world I don’t.”
She laughed, tears slipping down her cheeks. “I’ll be fine.”
“You better be.” His voice cracked. “And don’t come back as a carny. I swear I’ll fake my death from the shame.”
Hana lunged at him, wrapping him in a hug he pretended to hate but didn’t push away. “Love you too, Big Bro. Even when you’re an overprotective jackass.”
He grumbled, but his arms stayed around her a moment longer than expected.
“Don’t let Ichiro become a brat while you’re gone,” she murmured.
Ren pulled back. “Too late. He’s got your sarcasm and my rage. We’re doomed.”
Ichiro reappeared at Hana’s side, hugging her once more with all the strength his little arms could muster.
“Will you bring me treasure?”
“The biggest, shiniest treasure I can find.”
“And a map!” he added. “So I can come find you someday!”
Hana’s throat tightened.
“You better.”
Ichiro reappeared at her side, hugging her again with all the strength his tiny arms could muster, then solemnly pulled a crumpled sheet from his coat.
It was a ridiculous crayon-drawn pirate map, with all crooked islands and misspelled monsters.
“Just in case you get lost,” he said, like he was handing over national secrets.
She took it like it was gold.
Sacred. Priceless.
“I’ll find my way home with this,” she whispered, holding it to her chest.
He grinned up at her, full of pride until he turned and noticed his father, standing stiffly and silently.
“Daddy,” Ichiro whispered, tugging on Ren’s sleeve, “are you crying?”
Ren didn’t answer. He just adjusted his sunglasses and cleared his throat.
Her bag suddenly felt heavier than she remembered. Not just from supplies, but from everything she was carrying that no one could see.
Then, finally, with her heart caught somewhere between breaking and bursting, Hana went toward the docks.
The ship waited in the distance. It was ridiculous, raucous, and, somehow, like home.
But before stepping forward, she paused. Her fingers dug into her satchel until they found the soft purple scarf, frayed at the ends, still faintly smelling like her mother’s perfume. Like home. She tied it around her neck with trembling hands. A keepsake. A farewell. A promise.
She turned back to her family one last time, her voice barely holding steady.
“I’ll write!” she shouted, tears slipping freely now. “I’ll bring back stories! You better miss me!”
Sara cupped her hands. “YOU BET WE WILL!”
Ichiro jumped like he had springs in his shoes, waving both arms. “DON’T DIE!”
And Ren, because of course he did, yelled, “NO CARNY NONSENSE!”
Hana laughed, sobbed, and waved until they blurred behind a mist of salt and tears.
And the —she turned toward the future.
And she didn’t look back.
Not because she didn’t want to. Oh, gods, she did. Her whole heart screamed for one more glimpse—at Ichiro’s bouncing excitement, at Sara wiping her nose like she wasn’t crying, at Ren pretending his sunglasses were for the sun and not his swollen eyes. At her mother, standing steady like a lighthouse, blinking slowly and proud as if imprinting Hana’s silhouette into memory.
But Hana knew—if she looked back, she might crumble. She might unravel. Her feet would glue themselves to the dock. The undertow of her memories would pull her straight into the past.
So instead, she let the tears fall silently as she walked. Let the ache settle next to the thrill in her chest. She focused on the sound of the ocean. The creak of the dock beneath her boots. The pull of the tide like it knew her name.
She clutched Ichiro’s crayon map in one hand—his version of a compass. She quickened her pace, her heart pounding like a war drum inside her ribcage. The wind caught her scarf, making it dance behind her like a victory banner. With every step, she felt the adrenaline building—not from fear, but anticipation. The kind that made her feel alive. The kind that said: this is real. This is now. This is yours.
And then she saw him.
Buggy the Clown, in all his chaotic, absurd glory, was pacing at the edge of the gangplank like a man possessed. He wore an oversized, floppy hat that looked like it had lost a bar fight with a Renaissance Faire. Perched beneath it was a mustache so elaborately curled it defied logic and gravity. His wild blue hair poked out at rebellious angles, like it was offended by the hat’s presence and staging a protest. A ratty feather bobbed from the brim like it had survived a bar brawl and three tropical storms.
He looked… frantic. Buggy-frantic. His painted-on scowl was deeper than usual, and his arms flailed with every muttered word as he stalked back and forth like a cat in a clown suit. Occasionally, he’d stop mid-step, glance wildly toward the harbor, and then resume pacing with even more exaggerated flair, muttering under his breath.
Hana burst out laughing at his attempt at a disguise.
"What in the hell am I looking at right now?!"
When he caught sight of her, he froze so abruptly it looked like someone had pressed pause on his chaos. His jaw dropped. One gloved hand flew to his chest.
“There you are!” he shouted, voice breaking like an off-key trumpet.
Buggy didn’t have time to second-guess himself before Hana reappeared, face flushed with excitement, her hair flying out behind her like she was part of some grand performance. His mouth curled into a grin, theatrical, and almost too wide. That grin was his signature, the mask he wore even when the crowd was gone.
"She's finally here!"
His heart skipped, the thrill of the moment roaring in his chest.
And then...
His eyes dropped to her neck.
No glint. No shine.
Just skin.
His smile faltered, flickering like a candle hit by a gust of doubt.
"Maybe she lost that necklace...or forgot it... N-nah nah...maybe it’s in one of her bags."
Or maybe she didn’t care enough to remember.
Or maybe...
Maybe she actually hated it...
A splinter lodged itself in his chest and twisted. He could feel his stomach sink, a cold undertow pulling at the thrill he'd just felt.
She should’ve been wearing it. It was his gift. His claim. The one thing that said she belonged here, with him.
He didn’t say a word.
Instead, he charged forward and swept her into an embrace with enough flair to rival a circus finale. He spun her in a wide circle, louder and more theatrical than he needed to be as if the volume could drown out the sudden silence in his head.
“Welcome aboard, gorgeous!” he bellowed, dipping her like the dramatic bastard he was, voice cracking slightly at the edges. His cheeks ached from the grin he forced wider. If she noticed how stiff he’d gone for half a second, she didn’t show it.
But the necklace, the absence of it, needled at him.
She gave him a kiss on the cheek and launched into a breathless recounting of her goodbyes at work, and how busy she was preparing for this. Her words spilled out like a waterfall. He tried to keep up, nodding and grinning at all the right beats, but his eyes kept drifting back to the hollow spot above her collarbone.
And then she did it.
She touched her neck absentmindedly. Just a little motion. Casual. Thoughtless.
But to him?
It was a punch to the gut.
His jaw clenched so hard he felt it in his molars. He gripped the railing behind him, harder than he meant to, nails digging deep into the wood.
She didn’t even notice the necklace was missing.
But he did.
“I thought you chickened out, Sweetheart!”
“Not a chance,” Hana called back, grinning so wide it hurt. “Didn’t realize pirates had such tight schedules.”
Buggy placed a hand over his chest in mock offense. “Tight? It’s called being punctual, thank you very much. There’s a difference between chaos and disorder!”
She laughed, bumping him lightly with her shoulder. “You pacing like a lunatic wouldn’t have anything to do with me, would it?”
He huffed, twirling dramatically. “Don’t flatter yourself.”
A beat passed.
“You had me worried, okay?”
The words slipped out like they’d escaped against his will. His painted smile didn’t match his eyes.
“Sorry,” she said, the teasing melting from her voice. “I had a lot to leave behind.”
Her gaze flicked toward the dock. Her family stood there still, distant figures in the fading sun, waving, clutching each other, small but impossible to ignore.
Buggy squinted, shielding his eyes with his hand. "That's your crew?”
“My family,” Hana said, her voice tightening just slightly.
He nodded slowly. “Colorful bunch.”
“You don’t even know,” she muttered with a crooked smile.
His gaze drifted toward Ichiro, who was waving like a wind-up toy with too much energy and not enough balance.
Buggy leaned in conspiratorially. “Okay, be honest. Who’s the gremlin?”
"Don't call my brother that!"
"I meant the little boy."
Hana followed his gaze, softening instantly. “That’s Ichiro.”
Buggy tilted his head, studying the child. “Huh. He’s got your eyes.”
“Yeah. He gets that a lot.”
There was a pause. One beat. Two.
Buggy’s eyes went wide. “Wait. He’s not...he’s not yours, right?”
Hana blinked at him, confused but then burst out laughing. “Are you serious?”
He held up both hands. “I had to ask! You’re full of surprises. I thought maybe this was one of those ‘by the way, I have a secret child’ moments.”
Hana wiped her eyes, still giggling. “Nope. Not my son. My brother’s kid. But I helped raise him.”
Buggy’s whole body relaxed like someone had untied a corset from around his soul. “Good! I mean...not that it would’ve changed anything. I love kids. Especially the ones that stay at other people’s houses.”
She raised an eyebrow, “Mm-hmm."
She then turned back to her family. “I helped raise him with my brother after his mom left…” Her voice softened as memories bubbled to the surface.
“He’s like a son to me.”
Buggy’s gaze lingered on her, his heart unexpectedly tugged by her words. It was easy to forget that she was leaving behind more than just a job. The thought made a knot tighten in his chest, but he hid it beneath his usual flair.
He stepped closer to her, his voice lower this time.
“It’s… You care for him. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look at anyone like that.”
Hana bit her lip, glancing down for a moment as the weight of leaving Ichiro behind pressed against her chest.
“Yeah, well… he’s been through a lot. And I’ve been there for him. But... this is my chance to take my life in a new direction. I can't exactly keep pretending like nothing’s happening, right?”
They stood in silence. The chaos of the harbor became a background hum.
“Look, I know I’m not exactly the poster boy for stability... but if you ever need to get back to them, for any reason, I’ll help. No matter where we are.”
He grinned, looking proud of himself, though the way his eyes lingered on her spoke a different story. One that was much more vulnerable, much more real. He didn’t want to admit it, but the idea of her leaving, even if just for a while, stung in a way he hadn’t expected.
Hana’s breath caught. She looked up at him, truly seeing him, not just the performer, not just the pirate. The man beneath the makeup.
“Thank you,” she said simply, but the words carried the weight of oceans.
He shrugged, trying to play it off. “Just don’t make it a habit. I hate seeing you sad.”
Hana’s lips curved up in a small, grateful smile, but there was a sadness in her eyes that couldn’t be erased.
The wind picked up, and her scarf flapped again. The distant voices of her family were little more than echoes now, but one voice stood out. Ichiro’s, calling her name with wild, unrestrained joy. A boy who still believed she was a hero.
She turned to wave, her throat tightening. The ache in her chest pressed harder.
“You’re gonna miss them,” Buggy said softly.
“I already do.”
She turned her gaze toward the ship. The Big Top loomed behind him, loud and bizarre and perfect. A floating disaster held together by glitter, gumption, and ego. And it was hers now, too.
Buggy extended his arm with a sweeping, exaggerated flourish. “Shall we, Miss Mayhem?”
“Only if you promise not to call me that again,” Hana said, looping her arm through his.
“No promises.”
Together, they stepped onto the gangplank. As their boots thudded onto the wooden gangplank, Buggy threw one last look over his shoulder. He caught sight of Ren flipping him off.
“Think your brother wants to fight me,” he muttered.
“He always wants to fight somebody.”
“I kinda respect that.”
They shared a smirk as they stepped closer onto the ship.
The sails flapped in the wind, catching the sunlight like red silk wings. The crew buzzed in the background, readying the ship for departure, tossing ropes, shouting over one another, laughing like the storm had already passed.
As the wind picked up and the ropes groaned, Hana tightened her grip on Buggy’s arm. The ground shifted under her feet, the dock falling away behind them.
She suddenly paused her steps.
He glanced down at her. “You okay?”
She nodded, voice steady but soft. “I am now.”
Buggy watched her, something stirring beneath his exaggerated clownish exterior. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close as if to reassure himself that she was there. His grip was firm, a silent promise that he would take care of her, no matter what. The sight of her vulnerability stirred something protective deep inside him.
With a dramatic flourish, Buggy gestured to the ship.
“Come on,” he said, his voice teasing. “Let’s blow this popsicle stand!”
Hana smiled, letting his lightheartedness lift the weight from her heart. They walked toward the ship, Buggy’s exaggerated swagger in contrast to the steady pace Hana kept. She glanced back at her family one last time, the scene burned into her memory like a photograph she’d carry with her.
“This is it,” she whispered, half to herself, half to Buggy, as they approached the gangplank. “The start of a new adventure.”
Buggy nodded, his expression softening, an unexpected tenderness in his eyes. “And you won’t regret a minute of it. I’ll make sure of that.”
The knot in her chest eased a little as she reached for his hand. She gave it a reassuring squeeze, silently telling him she was ready. They had no idea where the road ahead would take them, but they were both determined to face it together.
With one last wave to her family, Hana turned her full attention to Buggy and the Big Top. The world she knew was shrinking behind her, but the one she was stepping into with him felt vast, unknown, and full of promise. Buggy never took his eyes off Hana as they boarded The Big Top. Every step she took echoed, not just against the ship's deck, but in the uncertain rhythm of her heart. She was moving forward, but her eyes kept drifting back.
Back to her family.
Back to the life she was leaving behind.
Each step didn’t just measure distance, it measured sacrifice. The space between the dock and the ship might as well have been a chasm filled with everything she was giving up... and everything she was about to become. Buggy saw it all. The tension in her shoulders. The tremble in her fingers. The way she looked at each familiar face was like she was trying to press it into memory.
His excitement, real fizzing excitement, was tangled now with a thread of dread pulling at his gut.
What if she changes her mind? What if she’s not ready? What if I lose her before she even steps aboard?
The thoughts crept in, slick and sharp.
He cleared his throat, forcing a casual tone into his voice like he was slipping into a costume two sizes too small.
“Hey, uh... Sweetheart. You good with, y’know… all this?”
She turned to him slowly, eyes shimmering not just from sunlight, but from the tears she was fiercely holding back. For a second, she didn’t say anything. The world itself seemed to hold its breath with her. Just the sound of the waves and the occasional gull, as if the ocean was waiting for her answer, too.
Then she laughed. Soft, shaky, like it snuck out without permission.
“Yeah. I’m okay,” she said. “I want to do this.”
She reached for his hands, finding the steady warmth there. It anchored her. The swirling doubts in her chest started to settle. Between the showman’s rough palms and his gentle grip, she found her breath again. Looked him in the eye.
“I need to do this,” she said, her voice steadier now. “I want to find out who I am out there. And… I want to have adventures with you.”
Buggy’s heart practically shot out of his chest like a cannonball. The storm of worry began to fade, crumbling under the weight of her words.
She’s coming with me.
And for once, he managed to forget about the missing necklace.
Then, as if admitting a secret, she added, “There’s one more thing. Kinda dumb, but…”
He blinked. “But what?”
“I, uh… I want to study sea creatures and paint them. It’s a hobby. A weird one.”
She trailed off, blushing.
Buggy’s grin exploded across his face like he’d just heard the punchline to his favorite joke.
“Silly?” he scoffed, mock offended. “It’s utterly ridiculous!”
He leaned in, lowering his voice to something warm and teasing.
"Which means you’re in the perfect place, Baby Cakes. The Big Top is where all the weird little dreams come true.”
Hana giggled, a real, unguarded sound that cracked open the tension in her chest. She leaned in and kissed his cheek, soft and sweet, sending a jolt of joy through him.
“Thank you, Buggy. For everything.”
His heart somersaulted. Her kindness always caught him off guard.
Every damn time.
But he bounced back, puffing his chest and throwing his arm out in theatrical flair. Buggy’s voice exploded across the deck like a firework laced with caffeine and glitter.
“Time to set sail, freaks!” he bellowed, arms flung wide like a ringmaster mid-spotlight.
The crew cheered like they'd just won the lottery and stolen the jackpot. Ropes flew, boots stomped, and the Big Top creaked to life like a beast stretching after a long nap.
Buggy soaked it all in. His ship, his crew, his show, and now his girl.
The grin on his face could’ve powered the entire harbor as the ship finally began to slowly sail away.
He turned, expecting her beside him, glowing with the same thrill.
But she wasn’t there.
Hana had just stepped onto the deck behind him, her boots unsure on the shifting wood. The ship pulsed with energy. Chaotic, loud, alive. A complete circus on water. And yet, she wasn’t repelled. She was drawn in.
Still, her eyes drifted.
Back toward the dock.
Back to her family.
She moved slowly to the railing, clutching it like it could steady the storm inside her. They were still waving—Mom, Sara, even Ren—arms raised high and growing smaller by the second. The sight carved right into her.
Her breath hitched. Then the tears came.
She was leaving.
Buggy spotted her, and it felt like a cannonball to the chest.
"No. No no, no! Shit! She regrets it! She regrets me. This ship. This whole insane idea…"
His panic surged, but he crushed it down, crossed the deck in three long strides, and wrapped his arm around her. No showmanship. No dramatic flair.
Just comfort.
She leaned into him immediately, like she’d been waiting for that exact touch. His presence steadied her.
Her hand lifted in one last wave, her voice cracking as she called out, “Bye!”
The tears poured freely now, dragging pieces of her old life with them.
Buggy’s usual swagger faltered, replaced by quiet grief at her side. This wasn’t the departure he imagined.
There were supposed to be fireworks. Laughs. Wind-blown kisses.
Not heartbreak.
Not this aching goodbye.
He didn’t have words. Not clever ones. Not comforting ones.
So he just held her.
And slowly—slowly—as the coastline blurred into a watercolor memory and the sails caught the wind, something inside Hana shifted. The grief didn’t vanish, but it transformed. Became something softer. Braver.
She pressed a hand to her chest where the ache was loudest and realized the weight was starting to lift. Like the ship itself was carrying some of it for her.
Buggy watched her, saw her breathing easier. Wind tangled through her hair, and for a second, she looked like a wild sea goddess caught between worlds.
And somehow—somehow, she’d chosen his.
He let out a breath so deep it nearly knocked the red off his nose.
On her shoulder, Shelly, the little snail, rested peacefully. Hana gave her a gentle pat on the shell, a grounding gesture that reminded her that this was real.
This is it, she thought. No more running. No more doubting. I’m not just leaving something behind… I’m heading toward something real.
Buggy leaned close, his voice low and wicked with mischief.
“Ready to raise a little hell, babe?”
She turned to him, eyes still wet but blazing now with fire.
“Born ready, Clown.”
Side by side at the railing, wind in their faces and a wild horizon ahead, they looked into the unknown—uncertain, unpredictable, and absolutely theirs.
As the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, Buggy kicked things into high gear for an impromptu celebration, throwing an over-the-top welcome party for Hana. His crew, completely oblivious to the emotional weight of the situation, transformed the ship into a riot of colors and noise, their jubilant cheers filling the air as they scrambled to prepare.
Streamers and garish decorations, looted from past escapades, crisscrossed the deck in wild, tangled patterns. Hana’s eyes widened at the absurdity of it all, her earlier emotional state still lingering, now sharply contrasted by the scene unfolding before her.
The crew buzzed around Buggy, hyping up his every word and move with all the enthusiasm of a group of misfits who’d found their leader’s latest stunt nothing short of spectacular. It was chaos, loud and boisterous, but somehow it fit. And Buggy? He thrived in the madness, playing the role of the extravagant captain with gusto, basking in the attention and love his crew showered on him.
Hana stood back for a moment, amused by the spectacle but also touched by the overwhelming warmth of it all. The absurdity was overwhelming, but there was something heartwarming about the madness. These people, wild and unpredictable as they were, cared. And that was something she didn’t expect.
“This is all for you, Baby,” Buggy said, his grin wide and a little too proud as he dragged her into the center of the chaos with an exaggerated flourish. “Welcome to the crew!”
His voice cut through the racket, loud enough for everyone to hear, but there was a softness to it that made her heart twist unexpectedly.
Hana laughed, a sound full of disbelief and warmth, and with it, the tension from the morning seemed to melt away.
“You sure know how to throw a party,” she teased, letting herself be swept up in the raucous celebration.
Her doubts hadn’t disappeared, but they felt smaller now, swallowed up by the raw energy of the crew.
The madness continued around them, but Hana moved through it with a growing sense of belonging. Her eyes followed the antics of the crew as they paraded around her, each moment a reflection of Buggy’s unique way of showing affection. The wild decorations, the laughter, the chaos. It all added up to something she couldn’t quite name but felt in her bones.
Then it hit her like a tidal wave: she wasn’t just leaving behind her family, she was gaining another one. A family of pirates who might be eccentric and unruly, but also fiercely loyal. And maybe that was enough to start with.
As night descended, the ship hummed with the energy of the ongoing celebration, laughter and music blending into a heady crescendo that filled the salty air. Hana stood at the edge of it all, a quiet figure in the shadows, her emotions swirling like the restless sea. Shelly sat quietly on her shoulder, the snail's steady presence grounding her as she slipped away from the chaos, seeking solitude amidst the noise.
The further she moved from the festivities, the clearer her thoughts became. She found the ship's Crow's Nest, the sounds of revelry fading into the distance as she took a breath and climbed it, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions that had taken over her since setting foot on the Big Top.
She settled into a quiet spot with Shelly still beside her on her shoulder, her eyes drifting to the dark horizon, the vastness of the sea both thrilling and terrifying in its uncertainty. Her mind returned to the port, the image of her family waving goodbye etched clearly in her memory. The tug of their absence hit her hard, but she swallowed it down, keeping the tears at bay. The ache was there, but it felt different now. Not a crushing weight, but a steady, familiar companion.
The celebration’s distant echoes reminded her of the life she was stepping into. She thought of Buggy and the unexpected kindness he’d shown, an understanding side of him she hadn’t anticipated. She hadn’t expected to find comfort in him, but there it was, softening the edges of the turmoil inside her.
A soft sigh escaped her lips as she stroked Shelly’s shell, finding solace in the small, constant presence of the snail.
Down below, Buggy noticed her absence. The usual bravado in his grin faded, replaced by growing anxiety. He paced through the chaotic corridors, pushing past crewmates with a frustrated growl.
“Where the hell did she go?” he muttered, tone taut with concern and exasperation.
His mind raced. She hadn’t been herself since they left port, and thoughts of that necklace crept back into his mind.
“I’m not losing her like this,” he thought, though the flicker of panic behind the words betrayed his confidence.
His frantic search led him up to the crow’s nest, where he found Hana standing over the railing and Shelly tucked loyally beside her. Her expression was distant, her thoughts elsewhere, somewhere he couldn’t quite reach.
Relief rushed through him—swift and unsteady—until he noticed the tension in her posture.
She wasn’t looking at him. Her attention stayed on Shelly as she murmured, “This is a big step, girl... It’s going to take some getting used to.”
Suddenly, she winced, clutching her arm. “Ow! Shit… that hurt! God, I hope this heals soon…”
He stepped forward, his voice cautious.
“Babe?”
She turned, startled, then masked it quickly.
“Buggy!”
His concern spiked. “What the hell? What needs to heal soon?”
She flinched. Not from pain, but from the depth in his voice.
“Oh, it’s nothing,” she said quickly, forcing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I tripped in the alley earlier this week. It’s no big deal.”
Buggy narrowed his eyes. “That looks serious, babe. You need a doctor or something?”
“No!” Her reply came a little too fast. “I’ll be fine. Really. Just need to stay off it.”
He hesitated, clearly unconvinced.
“You’re hiding something,” he thought.
But her voice was firm, almost pleading, and it held him back.
He relented with a frown, stepping back.
"Alright, then..."
The air between them cooled, not with distance but with silence.
Hana exhaled slowly, quietly, but the weight of her lie hung in the space between them.
As the last echoes of music drifted into the sea-salted air, the ship’s pulse slowed. The Big Top quieted, but inside their cabin, something stirred warmer than celebration, closer, quieter.
Hana moved with practiced ease, but Buggy noticed the tension. Too cautious. Too stiff.
He didn’t say anything at first, just watched her with that sharp, knowing gaze that cut through her like a blade dipped in honey.
They were finally alone with each other for her first night with him.
Lantern light danced across the walls, as he stepped out of his coat and bandana and tossed it aside like he was shedding his pirate persona just for her. When he looked at her again, it wasn’t mischief in his eyes. It was heat, slow-burning and focused.
“Y’know…” he drawled, his voice like velvet dragging across skin, low and rough with promise, “I could take care of you tonight… if you’ll let me.”
The words poured from him like warm rum, rich and sinful. Her heart kicked at the sudden intimacy, the offer too soft, too sincere for the clownish bravado he wore like armor.
But then came the panic.
He’ll see. The bruises… the scar…
She smirked to cover her nervousness, forcing lightness into her voice. “Well, aren’t you generous?”
Buggy’s grin deepened, the kind that said he knew and didn’t care. His hands found her hips and guided her backward, gently, until her knees hit the bed. Then he sank to the floor in front of her, a pirate on his knees, worshiping without a single joke.
He kissed the inside of her calf, slow and reverent, his stubble scraping gently against her skin like he wanted her to feel every inch of him.
“Think of this as my welcome gift,” he murmured, lips trailing higher.
She let out a shaky breath as his tongue flicked against the tender skin of her inner thigh, dangerously close to where she ached most. His hands disconnected and were everywhere. Steady, deliberate, worshipful.
He wasn’t rushing. He was savoring. And she was burning.
“I can kiss all your pain away, sweetheart,” he whispered, lips brushing the hem of her underwear like a secret. “Just let me.”
Her breath caught hard. Her thighs trembled. The craving to surrender nearly drowned the fear.
But not quite.
“Shit… if he sees—”
Buggy’s tongue pressed higher, and her whole body arched in response. But then—
“Wait!” she blurted, her voice sharp and jagged, slicing through the moment like shattered glass. “It still hurts and… I...I have other bruises. I don’t think I can do this tonight.”
He stilled immediately. The tension in his shoulders gave way to something heavier. Confused, but careful.
He leaned back, eyes flicking over her face with more concern than desire now.
“Okay,” he said softly, his hands releasing her like she was made of smoke. “Okay. Yeah.”
Hana crawled into bed, retreating with a kiss that barely touched his lips. Her back turned fast, as if the softness might break her resolve.
Buggy stayed a moment longer. His desire hadn’t dimmed, but something else pushed forward.
Worry, maybe.
Or worse: doubt.
What is she hiding from me?
But he didn’t ask.
He climbed into bed beside her, careful not to touch. The space between them was louder than cannon fire. Her breaths steadied. He didn’t.
The silence stretched on, thick with things neither of them knew how to say. Yet.
Morning crept in slowly, the pale light slicing through the porthole and pooling across the floor like spilled cream. The ship rocked in a lazy rhythm, gulls crying faintly outside. Inside the cabin, the air was still—almost too still.
Buggy stirred first.
For once, he didn’t stretch or groan dramatically. No theatrical yawn. No exaggerated bedhead shake. Just quiet breath and sharper-than-usual eyes, drawn instantly to the woman beside him.
Hana was curled on her side, her dark hair splayed like ink across the pillow. She looked peaceful, but only at first glance. He noticed the way her brow creased faintly, even in sleep, how her lips were slightly parted like she’d been mid-sigh or caught in a half-formed word.
Something about it unsettled him.
She looked like she was resting and fighting something at the same time.
Buggy slipped out of bed with a care that didn’t suit his usual clumsier flair. He pulled on his pants, the cool fabric grounding him, and padded over to the mirror. One hand dragged through his messy blue hair, fluffing it out of habit, but he didn’t even smirk.
No posing. No winking at his reflection.
His eyes weren’t on himself.
They were still on her.
"Something’s wrong."
His gut had been screaming it since last night.
That tension in her body. The way she deflected, the panic behind the tease, the cold edge that slid into her voice when things got too intimate.
“Bruises,” he muttered, jaw tightening.
He’d seen the faint edge of one peeking from beneath her shoulder strap last night, just a flash before she yanked the blanket up. A bloom of purple across her pale skin.
He hadn’t said anything then.
But now?
“Tripping in an alley?” he muttered to his reflection, voice low and bitter. “Bullshit.”
He turned back toward the bed, eyes tracing the curve of her form beneath the sheets. She looked so small in that moment. And Hana was never small. She was fire and edge, lips that teased and eyes that challenged. But now? Now she looked... guarded.
Fragile, even.
And that scared the hell out of him.
Buggy walked to the door, then hesitated, one hand on the handle. He glanced back at her, something raw flickering in his expression before he schooled it away.
“I’ll find out what happened,” he whispered, voice low and certain.
No clown mask. No theatrics.
Just a man, angry and afraid for the woman he couldn't stop thinking about.
He slipped out the door quietly, his swagger muted, every step fueled by something far heavier than bravado. The ship creaked underfoot, and somewhere in the distance, the waves kept lapping against the hull like a heartbeat.
“If anyone gave her those bruises, I’m going to make the ocean red with their blood…”
Chapter 24: #24 - You Did It First! Buggy and Hana's Conflict
Chapter Text
The sunlight slanted through the cabin windows, warming the tangled sheets and casting soft golden light on Hana’s face. She stirred, careful not to wake Buggy as she slipped from the bed with practiced stealth, until her bare feet hit the floor and pain tore through her arm like a knife.
She hissed, catching the sound between her teeth. Her hand immediately shot to her shoulder. The bruises were worse than she’d thought. They were deep, angry splotches painted across her skin like war medals she never asked for.
You’re fine. You’ve taken worse.But the tightness in her chest said otherwise.
She caught her reflection in the washbasin mirror. Pale. Tired. A flicker of shame crept in.
How many of these can you cover before someone notices?
Her fingers worked quickly, dabbing concealer onto skin that flinched at her own touch.
She opened her bag, half on autopilot… and froze.
The necklace wasn’t there.
Because it was gone. Because she had traded it.
To buy Buggy’s freedom. To pay his debt. To keep him alive.
Fang’s smug grin flashed through her memory, and her stomach twisted like she'd swallowed a rusted hook. Her hand hovered over the empty pouch for a beat longer than necessary before she zipped the bag shut.
Don’t cry. Not now. Not over a necklace.
Behind her, Buggy stirred. She pulled on her blouse, rolling her shoulder with subtle stiffness. His groggy voice didn’t come, but she felt his gaze on her back.
And the weight of what he might notice.
The mess hall buzzed with post-celebration chaos. Bottles clinked. Someone sang terribly. Someone else was trying to fight a mop. Hana slid into her usual seat, wincing as she reached for coffee, her arm pulling just a second too slow.
Buggy showed up minutes later, hair tousled, expression unreadable. No fanfare. No dramatic entrance. Just him. Quiet, alert, watching.
He slid into the seat across from her and greeted her with a flat, “Morning.”
She smiled, casual. “Hey, sleepyhead.”
His eyes scanned her quickly. The faintest squint at her collarbone. His gaze lingered just long enough.
“I didn’t see the necklace I made for you,” he said lightly.
The room kept buzzing. But between them? Pin-drop silence.
Her smile faltered. “Oh. It’s, uh… in my bag. I forgot to put it on.”
Buggy leaned back in his seat. He rubbed his jaw, stubble rasping beneath his fingers, eyes still fixed on her.
“You forgot?” he echoed, too casual.
“I was in a rush.” She stirred her coffee like it owed her money.
“Huh. That’s weird.” His tone dipped ever so slightly. “You made a pretty big deal about liking it when I gave it to you.”
Her hand froze.
“I did like it,” she said.
Buggy tilted his head. “Past tense?”
She met his eyes, just for a second, and looked away.
“I still like it.”
But her voice didn’t have the weight to carry the lie.
Buggy’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Then why’d you stop wearing it?”
A beat. Then two.
“I told you,” she said carefully, “I forgot.”
Buggy watched her face, her posture, the little defensive edge to her voice.
She’s lying.
And worse she’s hiding something.
He leaned forward just enough to make her shift in her seat. “Oh right… probably forgot because of those bruises, huh?”
Her breath caught, but he was already rising.
He left the mess hall without another word.
The sun hovered low, painting the deck in streaks of gold and blue. Wind tugged at the sails, but the ship felt strangely still and quiet, like it was holding its breath.
Buggy leaned against the railing, one boot crossed over the other, arms folded tight across his chest. To anyone else, he looked relaxed. Untouchable. But beneath the flamboyant posture and idle gaze, his thoughts twisted into knots.
My necklace. My gift. Just gone.
The memory gnawed at him. He could still see her collarbone, bare where it used to rest, where it should rest.
He heard footsteps behind him.
“Buggy?” Hana’s voice came soft, cautious. Like she wasn’t sure if she was interrupting something... or stepping into a minefield.
He didn’t turn around.
“What’s up?” he asked, pitching his voice light, almost playful. A jester’s tone. One-size-fits-all deflection.
“Can we talk?” She stopped a few feet behind him, wringing her fingers like she was afraid to reach for something that might vanish.
Buggy finally turned. His face didn’t crack. Not visibly. But his eyes gave him away, just a flicker too tired, too distant.
“Sure,” he said. “Talk about what?”
“About us.” Her voice trembled slightly. “About everything. You’ve been so distant, and I—”
“I’m fine.” He cut in, too fast, too sharp. He shrugged with mock ease. “Just tired of the sea. You know how it is. salty, loud, full of idiots.”
Hana stared at him. The corners of her mouth twitched downward. “Seriously?” she said, stepping closer. “You can’t just brush this off like it’s nothing. I’m trying here, Buggy!”
Her voice rose, and for the first time, so did something inside her, fear. What if he pulls away for good? What if I already lost him?
Buggy’s jaw clenched. Don’t crack. Don’t crack. He shoved down the ache, the flash of guilt that came with her tone.
“There’s nothing to worry about,” he said. “You’re imagining things.”
Hana’s eyebrows knit together. “Don’t lie to me,” she said, her voice lower now, trembling with restrained emotion. “You’re shutting me out. I feel it, Buggy.”
He gave her a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “You’re starting to sound like one of those clingy types.”
“Wow,” she breathed. “You really don’t want to talk, huh?”
He looked away, his grip tightening on the railing. If I talk, I’ll say too much. If I say too much, you’ll leave.
Hana pressed on, her voice cracking like lightning against the growing tension. “Don’t you get it? When you shut me out, I feel like I don’t matter! I want to help you. I want to understand. I care.”
Buggy stayed quiet.
“You can’t just keep pretending everything’s fine!” she shouted now, voice splintering. “You think if you joke your way through this I’ll just drop it?”
His chest ached. She deserves better than this, than me. And she’s starting to realize it.
“I don’t need to talk,” he said, voice low. “I’m fine.”
The lie burned on his tongue.
She took another step, this time right up to him. Her voice softened, heavy with something raw and breaking. “I just wish you would let me in.”
Buggy swallowed hard and turned away again, retreating behind that mask of bravado, a painted smile, practiced silence.
And Hana? She stood there, heart in her throat, watching the waves crash between them.
The silence screamed louder than anything either of them said.
The sun dipped below the horizon, setting the sea ablaze in orange and gold as shadows stretched long across the deck. Buggy sat near the edge, one knee drawn up, elbow resting on it. His other hand flicked a pebble overboard, watching it disappear into the waves like it owed him money.
The day had drained him. Not physically. Emotionally. He felt like a balloon with a slow leak, just enough air to keep him afloat, but sinking all the same. He stood at the railing like driftwood, hollowed out by tides he couldn’t control. The sunset painted the sea in molten hues, but it only made him feel colder inside.
You’re the Captain. You don’t get to sulk like this. Get your act together.
But that voice in his head didn’t understand. Not really. Because his chest still ached. Not the kind of ache he could blame on battle or bruises. This pain came from something much deeper. That necklace wasn’t just a trinket. It was a piece of himself, chipped off and given freely. It was his pride, his vulnerability, his way of saying you matter to me without actually saying it, because saying it out loud might’ve killed him.
And now it was gone. Out of sight. That necklace was more than a trinket. It was his pride, his vulnerability, his way of saying you matter to me without actually saying it.
And now it was gone.
Hana’s footsteps padded softly in the cabin.
He didn’t move.
“Hey,” she said gently.
Buggy exhaled through his nose. “Hey.”
“Can I sit?”
He shrugged. A nod, maybe. Hard to tell. Either way, she lowered herself beside him, close, but not touching.
The silence buzzed between them.
“You’ve been quiet,” she said.
Buggy smirked, bitter and hollow. “Don’t want to ruin the moody ambiance.”
“Buggy,” she pressed, voice laced with worry. “I’m serious. I’m… worried about you.”
He looked at her, briefly. “Yeah? Well maybe you shouldn’t be.”
His tone was sharp, defensive. A reflex. She flinched, but didn’t back down.
“Don’t talk to me like that,” she snapped, sitting up straighter. “I’m trying to understand, but you’re making it impossible.”
He laughed once, dry and mirthless. “Understand what? That you’re ashamed to be seen with me?”
She blinked. “What? No! That’s not—”
“Then where’s the necklace?” he cut in, rising to his feet. “The one I made with my own two hands?”
Her mouth opened, but no words came out.
“You think I didn’t notice?” Buggy paced now, hands flailing as his emotions boiled over. “You don’t wear it. You wince every time you move. And you hide it like I won’t see the bruises!”
She stood quickly. “Buggy, it’s not what you think!”
“Then explain it to me!”
A beat passed. The wind from the open window caught her hair, blew it into her face. She pushed it back and met his eyes.
Her heart thundered.
Tell him. Just tell him you were hurt. That they threatened you. That you traded it to save his life. Just say it.
“I… I had to give it away,” she said, voice cracking.
Buggy froze.
The world tilted.The moment hung in the air like a suspended breath.
“What?” he asked, quiet, like the word was too big to say out loud.
“I didn’t want to!” Hana burst out, her hands trembling. “I had to!”
Buggy turned away, shoved both hands into his hair. “Had to? What the hell does that mean?”
She nearly said it. I did it to save you. To keep them from killing you.
“It’s complicated,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I thought it would keep you safe.”
Buggy barked a laugh, sharp and ugly. “You think that makes me feel safe? That you trading the one thing I gave you makes it better?”
“Please—”
“No!” He spun on her, eyes wild. “You shut me out. You hid bruises. You looked me in the face and lied! If you were ashamed, you could’ve just said so!”
“I’m not ashamed!” she shouted, pain flashing across her face. “I was trying to protect you!”
The silence that followed felt like the sea itself had stopped moving.
“Buggy…” Hana stepped forward, but he backed away, the rejection in his posture slicing sharper than his words.
Hana’s hands curled at her sides, nails digging into her palms. Her chest burned with everything she hadn’t said. She chased him down the deck and caught him halfway to the stairs.
“Buggy,” she called again, more forcefully this time.
He stopped.
She took a breath. This was it. No more stalling. No more hiding.
“You don’t understand,” she said, her voice trembling but clear. “It was never about not caring. You mean so much to me. That necklace… it wasn’t just jewelry. I loved it.”
He turned slowly, eyes guarded.
“Then why?” he asked. “Why would you give it away?”
She hesitated.
Tell him what they did. Tell him how they backed you into a corner and threatened to kill him unless you handed something over. Tell him how scared you were. Tell him it wasn’t a choice, it was survival.
“I was trapped. You were in danger, and I didn’t have anything else to offer.”
Buggy’s face twisted. “Danger? What danger? Who?”
“I can’t say.”
“You can’t or you won’t?”
Her fists shook now. “You think I wanted to give it up? You think I didn’t care? I’ve been protecting you the only way I could!”
Buggy’s eyes flashed.
“Oh, that’s rich.” He laughed, the sound bitter, hollow. “You wanna talk about being shut out? About not being let in?”
His voice sharpened to a blade.
“You literally accused me of that. Said I was the one pushing you away. But guess what, sweetheart—you did it first.”
He stepped closer, his fury low and trembling.
“You lied to my face. You flinched away. You hid things from me for weeks and expected me to just smile through it. And now you wanna play the victim? Screw that.”
She flinched. But it wasn’t from fear, it was from guilt.
“You’re not fragile,” she murmured, voice cracking. “But you’re not invincible either. I didn’t want to drag you into something worse—”
“And what, you’re just gonna deal with it all alone?” he growled. “You’d rather push me out than let me help you?”
“I’m scared, Buggy!” she shouted, the truth ripping through her like lightning. “I’m scared for you. I’m scared for us. I’m doing everything I can to keep you safe, and I don’t know if it’s enough!”
He faltered.
The fire behind his eyes flickered.
“Why are you scared?” His voice dropped, trembling at the edges. “What do you think will happen if you tell me the truth?”
Tears welled in her eyes. “You don’t understand… If I told you everything and something happened to you because of me—”
“Then we’d face it together!” he said, louder now, stepping closer. “That’s what this is supposed to mean!”
“What if it’s already too late?” she whispered.
His chest rose and fell, each breath shaky. Then he said it—quiet, heavy, hollow:
“Maybe it is.”
“Don’t say that,” she breathed, a tear sliding down her cheek. “You don’t mean it.”
“I do,” he said—but his voice cracked halfway through. The defiance crumbled, revealing something hollow underneath. “Because I don’t know how much more I can take.”
“I’m here,” she said, crossing the space between them. “I’m here, and I want to be here for you.”
“Then show me,” he whispered, a plea buried in the gravel of his voice.
“I want to. But you have to let me.”
“Why can’t you just trust me on this?”
“I did trust you,” he said, and it sounded like a confession. “But now I don’t even know where I stand. Or if I even matter.”
“Don’t say that,” she pleaded.
He scoffed, bitter and bleeding. “You know what? Maybe I should stop wasting my time worrying about someone who clearly doesn’t give a damn about me.”
Her heart stopped. “Buggy—”
But he wasn’t done.
“So why don’t you just go back to that pretty boy chef?” he spat, venom dripping off every word.
The slap echoed like a gunshot.
Buggy blinked, stunned, one hand flying to his cheek. Not just from the pain—but the heartbreak.
Hana’s hand trembled at her side, her face twisted with anger and betrayal, tears clinging to her lashes.
“Fuck you,” she whispered, voice breaking.
Then she turned and walked away, fast, before he could see the rest of her fall apart.
The door slammed shut behind her, echoing like the final nail in something they weren’t ready to bury.
She turned and walked away, fast, before he could see the rest fall apart. The door slammed shut, echoing like a finality to their relationship.
Buggy could still feel the fiery sting on his cheek where Hana's hand had come into contact with him as he was left standing there, heart in his throat.
The words he didn’t say choked him more than the ones he had.
About an hour had passed since their fight. The rain was relentless now, but Buggy didn’t care. He stood at the railing, drenched to the bone, arms crossed like he was daring the ocean to come at him next. Thunder cracked, and still, he muttered—loud enough for Neptune to hear.
“Nice one, genius,” he snarled to himself. “Real smooth. ‘Go back to the pretty boy chef’? Why not throw in a ‘your mom’s ugly too’ for good measure?”
His hat sat abandoned on a barrel. His coat hung heavy with rain. His pride? Soggy, stomped on, and gasping for air.
Footsteps approached behind him, quiet, hesitant, the sound of someone who wanted no part in this particular storm.
“What?” Buggy snapped, not turning.
Cabaji cleared his throat. “You’re... uh... talking to yourself again, Captain.”
“I’m rehearsing,” Buggy barked. “Practicing for when she comes crawling back and begs for forgiveness! She slapped me!”
Cabaji wisely did not comment.
Buggy finally turned and braced himself on the railing, white-knuckled. “She gave away the necklace. The one I made. Do you have any idea how long that took?”
“It meant a lot to you,” Cabaji said softly.
“No.” Buggy waved a hand like he was swatting a fly, or trying to summon words that refused to land. “It wasn’t just some stupid trinket. It was—”
He paused, chest heaving.
My heart. In string form. And she pawned it like it was a busted compass…
His scowl deepened.
“It was supposed to prove what a generous captain I am!”
He laughed, bitter and cracked. “And she just handed it off. Like it meant nothing.”
Cabaji hesitated, then said carefully, “She’s not the kind to let go of something like that without a reason.”
Buggy turned, and for the first time that night, his bravado cracked. “Then why didn’t she tell me, Cabaji? Why lie?” His voice broke. “It was my gift.”
Cabaji looked away, guilt weighing down his words. He looked away, the silence stretching between them.
“Maybe she thought giving it away would protect you.”
Buggy blinked. That hit deeper than anything he’d prepared for.
He didn’t want to believe it. She had already told him, but he didn’t want to need to believe it.
“I would’ve taken the hit,” he whispered. “I’d have fought tooth and nail. Just... not like this.”
Cabaji reached out, resting a gloved hand on his shoulder. “Then go talk to her, Captain.”
He hesitated, then added, “Tell her. If you go after her.”
Buggy opened his mouth, ready with something sharp, something snarky and full of false bravado, but the words stalled.
Something was wrong.
Too quiet. Too still.
He turned slowly.
“Where is she?” he asked, voice suddenly taut.
Cabaji’s brow furrowed. “I thought she was with you.”
Buggy’s gut plunged like a stone tossed into the sea. He stormed below deck, searched the Crow’s Nest, the training yard, and the galley. Nothing.
Panic started crawling up his throat.
Where the hell was she?
Meanwhile, Hana stood on the deck, her thoughts a storm of frustration and doubt. She was angry at Buggy, but also at herself. Maybe she should have told him about Fang and Reaper, should have let him in on the truth from the start. But she’d been so sure she was doing the right thing, protecting him from getting involved in something dangerous.
Now she wasn’t sure of anything.
The music and laughter from the crew were distant, a stark contrast to the turmoil in her head. Hana gripped the railing, the cool breeze doing little to calm her racing thoughts. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she’d made a huge mistake, that her decision to keep Buggy in the dark had only driven him further away.
Neither of them was ready to make the first move, their pride and stubbornness creating a barrier neither was willing to cross. The tension between them was palpable, an invisible weight that pressed down on both of them, making it hard to breathe.
Her eyes were fixed on the distant line where the endless sky and sea met, the rolling waves a reflection of the turmoil roiling within her. She longed for a moment of respite, a chance to collect her thoughts and make sense of the chaos that had enveloped her. But the weight of their argument was suffocating, a heavy burden that threatened to crush her spirit. She felt like she was drowning in a sea of emotions, struggling to find a way to the surface.
This wasn’t the first time.
Whenever the world felt too loud, too messy, whenever her heart couldn’t bear the noise in her head, she always found her way to the water. It was her sanctuary. The sea didn’t ask questions. It didn’t judge. It simply held her. And right now, she needed that more than anything.
“Fuck this,” Hana muttered, her voice barely audible over the wind. “I’m going for a swim.”
She removed her skirt and her scarf, and before she could second-guess herself, she climbed onto the railing and leaped overboard, plunging into the stormy sea. The cold hit her like a slap, stealing her breath, but it was welcome, cleansing. The crash of waves around her muffled the world, and for a fleeting moment, she didn’t feel like she was unraveling. She just felt… free.
The water was a shock, cold and bracing. For a moment, everything was silent and still, the world reduced to the sound of her heartbeat and the rush of bubbles escaping her lips.
Then she broke the surface, and the air filled with the chaos of rain and wind. She gasped for breath, the saltwater stinging her eyes and throat. Her clothes weighed her down, a sodden mass that clung to her limbs, but she kicked hard, fighting the pull of the waves.
Hana swam, her strokes strong and determined, as if she could outpace the confusion and doubt that nipped at her heels. The waves crashed around her, but for the first time since the argument, she felt free.
Each stroke felt like liberation and chains all at once, and with the wind howling around her, she poured every ounce of frustration into each powerful kick, leaving behind the ship and the unresolved turmoil they shared.
Hana focused on the faint outline of the distant shore, barely visible through the pouring rain. Her muscles ached from the strain, and her lungs felt raw from the cold and the effort. Yet, she continued onward, driven by the need to escape, to distance herself from the unbearable pain.
The ship receded into the background, a dark shape against the turbulent sky. As fatigue crept in, Hana's strokes grew more desperate, with the reality of her actions settling in alongside the cold of the water. But returning was not an option. Not now. Not after everything that had happened.
She felt the saltwater spray against her skin as she fought against the swell of the waves, propelling herself toward the distant shore, her breaths coming quick and fierce. The storm was upon her, waves rising to challenge her resolve, but the physicality of the water became a release, a way to drown out the suffocating silence between them.
With the roaring sea around her, each stroke carved a path toward solace, far from the chaos that threatened to engulf her on the ship.
She fought against the rising panic, her breaths coming in short, ragged gasps. The shore seemed impossibly far, and the storm only grew more vicious, the waves battering her with merciless force.
Hana’s resolve began to waver, the weight of her decision pressing down like an anchor. She thought of Buggy, of his wild blue hair and the way his eyes sparkled with life. She thought of his words, sharp and cutting, and of the love they were meant to hide.
As the waves thrashed around her, Hana kicked furiously, each stroke a battle against the wild current that sought to drag her into its depths. Panic clawed at her chest, desperation fueling her movements, but exhaustion settled in like a heavy weight, threatening to pull her down. The saltwater stung her eyes as she fought against the tide, her limbs screaming for respite, but giving up was not an option.
As she surged forward, the shoreline began to rise before her, the glimmer of safety emerging from the chaos of her feelings. With every stroke, she pushed against the darkness that loomed large in her mind, but a gnawing fear whispered within her, what if the storm never passed?
Thoughts of Buggy filled her mind, a flicker of warmth amidst the chaos, the glint of his laughter illuminating the darkness that surrounded her. She swam with determination, each kick pushing her closer to the distant shore that glimmered like a dream.
But as she pushed onward, the weight of uncertainty sank deeper into her bones, the fear of the unknown thrumming in rhythm with the pounding waves.
Another flash of lightning cracked overhead, lighting the deck in a ghostly white.
Buggy stumbled back out onto the slick wood, heart battering his ribs like it wanted to leap overboard itself. Rain slashed sideways into his face, blinding him for a second before he blinked it away. The wind was howling now, not whistling—screaming, like a warning siren too late.
The sea was no longer just angry. It was ravenous.
He turned toward the railing, some instinct guiding him, and froze mid-step.
There, caught on a splinter of wood, fluttering like a surrender flag, was her scarf.
Bright. Familiar. Drenched. Limp as a lifeless hand.
Right next to it was her skirt.
“No...”
His boots shrieked against the deck as he lunged forward. He grabbed it like it might vanish, soaked silk slapping against his wrist. His hands were shaking now, worse than before.
He looked down.
Darkness.
The ocean writhed below him, heaving and foaming like it had swallowed something sacred. Waves rose and crashed with violent glee, and still he searched, eyes wide, frantic, unblinking.
“Oh no...” he breathed.
The wind yanked the scarf from his grip, tossing it back into the sea like an afterthought.
“SHIT!” he shouted, voice raw with panic.
He turned so fast he nearly slipped. “Man the lights! Drop the anchor! Sound the bell! SHE’S GONE OVER!”
“You should never have jumped. What if you didn’t make it to shore?”
The winds howled in response, a feral whisper that echoed his thoughts. Memories of their argument replayed in his mind. The hurtful words, the accusations, and her desperate plea for understanding; It was a mix of guilt and panic that weighed heavily on him, leaving him feeling like a marionette with severed strings, dancing along the edge of a storm.
He bolted. His coat flew behind him like a cape as he shoved past crewmates scrambling toward the rail, every nerve in his body lighting up in dread. He didn’t need to ask who it was. He knew. Somewhere deep and instinctive, he knew.
“HANA!” he bellowed, voice raw and cracking as he reached the edge and saw the churning sea below.
A flash of movement. A silhouette fighting the waves. His stomach bottomed out.
“No, no, no, no—” His hands gripped the railing so hard his knuckles went white. He scanned the storm-tossed water, trying to pick her out, trying to make sense of how she could’ve just jumped. On purpose. “What the hell were you thinking?!”
His crew was already moving, throwing ropes, shouting directions, but it all sounded like static. Buggy’s heart was beating too loudly, his vision tunneling.
“She jumped,” he muttered, almost in disbelief, like saying it out loud might make it less insane. “She actually jumped...”
His mind spun. The last thing he’d said to her had been laced with venom.
“Go back to that pretty boy chef…”
His anger had been armor, his words knives. And now she was out there, in a goddamn storm, because he hadn’t gone after her, hadn’t reached for her when it counted.
He leaned over the railing, rain pelting his face, searching for another glimpse of her in the rolling black waves.
His heart thundered like cannon fire in his chest, fear clawing at the edges of his mind. He’d survived a hundred battles, stared down death with a laugh, but this was different. This was her. And she was slipping away.
Each second felt like an eternity, and as the crew rushed about the deck, Buggy realized his anger was lost amidst the swell of fear.
“Get the searchlights ready!” he shouted, his voice cutting through the roaring winds as he pointed into the chaos beyond the ship. “We have to find her!”
Fighting against the whipping winds, he rallied his crew, heart pounding with a surge of urgency. The responsibility hung over him like an anchor, a bitter weight pulling at his conscience.
As they hastily prepared the searchlights, he felt a sickening twist in his gut. How could he have pushed her away like that? In the midst of a storm, they had clashed, and now, the gulf felt insurmountable.
What if he never found her? The thought sent shivers coursing through him, mingling with the torrential rain pouring down around them. Buggy clenched his fists at the railing, hoping to summon courage amid the tempest that raged, both in the world around him and within himself.
“Hang on, baby,” he whispered, his voice barely rising above the storm. “Please… please come back.”
With each passing wave, his heart sank lower into an abyss of dread.
“Focus, Hana. Just keep swimming,” she whispered, her voice trembling, lost in the monstrous howl of the storm.
The sea was no longer just water, it had become a monster. Alive. Furious. The waves rose like jagged cliffs, each one crashing over her with a vengeance. The sky was a ceiling of black fury, and the sea answered with crushing force. Every stroke forward felt like swimming through molasses laced with ice. Her arms burned. Her legs ached. But she couldn’t stop. She wouldn’t stop.
She had to get back to him.
But the water was stronger than she’d imagined. And colder.
What was I thinking? I severely underestimated this…
Hana’s thoughts turned sharp and panicked, breaking through the adrenaline haze. She was a strong swimmer, she knew how to handle rough currents. But this? This was a monster’s playground. A goddamn graveyard of shipwrecks and fools.
And she’d jumped straight into it.
Another wave slammed her sideways, the impact sending her tumbling beneath the surface. She kicked frantically, chest tightening, salt stinging her eyes as she fought to right herself. Her lungs screamed for air. Her head broke the surface again, and she gasped—only to be met with another slap of seawater that sent her coughing, gagging.
She choked, tasting salt and panic.
Stupid. So stupid.
The decision to leap off the ship had felt right in the moment—urgent, brave, maybe even heroic.
But now, adrift in the chaos, she saw it for what it was: reckless. Naive.
She wasn’t a fool, but she’d acted like one.
She’d underestimated the storm. Overestimated herself. And now she was paying for it.
The sea surged beneath her like claws made of current, dragging at her legs, twisting her hips. Invisible hands pulled her deeper with every desperate stroke. The chill bit into her bones. Her muscles screamed with effort, her body trembling, teeth chattering as she kicked and clawed her way forward.
But was it forward? She couldn’t tell anymore. The horizon had vanished. The ship, a distant ghost when she last saw it, was gone. Swallowed by the storm.
Where is he?
She squinted through the rain and wind, heart thundering. Was that the mast? No. Just a shadow. Was that his voice? No. Just the sea’s cruel mockery. Everything blurred together, foam, sky, salt, wind.
Her tears vanished into the ocean, indistinguishable from the water that battered her face.
Why didn’t I stay? Why didn’t I wait?
She’d acted on impulse. She thought she could make it to shore, that her body would obey her will. That her feelings, her desperation to run, to escape, to prove something, were enough.
They weren’t.
The waves were winning.
She fought harder, hands slicing through water that dragged her down faster than she could rise. Her body was beginning to falter, her strokes slower, weaker. She was running out of energy and time.
She gasped for air again, barely above the surface. Her heart pounded so loudly she could barely hear the storm anymore. Her thoughts scattered, instincts took over, and even they were failing.
“Just... keep swimming...” she whimpered again, but her voice cracked. She didn’t believe it this time.
The waves came again, one after another, relentless. Each one stealing breath. Each one shoving her under. The cold was no longer just in her limbs—it was in her chest, her spine, her skull. Her skin felt tight, her hands numb.
She was losing.
The storm didn’t care how strong she was. How determined. How much she wanted to live. It wanted to break her.
A sudden gust hurled a sheet of water against her like a wall. It sent her spinning, flailing—her shoulder slammed into something hard and unyielding.
A rock?
Pain bloomed. Her vision went white for a moment, then dimmed to stars. Her body twisted as the current wrapped around her like a shroud. Her lungs seized. Her arms refused to move.
Swim. Swim, dammit!
But her body wouldn’t respond. Her muscles were jelly. Her mind was full of static. Her thoughts slowed.
Her last coherent feeling wasn’t fear. It was regret. Not for jumping.
For leaving him.
She’d wanted to protect him. Or maybe herself. Or maybe she just didn’t want him to see her break.
But now all she could think about was his face. The way he smiled when he was trying not to. The sound of his voice when he got flustered. The ridiculous things he said to make her laugh.
That stupid, glorious clown.
She would give anything to see him one more time.
The ocean answered her thoughts with another brutal wave.
It hit like a freight train.
CRACK.
Her skull collided with something solid. A rock or debris, she couldn’t tell. Agony exploded behind her eyes. Her limbs went slack.
She sank.
The surface blurred above her, unreachable now. The water folded around her, cold and endless.
She didn’t fight this time. Couldn’t. Her thoughts dimmed, distant flickers of who she was…
And then…
Nothing.
The storm was a monster with a thousand screaming mouths, and Buggy stood at the edge of the chaos, soaked to the bone, heart pounding like a war drum. The sea was a black, snarling beast below him, merciless, unyielding. And somewhere out there, she was in it.
“HANA!” he roared, voice shredded raw, swallowed by the wind. He leaned over the railing, eyes darting across the crashing waves, praying for a glimpse, just one flicker of her.
Nothing. Just darkness and water and guilt so heavy it felt like it was dragging him under, too.
His fists slammed the rail. “Damn it, Hana! Why would you do this?!”
But he knew why. He'd pushed her. No, he'd broken her. Driven her straight into the jaws of the storm with nothing but his own damn pride.
She jumped because he made her feel alone.
The realization hit harder than any wave. Memories of their fight played on a loop her stormy eyes, her trembling hands, the necklace she wasn’t wearing. Every word he’d thrown at her came back to him like a blade to the chest.
“What if she’s already gone?” whispered a traitorous voice in the back of his mind. “What if she sank like a stone?”
“No,” he snarled, shaking his head, trying to block it out.
“She’s not gone. She’s tougher than that. She has to be.”
He turned to his crew, drenched and wide-eyed. “Keep searching! Fan out the lights! We don’t stop until we find her!”
They moved on instinct; ropes flying, searchlights sweeping, voices lost in the wind. Buggy kept pacing like a caged animal, cold panic pressing in from all sides.
“We’ll never find her in this,” he muttered under his breath, fear creeping up his spine like ice.
He gritted his teeth. This couldn’t be the end. Not for her. Not for them.
He looked out at the sea one more time, rain streaking down his face, or maybe it was something else. “Come on, Hana,” he whispered, voice cracking. “Don’t quit on me now.”
Then, louder, harder, he slammed his palm against the rail. “I’ll find you! Do you hear me?! You’re not allowed to leave me like this!”
Because if she did… if she drowned thinking he didn’t care… he’d never forgive himself.
===
The storm hadn’t let up. If anything, it had grown teeth.
Rain hammered the deck like bullets, the wind screamed in his ears, and the sea thrashed with a fury that could tear the ship apart. Buggy stood braced at the bow, coat soaked, face pale beneath the paint, eyes never leaving the churning water.
“Keep those lights on!” he barked, voice hoarse, barely audible over the cacophony. “We’re not leaving without her!”
The crew was doing their best, shouting, running, scanning the ocean, but every wave that crashed over the deck felt like another second he was losing her.
His fingers curled around the slick railing.
Where are you?
His eyes burned from salt and desperation. The water was too dark. Too endless.
“She’s out there,” he growled. “She has to be.”
But with each passing minute, his heart pounded harder, fear gnawing at his insides like rats in the hull. His mind betrayed him with flashes—her going under, her lungs filling, her body sinking into blackness while he stood helpless above.
“Hana!” he screamed again, throat raw, the name ripped from his soul.
No answer. Just thunder. Just wind.
Just the kind of silence that makes your blood run cold.
He staggered forward, grabbing a spotlight and angling it himself, sweeping the beam across the waves. Come on. Come on, give me something.
“She’s not gone,” he said to no one in particular, like saying it out loud would make it true. “She’s not…she wouldn’t—” But the words caught in his throat.
“Don’t let this be it,” he muttered. “Please.”
Another wave slammed into the side of the ship, nearly knocking him off his feet. He didn’t care. He’d throw himself in again if it meant finding her.
“Keep looking!” he shouted, turning to the crew. “I don’t care if we have to search all night, we don’t stop!”
Buggy’s eyes returned to the sea. Searching, begging, willing her to surface. Somewhere out there was the woman who flipped his whole life upside down and made him care again. She was fire, fury, laughter, and light, and without her…
The thought was too unbearable to finish.
“I’m coming, Baby,” he whispered fiercely, hand pressed to his heart like it could keep him tethered. “Just hold on. Just… hold on.”
The storm had become a living, snarling thing, ripping at sails, slamming waves over the bow, and howling like a beast determined to drag them all into the abyss. Buggy stood drenched, a man unraveling at the seams, every heartbeat a thunderclap of dread echoing through his chest.
Then like a knife slicing clean through the noise, Cabaji’s voice rang out, urgent and sharp.
“Captain! I see something!”
Buggy’s head snapped toward him. The crew surged to the starboard side, eyes frantically scanning the waves as searchlights arced through the rain-soaked dark.
Hope flared in Buggy’s chest, wild and desperate.
“What is it?!” he yelled, already moving, boots slamming against the soaked wood.
Cabaji was pointing. “There! A body!”
Time slowed. The world shrank to the beam of light slicing through the storm, and there, adrift in the swell, was a figure.
Buggy’s breath caught.
A shadowy form, partially beneath the surface. Hair, long and matted with seawater. A glimpse of deep purple cloth sticking to her pale body.
His heart sank like an anchor.
“Baby…” he choked out, the words barely a whisper. It came out so weak he wondered if he even said it. The crew didn’t turn. The sea didn’t answer. Only the storm’s howling fury rang in his ears, trying to drown out the reality.
She was there, floating.
The red from her blood swirled around the body, and she was drifting, drifting out of reach. A fragile silhouette against the biting black sea, vanishing beneath the foam. Silent. Motionless. Pale.
A ragdoll in the storm.
Chapter 25: #25- The Clown Who Dove into the Abyss. Buggy’s Desperate Gamble!
Chapter Text
A voice cried her name.
He might’ve shouted it himself, but all he registered was the sudden, wrenching silence after the splash. One moment, Hana teetered on the rail, her laughter blazing with reckless confidence; the next she’d vanished, swallowed by the Grand Line’s icy blue maw as if she’d never existed.
The world shrank to a pinpoint; every other sensation fell away. No more of Hana’s laughter, no more impossible questions. Just a hollow void that rattled his teeth and knotted his gut.
He froze. No heroics, no fury. just bone-deep cold.
The sea cursed Devil Fruit users like him. A single drop of saltwater rendered him dead weight. No swimming, no floating. Drowning wasn’t a risk, it was a certainty.
Yet he didn’t hesitate. His knees bent, gloved fingers whitening on the wet deck. Below, only foam where the sea had closed over her head, and a slick, oily rainbow of blood. A few black curls drifted by, but they could’ve been anyone’s.
The crew stood frozen, silent, motionless. Buggy recognized that look: once a tool for his schemes, now a curse.
Something snapped, his last shard of mercy.
“Rope!” he growled, stripped of theatrics.
Silence.
He whirled, ready to throttle the nearest fool, and bellowed, “ROPE! NOW!”
His roar shattered the stillness. Cabaji stumbled; Mohji scrambled for the coil.
“Long! Strong!” Buggy barked. “One fray and I’ll tie it ’round your neck!”
The rope thudded on deck. Buggy seized it, hands trembling so badly he fumbled the knot twice. He cursed, spat, tried again, breaths ragged with panic.
On the fourth try, the knot held. maybe.
Cabaji edged forward. “Captain, you’ll die—”
Buggy met his eyes, stripped of smirk or mask, just raw, white terror.
“I know,” he said, voice steady. “One order: three tugs. Pull us up.”
He braced at the rail, drew in the cold air he knew might be his last, and dove.
He leapt.
The ocean didn’t so much accept him as it punished him. Buggy plunged through the skin of the water and instantly lost every sense of control he’d ever known. There was no air to scream with, only the blunt, annihilating force of the Grand Line’s embrace. The cold hit so hard it felt like an insult. like the sea itself remembered every slight, every bit of bravado he’d ever dared, and meant to pay him back in full.
Everything about his body rebelled; his joints locked, then unhinged, his limbs numbing into clumsy chunks of meat that floated apart from his will. His chest cinched tight in agony, lungs burning for oxygen even as he sucked down saltwater by mistake.
Every cell in him howled: idiot, idiot, you’re dead weight, get out!
But that wasn’t an option. Not when she was still down here.
Water makes sound strange: you hear nothing at first, then everything at once. the thud of your own heartbeat, the roar in your ears like a million rolling drums, and somewhere beneath it all a faint, insistent voice he’d never admit was panic. The world above vanished behind a quicksilver wall; there was only down now. Down.
A current tugged at him with cruel intelligence, pulling him off course toward the ship’s barnacled belly. He forced his legs to move. Not swimming really, more like spasming forward through syrup-thick blue.
His vision blurred out at the edges; if Hana was anywhere near, she’d have looked just like all the hallucinations that used to taunt him in feverish deliriums on half-rotten rafts.
He clamped down on the terror and focused: eyes straining for one glimpse of black hair or a sleeve or maybe just an air bubble set loose by her lungs, which she had better still be using.
Move. Move!
“Where are you, dammit?!”
His hand struck something rough and unyielding. Splintered driftwood from some unlucky merchantman, probably. He grabbed hold instinctively and let it anchor him for a second while he fought to make sense of up versus down. The blood screamed in his temples; his vision tunneled until only a pinprick remained.
“Don’t you dare be gone,” he raged inwardly at her, at himself, at whatever god. “Don’t you leave me holding nothing.”
He kicked off the plank and arrowed into the murk.
There was a ripple in the water’s color, a pale flash contrasted against the dark folds of a blouse. He made a lunge for it but missed by a finger’s width; she tumbled away in slow motion with her arms floating up like a puppet’s. Her eyes were closed.
Buggy bared his teeth against the pain and shot after her, arms windmilling with desperate speed, legs numb but not useless yet.
The river of her hair fanned out like an octopus’ tentacles, turned ghostly black. Her body lay in place as though suspended by invisible hooks; she was beautiful and horrifying at once, a drowned statue.
He latched onto her sleeve with numb fingers and reeled her in clumsily until his chest pressed against her shoulder blades. It took most of what little strength he had left just to keep them together rather than let both bodies sink apart forever.
She didn’t fight him; she didn’t even twitch.
Not breathing, not fighting, not even there anymore except for weight and memory.
“No,” he pleaded inside his skull where no one could mock him for it, “don’t go out on me now.”
He jerked upward violently as if brute force alone could reverse death itself—but it wasn’t enough. Devil Fruit users weren’t meant for this element: they sank faster than ordinary people; their bones wanted only to settle on the ocean floor like old treasure chests left behind by nobody’s hero.
Even gripping her tight, Buggy felt himself sinking farther with each heartbeat, pulled down eagerly by gravity’s cold hand while currents swirled around them both maliciously. He tried to orient himself by looking for moonlight, but all light was a fuzzy distortion now.
There was no “up” that mattered more than another ten feet ahead or below.
He could taste iron as well as salt now.
Someone’s blood leaking into the water, and that triggered something primal. His heart pounded out one last command: survive, survive, survive!
The driftwood slipped beyond his grasp. It was gone.
The ocean’s pull became more merciless, more ravenous, dragging both him and Hana downward as if the Grand Line intended to claim them. Buggy tried to kick and rise, but his limbs were useless, his body betraying him with its sluggishness. The water's weight pressed from every direction. He held Hana tightly, thrashing once, then twice, but they barely moved.
He couldn’t do this alone. She was in his arms, yet already slipping away. Panic hit, sharp and fierce.
"She’s not breathing."
"I’m not breathing."
"I’m going to die here. She’s going to die here. We’re both just... gone."
He clawed upward with Hana clenched beneath his elbow pit; with every stroke, they slid sideways more than they rose, but he kept going until one arm spasmed so hard it nearly tore from its socket.
Something brushed against his shin…
A rope? Shit, the Rope!
For a second, nothing else existed but that lifeline: thick hemp biting into raw skin while currents battered them both and darkness clawed at their eyesockets, hungry for surrender.
They spun together as if dancing drunk, the rope tightening around his waist while Buggy wrapped his other arm fully about Hana’s waist. letting go even for a second, would mean losing her forever down here among sharks or worse things.
His fingers were numb, and his vision was narrowing. His thoughts scattered like leaves in a gale. He attempted to pull, but his arm barely budged. No movement, no signal, no rescue. The sea continued to drag him down.
Buggy blinked as the world dimmed around him, and his chest felt like it might burst from the pressure. Each second drained more of his strength, more of his breath, more of everything. Is this what dying felt like? Not with a bang, not with laughter, but with her.
"No. No, no, no"
His thoughts were frantic and wild, but his body wouldn't obey. He clutched Hana with one hand, the rope with the other, his arms trembling violently as if he might drop them both. He didn't even have the strength to scream.
This was it.
This was how Buggy the Clown would meet his end. beneath the waves, holding the only person who had ever truly understood him. A joke without a punchline. He felt himself slipping away, sinking. And then—
With every last bit of energy he had, he managed to twitch his wrist. A feeble tug on the rope. Once. Twice. Three times.
And then nothing.
Only darkness creeping in, and the cold settling deeper.
His lungs gave out completely.
For maybe five seconds or maybe days (it made no difference), Buggy hung there suspended between death and surface, sight gone gray around the edges until even Hana’s face swam out of focus before him.
He wondered idly if this was how people were supposed to die: holding onto what mattered most.
Then everything went black.
====
Above the deck, Mohji saw the tugs first.
“The rope!” he yelled, scrambling to the rail. “TUGS! THREE TUGS!”
Cabaji was already there, grabbing the line. “Pull! NOW!”
Several crewmen rushed over, grabbing fistfuls of wet rope, and yanking with everything they had.
They had given them the signal. But barely.
No one said it out loud, but they all saw the truth in each other’s faces: He didn’t have long.
“HOLD IT TIGHT! PULL TOGETHER!”
“The Captain’s still down there, he’s got her, MOVE!”
The ship groaned as they hauled the soaked rope upward. Every foot gained was a fight, the weight far heavier than a single man. They pulled harder. The line jerked once, then again, then…
Two bodies broke the surface. Buggy, pale as death, clutched Hana like she was more important than air.
“GET THEM UP!”
The crew scrambled into action, arms grabbing Buggy and hauling him over with a grunt and a curse. Water spilled in sheets off him, and still, he didn’t let go of her.
Someone tried to pry her from his grip, but he snarled, even unconscious.
“Back—don’t—don’t you—she’s mine—” he gurgled out, barely awake.
Then his head dropped to her shoulder, face pressed to her neck. Silent. Still.
He clung to Hana, refusing to let go as the force began to pull them away.
Then air.
He landed on the deck in a puddle of himself, someone’s knee jammed into his back, the rope burning his waist, but none of it compared to the fire inside his chest.
He was gone, then he wasn’t.
Buggy’s consciousness snapped back so violently that for a moment he thought the world itself was in convulsions. The first thing he knew was pain and fire in his lungs, needles in every joint, and a splitting headache like someone had tried to hammer his skull into the deck.
The second thing was cold: an elemental, teeth-chattering chill that went straight through his soaked coat, into the flesh beneath.
He gasped and nearly blacked out again. Water, mixed with stomach acid and shameful little flecks of bile, geysered from his mouth.
It tasted like defeat and more than that, it tasted like the ocean’s old revenge. Each cough wracked his entire chest; every inhale tore at his throat until he wanted to beg for mercy.
A shadow loomed overhead.
Mohji?
No, two more blurred shapes behind him as well, and hands clutched at Buggy’s shoulders, trying to force him onto his side.
He lashed out on pure instinct. His hand connected hard with someone’s jaw; another hand clawed blindly for purchase and landed a vicious elbow to whoever dared touch him. He didn’t care who it was, anyone who tried to pin him down now deserved a taste of violence.
“Let go!” he snarled, his voice raw and ragged as sandpaper dragged across gravel.
But the hands kept coming: gentle but insistent, trying to roll him over so he wouldn’t choke on seawater. He spat blood, or maybe just bile, into the deck planks and jerked away, muscles spasming uncontrollably.
“Captain!” came Mohji’s voice from somewhere over his left ear. “You have to breathe! Captain!”
Breathe? He could barely remember how.
An entire ocean sloshed in his lungs, replacing all the oxygen with panic and salt. But if there was one thing Buggy did better than anyone else on the Grand Line, it was showmanship.
So he forced himself upright with a ragged scream and a volley of curses so creative even Cabaji flinched.
His first clear thought was: This is not how I die.
The second: Where the hell is she?
His vision wavered, alternating between light and shadow as clouds drifted across the sun. Amid the haze, he caught sight of her: Hana lay stretched out on the deck just a few feet from him, as lifeless as driftwood. Her black curls clung to her cheeks, dampened by saltwater and spray, and her head was stained a deep red from an open wound.
She didn’t move.
It obliterated everything else. He didn’t notice when someone shoved a towel at him or barked an order for dry blankets or rum to help with Hana’s body and head. All noise became irrelevant except for the silence around her.
He tried to stand up and stumble towards Hana but found his body already halfway there without remembering how he got moving. His arms shook; his knees ground against splinters; every muscle screamed mutiny, but none of it mattered because she wasn’t breathing.
Mohji grabbed at Buggy’s wrist again, “Captain! You’re not well! You need—”
Buggy spun and bared his teeth in an animal snarl.
“Move,” he rasped. It was the best he could do. The sound barely carried over the din.
Mohji recoiled like a scolded dog.
A crowd had formed around Hana to tend to her head wound and tried to resuscitate her but none dared approach closer than arm’s length. Some stood in useless orbit as if her stillness might be contagious.
“Move,” Buggy rasped again, louder this time
No one budged this time either, so he gathered what little oxygen he could muster and let out a bellow that scattered them like pigeons:
“I SAID GET THE HELL OUT OF MY WAY!”
The sound rang out across the water, echoing back from ship timbers and distant gulls. The crew parted instantly; some looked away in embarrassment or horror or both. A few crossed themselves as if expecting her ghost to rise angry.
Buggy collapsed beside her with none of his usual flourish or pride left intact. His arms trembled so hard he could barely reach out, but when he touched her cheek, it felt cold enough that his breath froze in response.
She wasn’t breathing.
Unacceptable.
Unforgivable.
He’d just risked everything to save Hana from drowning, only for her to die anyway.
“Nuh uh…not happening…”
This was about someone who made even the world’s greatest narcissist want something other than applause.
Instinct took over from there.
He pinched her nose shut, crushed their lips together, and exhaled into her lungs as hard as he could manage under present circumstances.
No movement.
Again.
Still nothing.
Someone behind him whimpered, for all he knew, it was himself, but pride would not allow surrender yet.
Instead, he scooped her body off the deck and staggered upright using only adrenaline and whatever stubborn spark lived inside people who refused oblivion. His legs threatened mutiny but held just long enough for him to turn toward the hatch leading below decks.
He pushed past his crew without meeting their eyes and stumbled down into the privacy of his cabin.
He burst into the cabin, a tempest of fear and urgency, cradling her lifeless body. Buggy laid Hana on the floor with trembling hands, desperation surging through him in frantic waves. She wasn’t moving. He couldn’t lose her, wouldn’t lose her. His thoughts a chaotic swirl, he dropped to his knees, pumping her chest with the same raw intensity that filled his heart.
“C’mon, baby! Breathe!” The silence taunted him, each unresponsive second an eternity.
He switched between breaths and compressions, his hands shaking as he willed her back to life.
“Please, Hana, please!” His voice cracked a painful, unfamiliar sound. He was used to laughing, to threatening, to anything but begging.
Buggy didn’t care that his crew could hear him through the thin cabin walls. Didn’t care that he was supposed to be their fearless leader. The only thing that mattered was the girl lying still beneath him.
“Don’t do this to me,” he pleaded, the words raw and jagged. “You’ve gotta wake up!”
Time dragged on, each second stretching into a torturous infinity. He was frantic, consumed by a fear so deep it threatened to drown him. His hands pressed against her chest with more urgency, more desperation. Nothing. His mind spiraled with panic, looping through a litany of self-recrimination and terror.
The cabin felt too small, the walls closing in around him as he fought to keep it together.
“I’m not losing you!” he shouted, more to himself than to her, as if saying it with enough force would make it true.
Outside, the noise of his crew filtered in, their celebratory cheers turning to hushed murmurs as they realized something was wrong. Buggy didn’t stop. He wouldn’t.
He leaned down, his breath mingling with hers, trying again to breathe life back into her. The silence mocked him, loud and oppressive. He couldn’t stand it. His heart pounded in his chest, a brutal, relentless rhythm that matched the desperate pumps of his hands.
“C’mon baby, naptime is over!”
A shaky sob escaped his lips, unbidden and raw.
Buggy was falling apart, piece by fragile piece, the cracks in his facade growing wider with every second that passed.
“This is my fault!” he cried, voice breaking. He’d never meant to push her so far, to hurt her like this.
His hands kept moving, pressing against her chest with an intensity born of sheer willpower. The line between captain and lover blurred, and Buggy found himself torn apart in ways he’d never expected.
“Don’t leave me, Hana!” His words were thick with emotion, a plea from the depths of his heart.
He didn’t recognize himself, couldn’t see the flamboyant, arrogant pirate in the reflection of his tears. All he saw was a man losing everything he’d never known he needed.
A minute felt like a lifetime. Each moment she remained unresponsive chipped away at his sanity, at his hope. But Buggy refused to stop, to give in.
“Wake up, you stubborn woman!!” he choked out, his hands trembling. “You can slap me again, okay?! Just wake up!”
He was a force of nature, driven by nothing but determination and fear. It wasn’t enough. It had to be enough.
Outside the cabin, the sound of footsteps retreated, the crew uncertain and afraid to intrude.
He was losing her. He could feel it, the terrifying truth pressing down on him with an unbearable weight.
“Please, baby, don’t do this,” he begged, his voice barely more than a whisper.
Buggy was unraveling, each failed attempt tightening the noose around his heart. He was on the brink, a heartbeat away from shattering completely.
He didn’t stop.
One more push. One more breath.
Hana remained still, the seconds stretching into eternity. Buggy hovered over her, eyes wide with fear, heart caught in a vice grip of despair.
The world narrowed to this single moment, the sound of his ragged breath the only thing keeping the silence at bay.
He sensed hope fading away, the last tattered remnants slipping from his grasp, as he pressed down one final time. All his strength and desperation were channeled into this ultimate, all-encompassing attempt. His vision blurred, his heart clinging on by the slightest thread.
Then…
A raspy gasp, a fierce tremor coursed through her body. Water spewed from Hana's mouth as she convulsed and coughed her way back to life.
Buggy’s relief was so fierce it nearly knocked him over, the wave of emotion more overwhelming than he could handle. He grasped her shoulders, clinging to her with a desperate intensity, unable to process anything beyond the miracle that she was breathing.
“Bug-gy…” she rasped, her voice strained but wonderfully alive.
He didn’t even try to fight the tears that welled up, letting them fall freely as he clutched her close.
“Baby!”
The word burst from him, raw and unrestrained. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her against him with a fervor that bordered on frantic. She was coughing and sputtering, but she was there.
Alive.
He buried his face in her wet hair, each breath coming out as a shaky sob of relief.
Hana was dazed, the world spinning around her in disjointed fragments. The last thing she remembered was the pain in her head, water, cold, and endless. Now, Buggy’s warmth enveloped her, his presence grounding her as she struggled to make sense of everything. She clung to him, her fingers curling into his shirt as she gasped for air.
Buggy’s grip tightened, the reality of her survival sinking in with each shallow breath she took.
“Baby, I’m so sorry!” His voice was choked with emotion, the words spilling out in a torrent of guilt and relief. He’d been so close to losing her, to failing her.
It was more than he could bear.
Hana coughed again, the last of the water leaving her lungs.
Each breath was a victory, a testament to the stubborn refusal of the man holding her to let her go. She blinked up at him, her vision clearing, her heart pounding with a mixture of disbelief and gratitude.
Her eyes found his, and the look on Buggy’s face was so raw, so unguarded, that it nearly broke her. Tears streaked down his cheeks, unhidden and unchecked. She’d never seen him like this, never imagined he could be. The intensity of his relief left her speechless.
“Hana,” he whispered, the name a prayer and a plea all at once.
He couldn’t stop touching her, his hands moving over her shoulders, her hair, as if he needed to reassure himself that she was real.
That she was okay.
Hana’s head spun with the aftershock of it all. The cold terror of the water, the sudden return to life, and now the fierce, unyielding warmth of Buggy’s embrace. It was too much and not enough, and she drank it all in, heart and mind racing to catch up.
Her chest still heaved with the effort of breathing, each intake a reminder of how close she’d come. Her face began to have color in it again. Buggy’s grip was ironclad, his face pressed to her neck, his breath hot and shuddering against her skin. She wrapped her arms around him, holding him as tightly as he held her.
For a moment, neither spoke; the silence was filled with the sound of their ragged breathing and the thundering of their hearts. Then, Buggy pulled back just enough to look at her, his eyes wide and filled with something she could only describe as care.
“I thought I lost you,” he said, the words carrying the weight of all his fear and all his hope.
Hana swallowed hard, the emotion in his voice making her throat constrict.
“I’m here,” she managed, her voice breaking.
She wanted to tell him how much it meant, how much he meant, but the words tangled in her chest, lost in the enormity of the moment.
Buggy’s hand cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing away the water and tears that mingled there.
“I’m sorry,” he said again, his voice trembling. “This is all my fault. Please, Hana...please forgive me.”
She searched his face, taking in the sincerity and the vulnerability, as well as the sight of his drenched clothes.
It hit her with staggering clarity. The realization crashed over her, and she was close to breaking all over again.
“Oh god,” she whispered, her eyes filling with tears. “Oh my god, y-you went into the water! For me!”
Buggy looked at her, confused but earnest. “Yeah, baby. I had to.”
He allowed himself a small smirk, hoping to calm her down. “You know how brave a captain I am!”
The truth of it pierced through her like a knife, sharp and unexpected. She began to cry, the sobs wracking her still-weakened body.
“Oh god, I risked your life because of what I did! I just wanted to swim to release some steam. I underestimated the storm, and I bet you almost drowned because of me!”
Her words were a tumble of anguish and guilt, the weight of what she’d done settling heavily on her shoulders.
“I’m so sorry!”
Buggy stared at her in disbelief, the intensity of her distress shocking him into silence. Then he shook his head, his grip on her tightening with renewed urgency.
“Hana...Baby, no. Don’t apologize. It’s all my fault. My dumbass caused you to hurt so bad that you jumped. I know I don’t say this, but...please...”
He grasped her hands and pleaded with her, his voice breaking with emotion.
“Please forgive me...”
She looked into his eyes, and all the fear, care, and guilt crashed together in a tidal wave of feeling. The same green eyes she noticed when they met back at Baratie.
The raw sincerity of his plea washed over her in overwhelming waves. She was relieved, guilty, and grateful, all at once. Buggy’s grip was unyielding, his eyes pleading with an intensity that left her breathless. His hair dripped water onto the floor, and her heart began to crack.
She couldn’t speak at first, the enormity of the situation choking the words in her throat. Part of her wanted to lash out, to let him know how deeply his harsh words had hurt her. But another part was just so grateful to be there, to be in his arms, to have a chance to feel anything at all.
“I—” Her voice faltered, the syllable barely audible. She had to swallow down the tide of emotion, anger, and care and everything in between before she could continue.
Buggy didn’t look away, didn’t let go, as if the very act of holding her together was keeping him from falling apart. His desperation was laid bare, the flamboyant facade stripped down to its vulnerable core. She’d never seen him like this, and it both pained and touched her.
The silence stretched, each second pregnant with the weight of what had gone unsaid. Hana watched his eyes, saw the fear lurking beneath the apology, the unspoken terror that he’d pushed her too far.
Her resolve wavered, and she found herself teetering on the edge of a decision that could change everything.
“I was furious,” she confessed, her voice gaining strength as she spoke. “I was so damn mad at you, Buggy. You have no idea.” She took a shaky breath, trying to make him understand. “But I’m not ready to lose you. I can’t be.”
Buggy’s eyes widened, a flicker of disbelief crossing his features. He held onto her as if she might disappear, his hands still trembling. “Hana...”
She shook her head, cutting him off, her own grip tightening on his damp shirt. The anger was still there, but it was tempered now, mingled with relief and understanding.
“You were awful,” she said, and her lips quirked into a half-smile that was more heartbreaking than any tears. “But so was I.”
He shook his head vehemently, words tumbling out in a rush of contrition. “No, baby, it was all me. I’m the one who—”
“You’re the one who went into the water,” she interrupted, her voice steady. “For me.”
She looked at him with a mix of wonder and accusation, the truth of his actions hitting her again with full force. “I was so mad that I didn’t even pay attention to the storm. I just...”
Her words trailed off, and for a moment she was lost in the depth of his gaze, in the intensity of his silent plea. He was still wet and still trembling.
“Wow, you’re really soaked,” she said, her tone a strange mix of chastisement and awe.
Buggy’s breath hitched, a disbelieving half-laugh escaping his lips. “You noticed?”
“Hard not to, when it’s my fault,” she replied, the familiar spark of their banter creeping back into her voice.
Her heart ached with the conflicting emotions, the sharp edge of her fury dulled by the warmth of his sincerity. She looked at him, at the earnestness in his eyes, and something inside her cracked wide open.
He had risked everything for me, even after everything…
It was more than she’d known how to hope for.
“You idiot,” she murmured, her voice thick with feeling. “You wonderful idiot.”
Buggy’s expression shifted again, a flicker of cautious optimism brightening his features. He was still holding his breath, waiting for the verdict, the judgment, the forgiveness that he didn’t dare expect.
“Please, Hana,” he said, his voice cracking. “Tell me you forgive me.”
She met his gaze, and in that instant, everything else faded away. The hurt, the anger, the fear, all paled in comparison to the care and concern she saw reflected in his eyes.
The choice was made, and the decision was clear.
He didn’t have to wait long.
“Buggy…” she said, the word carrying all the warmth and affection she couldn’t quite express.
Her hand came up to cup his cheek, and she felt him lean into it, the gesture as vulnerable as anything she’d ever seen.
“I’ll do better,” he promised, his voice filled with a sincerity that shook her. “I swear, I’ll do better.”
“I know,” she said softly, her own resolve echoing in the statement.
She leaned in, resting her forehead against his, letting the silence fill with the sound of their breathing, the steady rhythm of their hearts.
Hana felt her heart swell, the warmth spreading through her like sunlight breaking through the storm. She opened her mouth to speak, to seal the fragile peace between them, but the words came out as a sob.
Buggy was right there, holding her as she fell apart and pulled herself back together. She took a shaky breath, and when she spoke again, it was with the full weight of her heart.
“Buggy…about the necklace… I...I didn’t want to do it. I didn’t want to give it to them, but the guys who followed me wanted to kill you, so I...”
He froze, her words striking him with the force of a cannonball. She’d been caught up in something he hadn’t even known was happening.
“What guys?” he asked, his voice rough with urgency. “Who wanted to kill me?”
“These two guys, one huge and one skinny,” she cried, the memory of them vivid and terrifying. “I never got their names”
Her voice shook with the weight of it all.
His eyes widened in disbelief, and his mind reeled, spinning with the revelation and all the implications it carried. He’d never imagined, never even considered that she would end up encountering the men he unsuccessfully lost in that storm.
Buggy could see the fear in her eyes as she relived the encounter.
“They kept on following me until they cornered me in the alley. They told me to cooperate with them so they can get to you and the debt you owe them.”
She took a shuddering breath, the enormity of what she was telling him crashing down like a tidal wave. He listened with rapt attention, his mind a chaotic whirl of guilt and anger.
“I tried fighting them off, but I left my knives behind so I…well…I didn’t win”
More tears ran down her face.
“I gave them the necklace,” Hana confessed, the words heavy with shame and sacrifice. “And...and a vial of my blood. I thought that…I h-hoped… it would be enough to spare you and cover whatever debt you're in.”
Buggy’s heart clenched, a thousand emotions storming through him at once. He’d thought she was being reckless, selfish even, but the truth was so far from what he’d imagined. His shock gave way to something deeper, more profound, as the full significance of her actions settled in.
“Hana,” he breathed, the name filled with awe and disbelief.
She had done it for me...
His debt, his safety; it had consumed her, driven her to a desperate, selfless act.
He couldn’t believe it.
Couldn’t fathom it.
“Shit...”
His voice trailed off, and he didn’t know what to say, or how to articulate the overwhelming mix of gratitude, guilt, and admiration that threatened to swallow him whole.
Hana watched him, her heart pounding with fear of a different kind. She didn’t know what his reaction would be, if he’d understand or if he’d be furious. She held her breath, waiting for the judgment, the verdict.
Buggy’s expression shifted, the initial shock giving way to a fierce, protective determination.
“And they just let you go afterward?” he asked, his voice taut with the barely contained emotion. He couldn’t stand the thought that she’d been in danger because of him, because of his recklessness.
“They hurt me pretty bad, but...yeah, they took the necklace and my blood and left,” she replied, trying to sound braver than she felt.
Her hands trembled as she pulled up her blouse, revealing a bruised stomach, evidence of the danger she had faced alone.
Buggy’s eyes flared with intensity, the raw force of his emotions blazing through him. She’d faced it all on her own, shouldered the burden and the fear to protect him. It was more than he’d ever imagined, more than he thought he deserved.
His hand came up to grasp hers, his grip tight with urgency and resolve.
“I just didn’t want them to go after you!” she cried, her eyes searching his for understanding, for forgiveness.
Her words were a desperate plea, the tangled emotions festering within her bleeding out in a torrent of raw and vulnerable tears, begging for absolution and understanding.
“I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to worry about me or do something to get yourself killed! Those two men were ruthless to me, and I was scared that...you would kill yourself trying to defend me! And I can’t lose someone else I care about in my life! I just can’t! Not after…not after…”
Hana began to cry some more, her injuries and weakened condition making it painful for her to cry. Buggy watched her, his heart aching with the depth of her care and sacrifice. It shook him to his core, the realization of everything she’d done and the fear that had driven her. He’d been so blind, so wrapped up in his insecurities, that he hadn’t seen the truth right in front of him.
As Buggy's gaze fell upon Hana's bruised stomach again, his hand clenched into a tight fist, his nails digging into his palm with the force of his emotions. His skin felt hot and blood rushed through his veins, His teeth clenched so tightly that the enamel threatened to fracture under the intense pressure.
He wanted nothing more than to unleash his fury on those who had hurt her, including himself for dragging her into a dangerous situation. But underneath the overwhelming anger, he could feel a surge of protectiveness for Hana, a need to keep her safe no matter what.
Buggy’s voice was low, fierce with the promise of protection and atonement.
“Shit…I should have known,” he said, his voice thick with regret and admiration. “I should have trusted you.”
Hana looked at him, the vulnerability and sincerity in his eyes taking her breath away. She saw how deeply her actions had affected him, the magnitude of the sacrifice she’d made sinking in with renewed clarity. It hadn’t been a choice for her, not really. She would have done it again, a thousand times over, to keep him safe.
And now he knew.
As he gazed into Hana's eyes, he saw the pain and guilt etched in her expression.
Buggy’s hands were on her shoulders, grounding her, reassuring her, his touch a promise in itself.
“I won’t let them touch you again,” he vowed, his words low, rough but steady. “I’ll fix this. I swear I’ll make it up to you.”
The emotional impact of her revelation hung between them, a powerful, unspoken connection that bound them together more tightly than ever. Buggy felt it deep in his bones, the understanding of who she was, what she’d done, and how much she meant to him.
His shoulders slumped, burdened by the weight of his perceived failures.
“I’m so sorry, baby. You're innocent in all this,” he said, his words a pledge and a plea.
The despair on his face was like a delicate, intricate spiderweb, etched with deep, dark lines of pain and self-doubt. It was enough to make her heart ache with a heaviness that rivaled any physical wound.
“I...I get it if you don’t wanna be with me anymore because of this. This is my fuck up, not yours...”
As Hana held and gazed at Buggy's face, she could feel the roughness of his stubble under her fingertips. She felt the tension of his shoulders as he slumped, weighed down by his own self-perception. Her touch slowly trailed down his arm, feeling the strength and muscle beneath the skin.
She wanted to reassure him, to show him that he was not a broken clown, but a strong and capable man.
"I'm not leaving..." she whispered, her voice trembling with honesty as she cradled his face in her hands again.
She lunged as much as she could in her weakened state, capturing his lips with her own in a kiss that held all the conviction she couldn’t yet speak. Buggy’s eyes widened at the kiss, and he responded with a fervor that matched hers, wrapping her in his arms and pouring all his relief and care into the embrace.
The contact was electric, a surge of emotion that stole the breath from both of them. Buggy’s intense kiss melted into something warmer, softer, as he realized she was really there, really his. Hana pressed closer, the physical closeness mirroring the emotional connection she’d almost lost. Her heart was full, the earlier anger and hurt overshadowed by the sheer intensity of the moment.
“I want to continue to be with you, Buggy,” she said between kisses, each word a promise. “I...I know how much you care. You risked your life for me.”
He cupped her face in his hands, transitioning from disbelief to sheer joy. His eyes then steeled with resolve.
“Damn right I did, and I’ll do it again, and again, and again, until I drop dead,” Buggy replied, the statement filled with unshakeable certainty.
The silence was thick with unspoken emotion, the weight of everything they’d been through hanging between them. Buggy could hardly believe it, could hardly process that she was still his, still here.
He’d been expecting to let her go, to lose her because of his own mistakes, and now...
Now he held her as tightly as he dared, terrified and overjoyed all at once.
They stayed like that, wrapped up in each other, the rest of the world fading away. Nothing else mattered, nothing else existed but the two of them and the profound connection that bound them together. He tucked her against him, his heart swelling with a gratitude that defied description. It felt too big, too profound, too new. It scared him with the enormity of it.
Hana’s heart stuttered in her chest, and she drew back just enough to look at him, to meet his eyes with all the warmth and affection she felt. Her hands cradled his face, the tenderness of her touch setting off fireworks inside him. He kissed her again, and a thousand unspoken words passed between them in that single, perfect moment.
He couldn’t stop touching her, as if he needed the constant reassurance that she was really there.
Hana felt a sharp pain in her head and held her wound gently with her palm.
“Ow!”
Buggy quickly stepped back, looking concerned.
“What happened?!”
"My head... I hit it on a rock just before I passed out..."
Buggy swiftly collected some rags and a bowl of warm water. Hana leaned into him, letting him gently care for her head wound with an unexpectedly soft touch. His fingers were gentle as they dipped the rag into the warm water and then pressed it against her wound.
“We’ll figure this shit out,” Buggy said, the confidence in his voice bolstered by the determination in his eyes. “I’ll get you that necklace back. I’ll make sure those bastards never lay a hand on you again.”
Hana believed him, believed in them, her heart full to bursting.
“We’ll figure it out together,” she replied, the solidarity of their bond as powerful as any vow. “Because I wanna kick their asses too. Properly this time, with my knives.”
Buggy beamed, his smile broad and sincere, brimming with the anticipation of her fighting alongside him.
"That's my girl."
Her heart danced with joy at his compliment.
"So, you're stuck with me, clown," she joked, her tone light and teasing.
Buggy chuckled softly, his laugh tinged with the overwhelming emotion he couldn't hold back.
"Couldn't imagine it any other way," he replied, his voice full of warmth.
They leaned into each other as he continued to tend to her wound, savoring the quiet certainty of their care, letting the peace settle over them like a warm, comforting blanket.
Nothing had changed, and yet everything had changed.
They were different now, stronger, bound together by the trials they’d faced and the care they’d chosen to embrace.
It felt right. It felt perfect.
It felt like them.
Later on that night, after her wounds were attended to with a bandage, Hana nestled into the crook of Buggy’s arm, her breath warm against Buggy’s chest.
The cabin was a world of its own, a cocoon of quiet certainty that held them suspended in time. He stared at the ceiling, the rush of their reunion settling into a peaceful lull.
Buggy tightened his hold on her, pulling her even closer as if to reassure himself that she was really there. The events of the day played back in his mind like a whirlwind, each moment a testament to how close he’d come to losing her and how miraculously he hadn’t.
The memory of her lifeless body in his arms was a cold shadow against the warmth of her presence now, a reminder of everything he had to make up for. Buggy’s heart twisted at the thought, a mix of guilt and gratitude that threatened to swallow him whole.
But more than anything, he was filled with awe. Awe that she survived, forgiven him, and awe that she’d chosen to stay. Her breath was steady against his chest, each rise and fall a small, precious miracle.
Hana shifted in her sleep, curling closer, a soft murmur escaping her lips. It was a sound of contentment, of trust, and Buggy’s heart swelled to the point of bursting.
Buggy’s eyes fell to Hana’s face, the way it lay unguarded and soft against the darkness. Her lashes fluttered with dreams that made him ache in ways he wasn’t prepared for.
He was used to schemes and stratagems, desire burning hot and quick, but this was different. She was more than just a pretty prize. More than a passing fancy. Hana shifted closer, wrapping herself around him with a sleepy sigh. It felt right. Too right. The kind of right that made him anxious. The kind of right he didn’t believe in.
An unfamiliar feeling pressed at him from inside, stirring where no pirate business had any right to be. He’d planned raids and conquests, sailing seas for plunder and glory, but here was something new. He could take on the Grand Line without flinching, but this woman beside him?
She terrified him.
He breathed in her scent, a sweetness he couldn’t find on any treasure map, and let it fill him with both comfort and dread. The truth teased him, just out of reach, taunting him like a sneaky cabin boy. He thought she was clever, strong, and beautiful.
Of course, he liked her. He liked her a lot.
But this? He winced.
No.
His lips twisted into a stubborn line.
No way am I going soft. Not for her. Not for anyone.
He tried to focus on anything else, the sway of the ship, the distant caw of gulls, even the faint scent of salt and old varnish that clung to the wood. But it was no use. From the moment Hana had entered his world, she’d colonized it, repainted the grimy walls of his mind with colors he didn’t have names for.
He’d tried to resist, clawing for scraps of his old self, but her presence was a flood that left nothing standing.
Every time he closed his eyes now or looked at her, it was her battered face he saw: bruised and battered and stubbornly alive. Drowning him in guilt and awe and want all at once.
The sensation was rising in his throat, fiery, constricting, and unbearable. He felt like he'd burst if he didn't act soon. And not with some half-hearted, silly stunt. This had to be significant. It had to mean something real.
Get a grip, Buggy.
He could captivate an audience, demolish a town, and put on a show so spectacular it would blind people, but none of that seemed sufficient. Not for her. Not for the woman who saw through all his illusions and still remained by his side.
He needed to do something. Something massive. Something so astonishingly unforgettable that she'd realize. That she'd sense, no, she'd feel how much she meant to him. How desperately he wanted to be deserving of her.
His mind whirled with possibilities
Rings, gems, maybe fireworks that will take the shape of her face?
Was that crazy? Likely. Did it matter to him? Not in the slightest. Because this wasn't about putting on a show anymore.
This was about her.
And he needed her to understand: he wasn't just pretending this time. He was fully committed. Every part of his absurd, chaotic, hopeless heart.
The necklace was only the beginning. He’d make sure those bastards never bothered her again, but that wasn’t enough. He had to do more. Had to show her, not just tell her, that she was his everything.
Buggy closed his eyes, remembering one of their many trips to the market, Hana’s face lighting up with excitement at the mention of the Island of Glowing Turtles. It was an impossible place, a legendary place, the kind of place that most people dismissed as fantasy.
It was a ridiculous notion, but the more he thought about it, the more it felt exactly right. He could see the look on her face, the wonder in her eyes, and it spurred him on, filled him with a reckless enthusiasm. Buggy grinned in the dark, the idea taking root and growing into a full-fledged plan.
I can take her there. I can make it real and make it happen!
It was perfect, it was crazy, and it was exactly what he needed to show her how much he cared.
His excitement grew, bubbling up inside him with a youthful, reckless energy. Buggy’s thoughts tumbled over one another, spinning with ideas and anticipation.
Okay. So maybe, just maybe, that crusty old weirdo’s map is a complete pile of sea cow shit… But screw it. She’s worth the risk. Damn it.
The determination settled over him like a mantle, solid and reassuring. This was how he’d make it up to her, how he’d prove how awesome he was in a way that left no room for doubt. It was a wild plan, a fool’s errand, and it felt like the most right thing he’d ever done.
He looked down at Hana, at the gentle curve of her cheek and the way her lashes fanned out like dark crescents against her skin.
She was beautiful, more beautiful than he knew how to handle.
Buggy brushed a thumb across her cheek, the tenderness of the gesture surprising even himself. Hana shifted, nuzzling into his touch, a sleepy sigh escaping her lips. She looked so peaceful, so content, and it filled him with an overwhelming sense of responsibility and joy.
He would give her this. He would give her everything.
Hana’s trust was a tangible thing, warm and solid as she rested against him. Buggy marveled at it, at the way she’d so completely and fearlessly given herself over to him. It was more than he’d ever expected, more than he knew how to deal with.
His thoughts drifted back to their conversation, to the weight of her confession and the depth of her care for him.
It had scared him, the intensity of it, the realization of how much she’d risked for him. But now it thrilled him, the same way a new adventure thrilled him, with the promise of the unknown and the excitement of the chase.
He couldn’t lose her. Wouldn’t.
She then breathed out, a contented, wordless noise, and he flinched.
Was she dreaming about me? Was she happy?
He could handle being feared, hated, even admired from a safe distance, but this, being wanted, being kept, was intolerable.
He should have laughed it off or woken her up to make a scene.
Instead, he lay there, paralyzed by something both beautiful and grotesque in its magnitude.
He hated it.
He needed it.
Buggy’s mind spun excuses with the skill of a seasoned liar:
It’s just the proximity. Cabin fever. A hormonal imbalance brought on by too much food.
Something, anything but the real answer.
He thought about waking her, pretending to need space or water or an urgent meeting with his own reflection.
But the idea of her looking at him with those sleepy, trusting eyes? That would annihilate any resolve he still had.
Buggy pressed his lips together and shuddered, trying and failing to dislodge the lump in his throat.
It was different than anything he’d experienced before. It wasn’t just lust and It wasn’t infatuation, though he’d thought it was at first.
It was more.
It was madness.
It was wonderful.
It was…
Buggy’s eyes widened with the realization, the unfamiliar emotion both terrifying and thrilling.
Oh no no no no…not that word…
Can’t be. I don’t do that. I don’t…
He’d never understood why men wrote poetry, why pirates sometimes sang slow, sad songs at night. Now he knew when your heart was being skinned alive by someone who didn’t even realize they were holding the knife, sometimes a dumb song was all you had.
There would be no forgetting her. Even if she left, even if he pushed her away, she’d haunt him forever, just like now.
He’d always told himself he was immune to anything soft, anything that might slow him down or turn him weak. Now he was begging for just an ounce of that old numbness, anything to dull the ache. But there was nothing on this ship, or in the world, that could cure what he’d caught.
She tugged at his sleeve in her sleep, a simple, trusting gesture, and Buggy was undone. He couldn’t even blame her. He was the idiot who’d let her in, the fool who thought he could keep a secret from himself.
“No, no, no,” he whispered, the denial as thin and useless as wet tissue. “This captain doesn’t fall in love …”
But his heart, traitorous and loud, didn’t listen.
Shut up, you bastard…
Chapter 26: #26- Love on the High Seas! Buggy and Hana’s Uncharted Waters!
Chapter Text
Hana woke with sudden pain and her heart thundering against her ribs.
It was as if the ocean had been reduced to a single heartbeat, a reminder of the relentless ache within her as she grappled with the aftermath of her brutal encounter with Fang and Reaper and the near-death experience of being submerged in the cold depths of the water.
She clenched her fists to try and ease the sensation, but it only intensified.
She exhaled slowly, trying not to wake the man snoring softly beside her. She stared at the ceiling to let the sensations ease away until she turned to the sleeping clown next to her.
He was sprawled across the bed, one arm thrown up over his face like the world was too much to look at.
In the pale blue light, Buggy looked almost peaceful.
Almost.
He burrowed deeper into the pillow, lips parting in a silent mumble. Hana watched him for a beat, then looked away, feeling suddenly invasive. It wasn’t the first time she’d woken this way, skin prickling, lungs tight, a thousand old fears circling her brain like sharks around a bleeding wound.
Usually, she could soothe herself back to sleep. Not tonight.
The cabin was airless, crowded with the smell of salt, old wood, and Buggy’s cologne. Even in the dark, the clown’s presence filled the space: his boots carelessly abandoned at the door, his captain’s hat thrown over the back of a chair, the stray tufts of blue hair on the pillowcase.
He was everywhere. He was inescapable.
She pressed her lips together and forced herself to breathe normally, drawing in the night air until it burned at the edges.
But she had to glance at Buggy’s way.
I can’t believe he still rescued me from drowning…this…clown…he risked his life for me…
The words hung heavy in the air, dripping with a mixture of disbelief and gratitude as she turned to look at Buggy. He lay there, a tangle of limbs and hair, his face relaxed in slumber. But even in his deep sleep, he exuded a sense of safety and protection, a reminder of the day he saved her life. This clown, with his mismatched clothes and colorful hair, had become her unlikely savior and constant companion. And as she gazed at him, a small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, grateful for his unwavering presence.
Hana resisted the urge to reach out and touch Buggy's face, to see if it was real and not just some strange dream. She could imagine the softness of his skin and the slight stubble on his chin, and she could feel the warmth radiating off his body. But she knew she couldn't touch him, not without waking him and potentially disrupting the peace that surrounded him.
Something old and primal flickered in her chest, a sensation she’d thought she’d locked away for good, back in the days when she was wrapped up in Sanji’s arms.
It was the same numbing fear that once haunted her, the kind that left her poised between lashing out and running until her lungs burst. All it took was a single moment of silence, a single glimpse of vulnerability, and suddenly she was back in that place: faceless threats, the sting of betrayal, the crushing sense of being small and powerless.
A tremor started in her hands and crawled up her arms, setting her heart jackhammering so hard she felt it in her throat. She pressed her lips together and tried to swallow it down, but the panic had already made itself at home, coiling in her gut and squeezing until she could hardly breathe.
“Oh god…oh god…” She mouthed the words, afraid to speak them aloud, to disturb the fragile peace that hung over the room.
Her gaze darted to Buggy’s sleeping form. Every muscle in her body screamed at her to move before something happened, before she let herself hope too much or let her guard drop and ended up shattered all over again.
But the urge wasn’t just fear; it was a battered instinct, a defense mechanism honed by heartbreak and disappointment.
Now, in the darkness, with the weight of Buggy’s arm across her waist and his even breath on the back of her neck, she felt the old panic rising. Not because she didn’t trust him, she almost hated to admit how much she did, but because the possibility of happiness now seemed infinitely more terrifying than any pirate or monster lurking in the night.
In a single, practiced motion, she began to slide from beneath his arm, careful not to wake him or disturb the covers. She kept her breath shallow, focusing on the smallest sounds: the slow inhale and exhale, the distant crash of waves against the hull, the creak of old wood settling into the night.
“I…I need to get out of here…”
She slipped out from under his arm with practiced ease, wincing when the mattress groaned.
She rose, moving with bare feet and careful steps. The ship moaned beneath her, a low, sympathetic sound, as if it too understood what it was to wake up in the middle of the night and realize you were still alive. Still tethered to something that could capsize at any moment.
Hana crept to the door, slipping through and closing it behind her with a click as soft as a heartbeat. The corridor outside was empty. Most of the crew was either passed out or on watch, and the only noise was the rhythmic slap of waves against the hull.
She padded up the stairs, one hand tracing the banister, until the open deck unfurled before her.
The night was clear and windless, the moon huge and heavy as a lantern hung just for her. It painted the deck in silver and blue, giving every rope and barrel a ghostly outline. Hana hugged her arms around herself, shivering in the sea air.
She knew every inch of the ship by now, but tonight it felt foreign and distant like stepping into someone else’s dream.
The Crow’s Nest was her destination. Always was, on nights like this. She scaled the rigging easily, muscles remembering the pattern before her mind did. The wood was rough against her palms, the rope biting into her skin, but she didn’t mind. She needed the sting. Needed to be reminded that her body still belonged to her.
At the top, she hooked her leg over the edge and sat, pulling her knees to her chest. The wind was colder here, sharper, and she let it slice through the remaining warmth of the cabin. Below, the ship cut a dark path through the water, endless blue on blue.
If she looked out, she could pretend she was alone in the world, the only living thing for miles.
She exhaled, closing her eyes against the moon. The grief wasn’t gone, but it had changed shape. Buggy had seen to that, in his own ridiculous, clumsy way.
He’d crashed into her life like a cannonball, upending everything she’d tried to carefully stack, and somehow it was…better. She hated him for it, sometimes. Hated how he made her laugh when she wanted to scream, how he made the ache in her chest feel smaller, more manageable. He gave her something to be angry about, other than herself.
Hana’s hands shook, fingers drumming against her shins. She glanced back toward the cabin, as if Buggy might materialize out of thin air, that uncanny way he had of knowing where she’d gone. But he was still asleep, she hoped, dreaming of gold and infamy.
And, god help her, probably her.
She tried to reconstruct the chain of moments that had ferried her to this improbable place: sitting in a pirate’s crow’s nest, cold and sleepless, straining to hush the din inside her own head.
Memory was a tricky bastard, she’d learned less a neat ledger than a handful of marbles scattered on the floor, rolling into odd corners, refusing to stay put. Still, she tried to follow the thread, back to the sun-bright days behind Baratie’s windows, and the lifeline of routine that had once governed her entire orbit.
Before Buggy, her world had been orderly.
Tedious, yes, but reliable.
She’d had a set schedule, and the best knives in the west blue. There was always something to clean, scrub, or set on fire, and beneath the surface-level chaos of the kitchen, there was a deep, dependable current: one plate following another, one day bleeding into the next.
She could time the dinner rush to the second, predict Patty’s inevitable meltdown before it even started, and count on Zeff’s barked orders to anchor her through even the weirdest double shifts.
She missed it, sometimes. The muscle memory of it all. The way the Baratie’s morning sunlight would catch the flecks of flour in the air and turn even the most hellish prep session into something soft-edged, almost beautiful. The surly camaraderie, the in-jokes, the way the whole place seemed to tilt and correct itself around her presence.
They’d called her “The Heart of Baratie” as a joke at first, but it had stuck, the same way every bit of grease stuck to her hair and skin no matter how hard she scrubbed.
It was simple, back then. Not painless, but simple.
Then life had detonated, and she’d been propelled into Buggy’s orbit with the force of a cannonball.
She tried to pinpoint the exact moment she’d lost control: was it the first time he’d crashed through her dining room in a tangle of bad jokes and even worse intentions?
Or maybe it was later, after he’d already memorized her soft spots:
The way she liked her drinks, the place behind her left knee that tickled when touched, the look she got when she was remembering something she didn’t want to share.
Buggy was chaos incarnate, a walking collection of sharp edges and hungry appetites, but he also had a knack for tripping over something true and tender just when she least expected it.
He could be petty and cruel, and sometimes the sound of his laughter grated her nerves raw, but then he’d say something so devastatingly honest that she couldn’t help but see herself through his eyes—a little battered, maybe, but never invisible.
Never unimportant.
The simple truth was this: he made her feel real.
Seen.
Even on the days when she wanted to murder him with a bread knife, he somehow made her feel alive in a way nothing else had, not even Baratie at its best.
She’d tried to deny it, to compartmentalize and rationalize and even ridicule the idea that she could want something so unstable, so inherently doomed.
But the feelings crept in anyway, burrowing under her skin until every part of her was infected. She hated him for that, in the lonely hours before dawn. She hated herself more.
“Why do I always come to this?! I’m always doubting myself and my time with him, but…he still proves that…he’s there for me…”
She hugged her knees tighter, watching her breath curl in the cold.
If she squinted, she could almost see the old her. The one who measured success in five-star reviews and the crispness of a perfect seafood salad, who’d believed she could keep grief at bay by simply outworking it.
That old her was still in there somewhere, but Buggy’s gravitational pull had altered her.
And it terrified her, the way parts of herself had begun to shift to accommodate him.
She remembered, suddenly, the first time she’d ever seen him genuinely afraid. It hadn’t been in battle, or even at the mercy of some Marine hotshot.
It was after their first real argument when he pulled that prank on her, and she yelled at him in anger. He’d looked at her like she was a dagger pressed to his throat.
He had joked around, but his hands shook and his smile was uneven. He felt remorseful and needed her presence.
She wasn't just a fellow crew member or someone to share a bed with; she was his anchor, preventing him from losing himself in the vast emptiness.
To make amends, he prepared that dreadful-looking dinner. Later he crafted that necklace for her and embraced her family background, not viewing her as inferior.
Moreover, he put his own life on the line to rescue her.
She’d never meant to become his anchor. She hadn’t wanted to be someone’s soft place to land, especially after losing the man she thought was the love of her life.
But here she was, shivering on the crow’s nest, listening to the wind, wishing she could turn her feelings off as easily as she flicked a switch.
She clenched her hands into fists, nails digging crescents into her skin, chasing the physical pain as a distraction. It didn’t help. The ache was deeper than that. It was an old wound that Buggy had somehow managed to both aggravate and heal, all in the same breath.
She wondered if she could live with it. The not-knowing. The constant fear that one morning she’d wake up and he’d be gone, or worse, that she’d wake up and realize she needed him more than he needed her.
She’d seen that happen to people, watched them get hollowed out by love that wasn’t returned, or was returned in the wrong shape.
She’d promised herself she’d never let it happen, not after what happened to her family, not after the long, bitter months of picking up the pieces alone. Without Sanji, the man she thought she was going to end up marrying.
But Buggy mattered. He mattered so much that it made her dizzy.
He was there for her, for better or worse.
She bit her lip, a dry, humorless laugh escaping.
“I can’t,” she whispered to the night. “I can’t fall in love again. What if he won’t…love me? I can’t lose someone again….”
The words hung in the air, swept away by the wind before they could settle.
It was the oldest fear, the one she never said out loud. She pressed her face into her knees, blinking back the sudden burn in her eyes.
Maybe she was a coward.
Maybe it was better to run, to hide in the Crow’s Nest until dawn, rather than risk having her heart broken all over again.
But she couldn’t keep away from him. That was the worst part.
For all her cleverness and bravado, she was as tethered to him as the sails were to the mast. No matter how far she climbed, he was always below, waiting to catch her if she fell.
The moon lit up the tears on her face, tiny pearls that vanished almost as soon as they formed. Hana sniffed, wiping her cheeks with the back of her hand. She looked out over the water, searching for answers in the churn and glint of the waves. None came.
She stayed that way for a long time, arms wrapped tight around her legs, breath coming in shallow, uneven bursts. The ship creaked and moaned, alive beneath her, and Hana let herself drift, just for a little while, on the motion of the sea.
Maybe, she thought, if she stayed up here long enough, the fear would go away. Maybe the cold would numb her into something like peace.
But even as she made the wish, she knew it was a lie.
The tide was coming in, and it was bringing Buggy with it, whether she wanted it or not.
Suddenly, the air grew heavy with a presence. The kind of awareness that tripped the animal instincts, made the hair on her nape prickle and every muscle flex for a fight or a flight. She quickly wiped away her tears and mentally forced herself to be alert.
The Crow’s Nest was supposed to be the one place on the ship where nobody followed her, not even the most daring of the crew.
But tonight: she wasn’t alone.
At first it was just a rustle, a hush of air displaced by something that shouldn’t be there.
She was about to write it off as a trick of nerves when another sound followed; a faint, percussive tapping, the kind that might come from a clever rat or a stowaway child.
But then she remembered whose ship she was on, and the possibilities flowered, wild and unwelcome, like mold in a forgotten breadbox.
Hana straightened, pulse thumping.
Then she saw it: a hand.
White-gloved, dirty, and unmistakably detached from a body.
It crawled up the side of the nest like a morbidly cheerful crab, fingers drumming a little song as it scaled the last stretch of rigging.
Hana stifled a gasp, but only barely. The hand flopped over the railing, waggling its fingers at her with shameless delight.
“Trying to get away from me?” came Buggy’s voice, a few seconds later, before his head even cleared the ladder. “I swear my snoring isn’t that bad!”
He arrived in pieces: hands first, then his torso, his legs, then his head, until finally the full clown captain stood on the little platform, grinning in the pale moonlight.
He looked ridiculous, which was to say, exactly like himself.
“Dammit, Buggy.” Hana pressed a hand to her heart, not sure whether to laugh or hurl him overboard. “You trying to give me a heart attack?”
He gave a sweeping bow, hatless but still managing a bit of drama.
“Sorry, darling, didn’t mean to scare you. Couldn’t help noticing you’d vanished. Again.” He leaned in, lowering his voice to something almost intimate. “I worry when you wander off, you know.”
She scoffed, but the sound lacked its usual bite. “I’m a big girl, Bugs. I can climb a ladder and be here without supervision.”
“Maybe I just like watching you be here.” His eyes glittered, the green catching all the silver in the world. “Or maybe I don’t like sleeping alone. You ever think of that?”
A flush crept up Hana’s cheeks, made worse by the way he looked at her, so direct, so infuriatingly earnest, like she was the only thing he could see in a world of distractions.
She dropped her gaze to the deck below, focusing on the churning horizon.
“What, looking for me because you got nightmares?” she teased.
“Only about you falling off this thing.” His tone shifted, a rare vulnerability peeking through. “Or you jumping off the ship. Again.”
The last word hung there, heavy and pointed.
Hana felt the guilt prickle along her spine.
She looked up, met his eyes, and found none of the scorn or mockery she expected. Only a stubborn kind of affection, one that made her want to punch him and kiss him at the same time.
He closed the gap between them in two lazy strides, settling beside her on the rail. The wind toyed with his blue ponytail, making it dance around his face in the moonlight.
“Wanna talk about what’s going on?” he asked, and for a moment his voice was gentle, stripped of its usual bravado.
She shook her head, lips pressed tight. “It’s nothing.”
“Liar.” He grinned, but it was soft at the edges, lacking venom. “C’mon, what’s eating you, babycakes?”
She hesitated, searching for words that wouldn’t sound pathetic.
“You ever get the feeling like you’re just… waiting for the ship to sink? Like, no matter how hard you try, everything’s just—”
She mimed an explosion with her hands. “Boom.”
Buggy made a thoughtful sound.
“Only every single day of my life.”
He paused, then added, “Except when you’re around. That’s more like a slow, embarrassing descent into madness, but it’s less explosive. More… pleasant, I guess.”
She snorted, unable to stop the laugh that bubbled up. “You’re such an idiot.”
“An idiot who likes you,” he said, and this time there was no joke in it. “You know that, right?”
The words landed in her chest like a heavy coin dropped in a wishing well.
She knew that, of course, but didn’t know what to do with them. Didn’t know what to do with herself. She shivered, more from nerves than cold.
Buggy noticed. Of course he did. He was good at reading people, even when he pretended not to care.
“Here,” he said, shedding his ragged coat and draping it over her shoulders.
The thing smelled like rum, gunpowder, and something sharper like the faint, persistent note of greasepaint.
She pulled it tighter, letting it shield her from the wind and the world.
“Thanks,” she muttered.
He sat with her in silence, which was maybe the most uncharacteristic thing about him. They watched the water, the moon, the shifting lights of the ship. The air between them filled with everything they weren’t saying.
Finally, Buggy broke the hush.
“Have I ever told you about the first time I saw the ocean? I mean, really saw it? I was maybe nine or ten. Roger held me up over the rail, and I puked all over his shoes.” He laughed, remembering.
Hana listened, caught off guard by the unprompted honesty in his voice.
“Never let me forget it, either. Said the sea would either kill me or make a man outta me. Guess we know which way that went.”
Hana felt a surge of unexpected empathy and connection, as if they were suddenly both standing on the edge of a vast, uncharted ocean of emotion and understanding.
Somehow, the image of all this softened all her sharp edges. It was as if a door had cracked open between them, and for a few seconds, she could peer into the room where he kept all his old hurts. Maybe, she thought, that was why he wore his colors so bright and loud.
So nobody would notice the faded bruises underneath.
She wrapped his coat tighter around her body, the sleeves hanging silly and long over her hands, then tried for a smirk.
“Are you telling me you were a sensitive little brat before you got all…this?”
Buggy pretended to preen, but he couldn’t hide the way his mouth twitched, soft instead of sneering.
“I was a very sensitive brat. Could cry on command, especially if it got me out of chores.”
She grinned, but the lightness didn’t last. The night air pressed in again, full of everything they weren’t saying.
Buggy shifted, propping his chin on his hand, elbow cocked on the rail. He stared at her like he was memorizing the shape of her face in the moonlight, and for a moment, Hana wanted to look away.
She didn’t. She couldn’t.
They were quiet for a long time, letting the wind fill the space where comfort should have been.
It was Buggy who broke the silence, his voice weirdly tentative.
“I guess what I mean is… you don’t have to stay tough all the time. Even the best people fall off the rail, sometimes. Or puke on their captain.”
Hana felt a laugh shatter inside her, sharp and a little bit desperate.
She realized, suddenly, why he was telling her this.
He wasn’t just talking about himself. He was talking about her. About the way she never let herself be weak, or sad, or even just scared.
About how she wore her own pain like a badge, refusing to let anyone see the little girl behind the mask.
Her throat tightened. She looked away, hiding her face in the shadows.
So when she finally spoke, the words came out small and strange, a question she hardly meant to ask.
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Because,” he said, turning toward her, “I don’t want to be the kind of man who lets things slip away. Not anymore.”
His hand, detached but warm, settled over hers. The weight of it was reassuring, grounding her even as her pulse raced.
She looked down at their joined hands, then up at his face, searching for the punchline.
There wasn’t one. He was just…there.
Present. Waiting for her to meet him halfway.
Her eyes traced the lines of his face, the strong jaw, the hint of stubble, the gentle curve of his lips. She felt like she was seeing him in almost a new light.
A slow, thrilling heat that started in her gut and spread outward, filling the empty places she’d kept hidden.
The heat that started in her chest traveled outward, a slow, insistent burn. It pooled in her belly, then in her fingertips, then in the wild, traitorous beat of her heart. She wanted to blame the night air, the exhaustion, but she knew better.
This was real. It was terrifying.
She didn’t realize how tightly she was gripping the edge of the coat until her knuckles went white. And she didn’t realize how close Buggy had moved until the tip of his nose hovered just inches from hers.
She could see the tiny flecks of brown in his irises, the way his eyelashes looked absurdly delicate for a man who’d stabbed at least three people before breakfast.
He said nothing, just watched her, waiting.
A hundred things to say flashed through her brain, witty or cruel or evasive, but none of them made it past her teeth. Instead, and with a recklessness that surprised even herself, Hana reached across the narrow space and took his hand. It was large, warm, and callused, surprisingly gentle as it curled around hers.
The touch sent a bolt of electricity up her arm, straight to the part of her brain that still believed in hope.
And then, before she could think twice, before she could armor herself with sarcasm or fear, she squeezed his hand, surprising them both.
“Me neither,” she whispered, and then, without thinking, she kissed him.
It started awkwardly.
An eager lean-in, a clash of teeth, noses bumping, breath hitching in surprise. But neither pulled away. If anything, they lingered in that awkward closeness, caught in a haze of rising heat and something far more dangerous than simple affection.
Buggy’s hands found her waist like he was unsure whether to pull her closer or steady himself. Her body answered for him, pressing forward just enough to whisper yes without a sound. His arms tightened around her, his grip bold now, anchoring her against him like he couldn’t bear the idea of letting go. His lips, hot and slightly chapped, brushed hers again, slower this time.
Less panic. More want.
God, she’s soft…
Why does he taste so good?…
His breath was salty, tinged with sweat and sea air, but it was him, and that made it intoxicating. He kissed her like she was the last safe place in a storm.
And Hana, usually so measured, always in control, let herself tip into it, heart-first. It made her previous worry and nervousness slowly ease from her mind.
Her hands slid up his chest, fingers curling into his shirt like she needed something to hold on to, like her pulse wasn’t thundering in her throat.
He’s not supposed to feel this good…
She’s gonna ruin me…
Their mouths moved in rhythm now, desperate and coaxing, a quiet war of who could make the other lose control first. Heat crackled between them, barely restrained, coiled tight like a rope about to snap.
When they finally broke apart, their lips remained dangerously close, their bodies still trembling with the heat of their unspoken desires.
Buggy’s breath caught in his throat as he stared at her, green eyes wide, pupils blown, mouth slick and parted. He looked so beautiful when he was flushed.
His gaze dipped to her lips again, then her neck, then back up like he didn’t know where to look without losing it.
“You wanna... do something up here?” he rasped, voice low and rough like gravel and sin. “In front of the whole damn sea?”
Hana’s smile curved slowly and wicked, her breath brushing his cheek as she leaned in—not to kiss, but to murmur against his ear.
“I don’t know, clown.” she teased “Maybe we’ll fall, maybe we’ll get in trouble….”
“Not a chance,” he growled, his pride and something deeper curling in his chest. He dipped his head and nipped at her jaw, then trailed hot, deliberate kisses down her neck, each one stamped with intention. Possession. Craving.
“I like a good audience,” he purred, though his voice cracked just slightly, betraying how close he was to falling apart in her arms.
And oh, how she wanted to watch him unravel.
His detached now ungloved hand slid up her thigh, bold but cautious, waiting for her to stop him.
She didn’t. Instead, she shifted closer, the cold railing pressing into her stomach, the wind snapping at her hair.
The sensation of exposure—up here, above it all—was intoxicating.
Buggy’s fingers ghosted along her waist, sending shivers up her spine. She was aware of every touch, every brush, every slight pressure. His lips grazed her collarbone, then her shoulder, and she shivered again, this time from want.
After a few minutes, Buggy’s fidgeting grew more pronounced. He kept stealing glances at her, as if trying to work up the nerve to say something.
“What?” she finally asked.
He licked his lips, suddenly all nerves.
“Can I… I mean… Can I touch you more?” He tried to keep it light, but there was a tremor in his voice.
“After everything, I just want to…uh, make you feel good. Only if you want. You can tell me to stop whenever.”
She blinked, surprised by the formality. Maybe she shouldn’t have been. He was always loud and brash, but underneath it all, he was as scared as anyone else of being left alone.
“Yeah,” she said. “I want that.”
He grinned, wide and silly. “Okay then. But turn around for me. I want to see you in the moonlight.”
She complied with his request, standing up and turning towards the ocean. Her robe slid down her back, revealing her shoulders to the night air as it dropped to the ground, showcasing her silk nightgown. The gown shone in the moonlight, slick and almost translucent. Goosebumps appeared on her skin—not from the chill, but from expectation.
Hana heard Buggy inhale sharply; the cool air made her nipples hard beneath the fabric, and out of the corner of her eyes, she didn’t miss the way his gaze tracked the outline.
Buggy’s hands found her waist, rough and callused from years of work and fighting. He slid them up, tracing her spine with a gentle, almost reverent touch.
The contrast between the cold air and his warm skin made her arch back instinctively as she braced her hands on the railing of the platform.
“God, you’re gorgeous,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to the nape of her neck.
She shuddered, the sensation electric. His hands moved lower and with a showman’s flourish, he gathered her skirt of her nightgown and hiked it up over her ass, baring her to the moonlight and the wind.
He cupped her cheek, squeezing lightly.
“Best view on the Grand Line,” he joked, but his voice was thick with sincerity.
She laughed, her heart hammering in her chest.
He traced his fingers along the curve of her thighs, sliding them forward between her legs. She sucked in a breath, the cool night air mixing with the molten heat building between her legs. She parted them without thinking, offering herself up to him. His hand slipped over her, finding her already slick and wanting.
He groaned, low and guttural.
“You’re so wet,” he said, a mixture of pride and awe.
“Don’t get cocky,” she shot back, but the words dissolved into a gasp as his hand went underneath her underwear and his fingers pressed against her clit, circling with expert precision.
Her face flushed with arousal, her eyes closed and mouth open in a mixture of pleasure and defiance.
She moaned, soft at first, then louder as his touch grew more insistent. The sounds were lost to the wind, carried out to sea where nobody but the stars could hear.
She gripped the edge of the cool railing, knuckles white. The rocking of the ship added a strange, thrilling rhythm to his motions. Each gentle sway of the Crow’s Nest made her press back harder against his hand.
Buggy’s breath was hot against her ear.
“That’s it,” he murmured, his words vibrating down her spine.
He slid a finger inside her, slow at first, testing. Then two. She moaned, burying her face downwards to muffle the sound. Every touch of his fingers on her sensitive skin was like a jolt of electricity, building her desire and need for him.
“You like that?” he whispered, voice all dirty sweetness.
She let out a broken moan, too high and desperate for her own liking. Below, the deck was black and empty, but it felt like every star in the sky was watching her lose it.
“Look at the deck,” he whispered. “No, look out into the sea. You’re the queen of it right now.”
She did. The ship stretched away beneath her, the ocean beyond, and for a heartbeat, she felt invincible.
The stars above seemed to twinkle brighter as they watched her succumb to ecstasy. The dark, expansive ocean below only added to the sense of danger and forbidden excitement.
He pushed her harder, the pressure just shy of too much, and his mouth found the back of her neck, right on her wine colored birthmark. He kissed and bit her there, leaving small bruises that would be very visible to onlookers.
Buggy’s breath was warm against her neck, but it sent a cold ripple down her spine. His voice came soft, too soft, like the hush right before a blade sinks in.
“I’m not a patient man,” he murmured, the words slow and razor-edged. “It’s been torture watching you, waiting for you to let me fuck you…”
God.
Her knees nearly buckled.
She’d gotten used to his showboating, the theatrical arrogance, the clownish grin that masked sharper teeth. But this.
This was the reminder.
Oh right.
He’s a pirate.
And a dangerous one.
Her breath stuttered. Not from fear exactly… but something far more reckless. That low, commanding tone curled around her like smoke, and she could already feel the heat building in her coiling tight.
It scared her how much she wanted him like this.
Unleashed, unfiltered.
“But I want you to beg for it,” he said, lips barely grazing her ear now. “I want you to need it. Need me.”
Her pulse pounded in her throat. She hated how easily he could reduce her to this; how her body betrayed her with every breathless second.
“And when you finally say yes…” His grin stretched wide, wicked. “I’m going to make you scream my name like a prayer.”
Hana swallowed hard.
She wasn’t sure if she wanted to run… or drop to her knees.
"God," she gasped, "you're such a bastard—"
He chuckled against her skin. "And you love it."
His mouth claimed her birthmark, kissing, biting, tasting it like it belonged to him. Each nip was a promise and a warning, his way of saying this is mine without ever letting the words slip.
God, it was beautiful; uniquely hers and dangerously perfect.
The color drove him wild. Rich and dark like the kind of expensive wine only the most arrogant bastards got to sip. Or better yet, like the blood from someone who’d dared to lay a hand on her. The thought made his grip on her tighten, pulling her closer until there wasn’t a breath between them.
This was his. This mark, this skin, this woman. Every inch of her. He wanted the world to know it. He wanted anyone who looked at her to see him in the way she moved, breathed, lived.
“Don’t you dare stop,” she hissed, grinding her hips back against his touch.
With a wicked grin, he popped his fingers off at the knuckle, letting them work deeper inside her while the other detached digits circled her clit with perfect, relentless focus.
Hana nearly lost her balance, clutching at the railing for dear life.
“Holy shit,” she gasped.
The Devil Fruit powers should have been off-putting, but instead they made her want to scream.
“Yeah?” Buggy’s pride was obvious, even as he bit down softly on her shoulder. “You ever had a man touch you like this?”
“Not in this life,” she groaned, the combination of pleasure and embarrassment making her giddy.
The wind tugged at her hair, plastering it to her face. She looked down, realizing how high they were above the rest of the ship and how visible they might be, if anyone cared to look. The danger of it made her pulse race even faster.
She risked a glance over her shoulder. Buggy’s eyes were glued to admiring her slickness and his working fingers, his own arousal obvious and straining against his pants. His tongue darted out, wetting his lips.
“God, I could just eat you up,” he said, half-joking, half-feral.
She didn’t doubt it for a second.
The hand he left on her hip squeezed, guiding her closer, aligning their bodies so she could feel the hard press of him even through his pants. He rocked against her, grinding with a slow, deliberate rhythm.
He leaned in, continuing to nip at her neck and shoulders, alternating between soft kisses and sharp bites that left faint marks blooming on her skin. She whimpered, pushing back into his hand, desperate for more.
Buggy’s detached fingers curled inside her, finding the spot that made her knees threaten to give out. He worked her with an almost inhuman rhythm, murmuring encouragement all the while.
He worked her faster, both hands syncing up until she felt her legs go numb. The rocking of the ship pitched her forward, and for a second she thought she’d lose her balance. Buggy steadied her, hand locked around her waist, holding her in place so she could feel every inch of him, every flick and thrust and twist of his fingers.
She wiggled her ass against him, grinding into the hardness she felt through his pants. The friction made her gasp, and she felt him jerk in response, losing a little bit of that clown composure he wore like armor.
"God, you’re killing me," he muttered, nipping at her ear.
She braced herself against the railing, letting her head fall forward, trusting he’d keep her safe if the ship’s sway threatened to send her overboard.
Hana was barely aware of the world as Buggy’s hands and mouth had reduced her to a pulsing, desperate need. Her legs trembled, her chest heaved, and her nipples throbbed in the cool wind, every nerve ending raw and exquisitely alive.
“B-Buggy,” she managed, her voice wrecked and hoarse.
Buggy’s hips rocked into her, his cock rubbing against her through his clothes, and she realized he was just as desperate as she was.
Hana couldn’t help the sounds she made. A half-moan, half-laugh, but also reckless hunger. The Crow’s Nest felt impossibly small, a stage built for two and their shared depravity. She caught movement on the deck far below, a few crew mates smoking or pissing over the side, oblivious to the drama unfolding overhead.
The risk of being caught made her wetter, and Buggy seemed to know it, pushing her limits with every thrust of his hand. He pressed his mouth to her shoulder, biting hard enough to mark her, then soothed the sting with his tongue.
It was a primal dance, a wild symphony of bodies moving in rhythm, fueled by the intoxicating mix of danger and desire. Buggy's every touch was like fire, igniting her senses and sending her spiraling into a frenzy of pleasure.
She arched back, forcing more contact, and was rewarded with a strangled groan from Buggy. He rutted against her, urgent and needy, the pressure growing with every frantic pulse of her hips.
“Baby, if you keep that up, I’m gonna lose it,” he said, voice more raw than she’d ever heard.
“That’s the idea,” she shot back, and braced herself, arching even harder.
He picked up her rhythm instantly, meeting each of her pushes with a savage grind of his own. The fabric of his pants was rough on her skin, the friction deliciously obscene, and Buggy’s cock felt enormous, threatening to rip straight through the layers separating them.
The night air, the possibility of being caught, the sheer audacity of it all—it drove her wild.
He bent over her, teeth at her ear, and whispered: “You’re gonna make me come in my pants.”
She moaned, high and helpless, as his fingers worked her harder, faster, in perfect time with his desperate thrusts. She felt him tremble against her, every muscle tense and straining.
“Do it,” she said, breathless. “I want to feel you.”
Buggy lost what little restraint he’d been clinging to. He slammed his hips forward, the motion grinding his cock directly against her ass, while his fingers pumped her with frantic abandon.
“Come for me,” he urged. “Let it go, baby. Let everyone on this ship know you belong to me.”
The words, filthy and possessive, sent her spiraling. Her orgasm was building, raw and insistent, and she let herself chase it, let herself believe she deserved every second. She gripped the railing with both hands, eyes squeezed shut as she bit down on her lips to muffle the scream, but some of it still escaped.
Buggy wasn’t far behind. He rutted against her, burying his face in the crook of her neck. When it broke, she saw stars, her entire body shaking with release, a wild, unfiltered sound that flew out over the sea.
The veins in Buggy's neck stood out as he let out a guttural groan. Buggy bit down on her shoulder, hard enough to leave a mark, and groaned into her skin as he came, the force of it nearly knocking her forward over the rail. She felt the heat of his climax as he came in his pants, hips stuttering, hands digging into her flesh.
They rode out the aftershocks together, clinging to each other, every inch of their bodies burning. Buggy’s hands never stopped moving. He milked every last pulse from her, and coaxed every after-spasm until Hana was left a shivering, breathless mess.
Below, someone shouted, a drunken curse carried up on the wind, completely oblivious to the depravity above him. She almost laughed, dizzy with adrenaline and release.
Finally, the tension snapped. Buggy let out a long, ragged sigh and slumped against her back, both of them held upright only by the sturdy wood of the Crow’s Nest and whatever remained of their dignity.
For a long moment, there was only the sound of the wind and the pounding of their own hearts. They stayed like that for a long minute, bodies locked, hearts pounding in unison. The silence was broken only by the rush of blood in her ears and Buggy’s ragged breaths.
When she finally slumped backward, boneless and breathless, Buggy’s arms caught her around the waist. He pulled her upright, pressing kisses along her shoulder and up to her jaw.
Finally, Hana laughed, the sound weak but bright. "You’re a mess," she said, twisting to look at him.
His hair was wild, the paint on his lips smudged, and he looked so pleased with himself she wanted to smack him.
"Could say the same for you," he shot back, running a finger between her legs and collecting the proof of her pleasure.
He held it up, waggling his eyebrows. "Care to clean up your own mess?"
She snorted. "You made it. You clean it."
Buggy’s smile went sharp.
"Let me enjoy this treat first," he said, voice thick with satisfaction.
He sucked his fingers into his mouth, tongue curling around them. He made a show of it as he licked them clean one by one, eyes locked on hers the entire time.
“Mmm,” he said, savoring the taste. “You know, I think I just found my new favorite dessert.”
As she bit her lip and rolled her eyes, a blush spread across her cheeks, making them rosy with embarrassment.
However, her eyes sparkled with amusement as she watched Buggy's playful antics. His own face was flushed with desire, but he didn't try to hide it. Instead, he showed off his confidence and boldness, making her feel braver and more empowered.
He pulled her in, pressing a kiss to her mouth; soft, surprisingly tender.
"You okay?" he asked, searching her face for cracks.
She nodded, letting her head rest on his shoulder. "Yeah. I’m good."
He grinned against her cheek. “Good. Didn’t want you falling overboard again.”
She managed a weak laugh, leaning into his embrace. The night was cold, but she was warm from the inside out.
Buggy gathered her robe and all, and settled them both onto the floor of the Crow’s Nest. He held her close, hands tracing lazy circles over her thigh.
For a while, they just watched the stars together, her head resting against his shoulder.
Buggy had settled in behind her, his arms around her waist, chin hooked over her shoulder. His breath tickled her ear, hot and damp. She could feel the thrum of his heart against her back, almost in time with her own, and for a moment she let herself believe that nothing in the world could reach them up here.
It was a beautiful lie, and she wanted it.
"Ready to head down?" he asked.
She shook her head. "Not yet."
He grinned. "Me neither."
They sat together like that, her head nestled under his jaw, the silence thick but not uncomfortable. The wind tousled his blue hair until it whipped her cheek, and when she looked over, he was grinning. Not the big, bombastic stage smile, but a small one, a little crooked, like he didn't know what to do with it.
Why does he look so damn good right now?
Eventually, she broke the quiet.
"Is this your move?" she said. "Bring girls up here and... fingerblast them where the whole world can see?"
Buggy made a show of considering. "No. My usual move is to drop them overboard after, but you ruined that by almost dying the first time."
She smacked him on the shoulder, the sound echoing over the water.
They continued to watch the sea, until her legs stopped trembling. Buggy helped her straighten her clothes, fingers lingering at her waist and spine.
He was gentler now, the edge of desperation dulled by satisfaction, but his affection was no less intense.
"Well, next time," Hana said, wiping at her face with the back of her hand, "It’s my turn."
Buggy grinned, eyes flashing. "Deal. But only if we do it somewhere with a mattress. I don’t want to explain to my crew why their captain fell off his own damn ship."
Hana snorted, tilting her head back. The laugh shook something loose in her, but when she lifted her gaze again, he was already watching her.
Neither looked away immediately.
Her fingers toyed with the wood underneath her, nails clicking softly against it. His thumb tapped against his knee, restless.
A gust swept through, carrying the scent of salt and the faint spice from the galley far below. Her hair caught in it, a strand brushing across his wrist. He didn’t move. She didn’t either.
Somewhere below, someone shouted and was answered with laughter. Up here, it felt quieter than it should.
Buggy shifted, the movement small. His knee angled closer to hers, enough that they touched for half a second before the sway of the ship pulled them apart again. Her hand twitched toward him before she folded it into her lap and they looked away from each other.
The minutes stretched, unbroken except for the creak of wood and the steady thrum of the waves. They kept their eyes forward, watching the horizon, but both leaned just slightly in, as if the distance between them might close on its own.
After a few more quiet moments, they made their way down the ladder, the world below unchanged and yet entirely different.
Back in the cabin, Buggy changed his clothes, pulling on sleepwear pants. His fingers lingered as he drew the blanket over her shoulders, his arm heavy across her waist. She pressed her ear to his chest, counting the steady drum beneath his ribs. Each beat seemed to echo something dangerous into her bones, something that spread warmth from her center outward.
Her own pulse quickened in response. She squeezed her eyes shut against the whispers rising in her chest, trying to drown them in the rhythm of his breathing.
Not this.
Not him.
Not when everything was already so complicated.
As she drifted off, Buggy’s eyes stayed open, narrowed on the rise and fall of her chest under the thin cotton. He tried not to notice how his own lungs were traitors, syncing up with hers like they’d signed some contract behind his back. The cabin air was heavy salt, sweat, and… something else that made his throat tighten.
Every breath she took yanked him deeper into waters he swore he’d never sail, no maps, no compass, just him getting pulled under like some pathetic fool.
His hand slapped against his chest as if he could physically pin the flutter down.
Ugh, shit! Not this crap again. Knock it off, heart, or I swear I’ll rip you out!
The chambers Fang and Reaper called home were less a lair and more a baroque catastrophe of velvet, preserved animal heads, and oddly delicate glassware. No light entered that hadn’t been filtered through stained glass or the haze of chain-smoked cigarettes.
At the moment, both men were locked in what could generously be called a strategy session though in practice, it was two grown men sharing a footbath and arguing about the proper ratio of lemon oil to human blood for treating hangnails.
Fang—half-dressed in a dragon-patterned robe, one nipple still bleeding from a fresh scratch, cradled the purloined necklace like it was a relic or a rare disease. He’d spent the better part of an hour polishing each link, every facet of fake ruby, running his tongue over the suspiciously warm chain as if taste alone would divine its value. Now, he hunched over the vanity, gold scales slicked with oil, and squinted at the pendant with mounting fury.
“I’m telling you,” he said, slapping the bauble onto the marble and making it jump, “this shit isn’t real.”
Across the room, Reaper lounged in an antique clawfoot tub filled with what might have been brine, gin, or just really dirty seawater. Only his head, slicked back and so pale it looked like it had never met sunlight, broke the surface. A monocle (stolen, naturally) glimmered in one eye.
Fang glared at him, baring his pointed teeth. “Don’t ignore me, you graveyard ornament. The necklace, the one that’s supposed to be our ticket to a ten-year retirement and maybe some decent dental. This necklace is fake!”
“Impossible,” Reaper murmured, voice muffled by the glass he was sipping from. “I watched her lift it from her neck. I saw the way she hesitated. That was real gold. The girl’s not clever enough to scam us.”
Fang snorted, then bared his fangs at the vanity’s reflection. “Maybe you’re not clever enough to notice a scam. And don’t get me started on her—she’s not a girl, she’s a shark. Or a jellyfish. Or something. Did you see the eyes on her?”
Reaper set his glass aside, rising in one fluid motion that sent water (and several unidentifiable objects) sloshing onto the floor. He oozed across the planks, dripping as he went, and plucked the necklace from Fang’s hand with skeletal delicacy. He squinted at the pendant, turned it over, then bit into one link with a pointed canine.
“Not even plated,” he declared. “It’s a clever fake, but still a fake. They must have switched it.”
“‘They’ is a very generous way of saying you let her get away with it,” Fang shot back, bristling with old grudges. “You’re supposed to be the brains of this operation.”
“And you’re supposed to be the muscle, but I seem to recall you let her put you through a wall last time.”
“Wasn’t my fault! She—she scratched me!” He yanked his robe open, exposing the stitched crescent still healing on his chest. “This is going to scar. I’ll never get work on my left side again.”
Reaper ignored the wound, turning the necklace in the gaslight with a surgeon’s focus. “What about the blood?”
They both fell silent. For a long moment, only the drip of seawater and the distant throb of the ship’s engines could be heard.
Fang glanced at the battered manila envelope propped up on the sideboard, marked “DO NOT OPEN EXCEPT IN EMERGENCY.” He grimaced. “We filled the damn vial herself as she bled. Looks real enough, but… you want to test it?”
Reaper did not answer immediately. Instead, he reached for the envelope, peeled back the wax seal with a nail, and produced the vial. The blood inside was a strange shade—red, yes, but with an iridescent sheen. Not human, not quite fish. Something else.
They both stared.
Finally, Reaper said, “It’s enough for the boss, but it won’t buy his forgiveness for this.” He gestured with the necklace, and his lips twisted in a sneer. “We’re dead if we don’t fix this.”
“Maybe we kill her?” Fang suggested, hopeful.
Reaper tutted. “Not enough. We need to get her clown. Make him bleed in a way that doesn’t heal.”
The two locked eyes, and for the first time all evening, the room’s temperature seemed to drop.
Fang grinned, all teeth. “We could turn her in to Sabaody. Or, hell, cut her up and sell the parts. Mermaids always get a good price, even if they’re ugly.”
Reaper’s mouth curled in distaste, but he did not object. “First, we need to verify the blood. Then, we plan.”
He tapped the necklace against his chin, thoughtful. “You realize this means war.”
Fang looked delighted. “About time.”
The two stood, side by side, in the ruined luxury of their chamber—one dripping, the other still oiled and bleeding—and gazed out the porthole toward the churning, endless blue. Outside, the moonlit sea sparkled with malice.
Inside, the new alliance—spiteful, ridiculous, and fueled by the promise of vengeance—was ready to hunt.
====
The so-called “research suite” of the syndicate looked more like a slaughterhouse for sickly circus animals than a place of learning. Fang and Reaper entered it with the swagger of men who’d once been called “rising stars” in the organization, though now they mostly attracted attention for the volume of their failures and the smell.
At the center of the room stood a tank: glass, metal, and a forest of tubes running out of it. Its occupant was neither dead nor alive, but floating a hybrid of fish and man, eyes rolling in opposite directions, mouth working in lazy circles.
The assistant, a hunched homunculus in a stained lab coat, scurried to greet them. “Did you bring it?” he squeaked, hands outstretched with glee.
Fang produced the vial with a flourish, and the assistant grabbed it, cradling the blood like a holy relic. “Genuine merfolk,” he breathed. “Boss is going to cream himself.”
“Don’t do that in front of me,” Fang said, lip curling.
Reaper ignored them, gazing around the suite at the various failed specimens. On one counter, a row of jars held pickled organs labeled “shark hybrid?” and “manatee?!!” In the far corner, a limp tentacle hung from the ceiling, still twitching every now and then.
The assistant hurried to the testing rig, a battered centrifuge next to a rack of brightly colored fluids. He loaded the vial, cranked the dial, and waited as it spun itself into a frenzy. The whole thing rattled like it might disintegrate at any moment.
After a minute, the machine spat out a clear layer and a dark, shimmering layer. The assistant pipetted the latter onto a slide, then shoved it under a microscope. He gasped.
“It’s…different. Not mermaid, not human. A hybrid? No…wait—” He adjusted the focus, eyes growing wider with every second.
“Spit it out,” Fang barked. “What’s wrong with it?”
The assistant wrenched up from the scope, shaking. “There’s a mutation. It’s contaminated—no, diluted. See these proteins?” He jabbed at a screen, where colored lines danced in insane patterns. “She’s not a pure mermaid. This won’t fetch us more than a handful of Berries. Maybe less.”
Reaper hissed. “You sure?”
“Positive. Boss is gonna flip.”
As if on cue, a speaker crackled on the wall. “Fang. Reaper. Office. Now.” The voice was like a cat’s tongue: rough, dry, and promising nothing but pain.
The two men exchanged a look. Then, with matching shrugs, they left the assistant to his doomed experiments and headed for the inner sanctum.
====
Rook Caius, head of the syndicate, was as old as he was unkillable. He perched behind a desk that resembled a sacrificial altar, its surface littered with half-eaten fruit and the occasional finger bone. His skin had the pallor of wax fruit, and his hair was white and pressed flat against his skull, as if he’d tried to suffocate it.
When Fang and Reaper entered, Caius did not look up. He traced patterns on the desk with a quill, each line just shy of carving through the wood.
“Sit,” he said, and it was not a suggestion.
They obeyed.
Caius’s eyes were violet, a color that did not exist in nature or in kindness. He finally looked up, gaze like a snake’s, and set the quill down.
“You brought me a fake necklace,” he said. “You brought me blood that’s worth less than a bucket of chum. And you expect not to be vaporized on the spot?”
Reaper cleared his throat. “We didn’t know the necklace was a fake. The girl—”
“The girl,” Caius interrupted, voice chilling, “just cost us a month’s profit. You promised me pure mermaid blood. Instead, I get the cast-offs from a sailor’s wet dream.”
Fang leaned forward, desperate to salvage something. “The clown’s still in play, boss. I heard he’s got Devil Fruit powers. Maybe two. He could be worth more than both.”
Caius’s smile was a slow, creeping thing. “Then why haven’t you brought me his head?”
Fang’s bravado faltered.
Caius steepled his fingers. “You have one more chance. Bring me the clown, alive. And this time, don’t get tricked by some gutter-dwelling halfbreed.”
Reaper nodded, jaw clenched. “We’ll bait him with the girl. Or kill her. We know where they’re headed.”
Caius clapped his hands once, sharp as a pistol shot. “Excellent. Do not disappoint me again, gentlemen. I’d hate to see what your own blood looks like under a scope.”
He waved a hand, and they knew they were dismissed.
Outside the office, Fang sagged against the wall. “This is a death sentence,” he muttered.
Reaper grinned, teeth as white as bone. “Only if we lose.”
They shared a grim, hollow laugh, then set off to plan the next phase of their vendetta.
Back in the lab, the assistant peered at the hybrid blood, wondering what it would do if injected into a living thing. He made a note to try it, maybe on a rat or if he got lucky on the clown himself.
From the uppermost deck, Rook Caius watched the storm gather on the horizon. He smiled, baring fangs sharp enough to cut glass.
He could almost smell the blood already.
hannahbarberra162 on Chapter 1 Fri 03 Jan 2025 04:06AM UTC
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moldy bento beans (ry0men_sukunaa) on Chapter 1 Thu 13 Feb 2025 03:03AM UTC
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hannahbarberra162 on Chapter 1 Mon 17 Feb 2025 12:52AM UTC
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ostrichriderforever on Chapter 4 Fri 31 Jan 2025 05:13AM UTC
Last Edited Fri 31 Jan 2025 05:14AM UTC
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moldy bento beans (ry0men_sukunaa) on Chapter 4 Thu 13 Feb 2025 09:47PM UTC
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Please_Continue on Chapter 15 Fri 27 Dec 2024 08:23PM UTC
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moldy bento beans (ry0men_sukunaa) on Chapter 19 Mon 17 Feb 2025 02:38AM UTC
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moldy bento beans (ry0men_sukunaa) on Chapter 20 Fri 28 Feb 2025 04:02AM UTC
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DisireDoyenne (Guest) on Chapter 26 Sun 07 Sep 2025 05:23PM UTC
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