Chapter Text
A boring island with boring people...atleast... that's how you see it. You seek freedom, away from school, away from your planned out future as a marine. You want none of that, you want to be the one to decide. But they won't let you and you don't know why. It makes you furious and frustrated and, and! and!! You can't even put it into words anymore !! You want to be freed from this cage....
5th July 7am - reader [age:17]
7am...mhm great. Uff...you're feeling incredibly tired. You tried to get up before your mom starts shouti-
" [NAME] !! GET DOWN HERE ALREADY !"
'Speak of the devil' you thought. You got up and scrubbed up your uniform from the floor, gave it a quick sniff and scrunched your face a bit in the process. You quickly shrugged it off. It will be fine for today. You hope.
The uniform was a white button up with a black-and-red striped tie, which went a bit further below your chest. The jacket that went with it was pretty tight on the arms and sides BUT...you still rolled up the sleeves just so that the bracelets Haruko made you were visible. They are just too cute.
The skirts in this school were to short for your taste so you made your own boot cut pants in black and cut the skirt up to add it over it, it looked cute, better than before that's for sure. The teachers scolded you for it at first but you. Don't. Care. You are not wearing these weird skirts.
One last look in the mirror, a quick pad to the sides and you were ready,....no your hair, damn it !
You brushed through it, to quick, it hurt, you cussed, eventually got it to look a decent state. Wanted to tie it up, it didn't look the way you wanted it to, gave up, left it open.
7:10 am
After lots of cussing and a stylistic crises you went downstairs.
"Ah, finally, took you long enough."
You looked up at your mom with tired eyes and hummed, didn't really have the energy to come up with words yet or any human interactions.
"well, well, well, looks like someone's been up too long again. Tch.I told you to go to sleep early and not waste your precious sleeping time with knitting new clothes."
Mom said while stuffing a lunch package into your bag and closing it afterwards. You rolled your eyes and made your way to the bathroom, to brush your teeth and wash your face.
You went out and walked straight up to the bag, now sitting on the kitchen counter, grabbed it and through it over your shoulder.
Mom was sitting on one of the stools at the kitchen counter and drank her coffee. She looked up at you with a warm smile.
"Sengoku is coming over this afternoon." You looked up at her "The ship docked this morning, yes...he has the materials you requested and he also wanted to discuss your marine work again."
This again, how much it bothers you, apparently your mom saw the visible annoyance on your face.
"Don't make that face, you should be grateful."
"Yeah, whatever, I'm going."
With that you left and stepped outside. It was bright and sunny, no clouds so the sun was shining upon everything. Our house was small and simple, it laid on one of the side roads that lead to the main road. The main road led straight to the harbor, we were closer to the docks, than to the inner part of the city. The school laid further on the top so you had to walk up the streets everyday.
You sighed and made your way to the main road. It was bussing with traders, marine officers, students and travellers. Misty Harbor was known for its fashion and high reputation, it was a decent wealthy island with no high socially hierarchy. That made it better than most other islands and very attractive to new found families or people who want to start a new life.
But to you it was cage.
Yes, the nature is pretty, the people are kind and Pirates don't even dare to lay dock here because of the frequent visits of marine officers. It's a trade city after all, living from its peace and good quality production. Any disturbance shines a negative light to the trade and marines.
You took a look to your left and saw the wide ocean sparkle in the distance. How much you yearn to steal a boat and sail to wherever the wind takes you. But you're not foolish enough for such a dangerous adventure, the second you step further away a marine ship will catch you or worse, you sail further away and get massacred by pirates, or possibly worse.
You're not taking your chances.
A familiar voice pushes you out of your thoughts and you look to your right to see Haruko running down the streets while waving dramatically at you. Her orange-yellowish hair is moving drastically in the wind and her eyes were wide open, sparkling in a toxic green.
"[NAME] !!!!!"
People around her were trying to get out her way before getting run over. You put your palm over your forehead and tried to hide your embarrassment by lowering your head.
When she finally held in front of you. She breathed heavy, wide goofy grin splattered on her face. She had her hands on each side of her hip, standing tall and proud while looking down on you. She is 2 meters tall after all... [6'5ft]
"*Huff* I-...*pant*....I ran as fast *Huff* as I could *uff* ......damn I'm out of breath."
"Calm down tiger." You said while laughing slightly at her.
"Didn't have to run all the way down here, I would've walked up anyways."
Haruko kneeled down a bit and rested her hands on her knees, while breathing out loud. She looks really exhausted. Eyebrows scrunched up together, eyes closed and cheeks flushed while a sweat tear rolled down the left side of her face.
"UGHHHH !! I thought you overslept againuuhh ! I ran as fast as I could so we would make it in time !!" She breathed out while looking up at you with a pouting face.
"I can tell you ran fast, but it's unnecessary~ I'm right on time." You proudly stated, while raising your left hand to pat her head teasingly, ruining her well made hair in the process. A cheeky grin spread across your lips.
She slapped your hand away and fixed her hair, while you just giggled at her and slowly started walking up the direction she came from. She was quick to follow and started a conversation with you, about things that pissed her off...again.
Haruko was a devil fruit user, she ate some fruit that let her turn into a wyvern, some kind of dragon mix but they only have two legs. She ate it accidentally when she was younger and from then was stuck in the hybrid form.
Her skin was a light blue hue, her eyes shine in a toxic green and the usually white was a greyish black. Her hair shines in a dark orange that fades into a bright yellow, it went a bit further below her shoulders. She has two rather thin but standing tall horns at the center of her head reaching up, while two little ones are right next to them in a light orange. Her nose is flat and from the base up to her eyes extended kind of spikey scales in the same orange color. They ended right above her eyelid. Her ears are pointy and her teeth sharp, a set even extended over her lips.
Her tail was huge with the same spikey scales crowning the top.
Lots of people were scared of her and still are. You can't blame them. You were unsure of her at first too, when you met each other back when you were 10 years old. But you learned to love her for it and it does look sick. It makes you jealous, that she gets to skip swim classes though.
7:25 am
You and Haruko went up the crowded streets till you landed at the fountain. It's the center of the city, full of stores and travelers who sell their wares or even buy them from others.
You still had 20 minutes till school starts and it was a 10 minute walk away, so you and your friend decided to go into the clothing store of auntie Emma to pay her a visit but also to see what kind of new set of clothes she got.
As you went in, the bell of the door rang and she instantly looked up from behind the counter to greet you. She gave you and Haruko a bright smile and Haruko instantly got into a conversation with her. You decided to look around and see what kind of new stuff she had so you went to the back.
Misty Harbor is known for all sorts of fashion. Luxurious, elegant, casual, alternative, didn't matter, you can find anything! You love clothes more than anything. So chilling and looking around in stores like auntie Emma's gave you peace.
As you stepped into the back, two other men were already looking at some of the more patterned clothes. One is a way to tall blond, the other one, a head shorter, with a black bowl cut.
You've never seen them before and they certainly don't look like they're from around here. Well, the blond ones back is facing you and the other one you can only see the face from the side, so maybe you just never noticed them? They do look like your age... travelers perhaps? Interesting outfit choices, that's for sure. Brown leather jacket with pink feathers and dark purple pants with light purple dots covering it. It went till below his knees. And...heels? Not crazily high but pointy on the front. The other one wore a basic dark pinkish shirt with a checkered pattern and light pink pants. He wore dark tinted glasses.
You shrugged the thoughts off and quit staring, after all it's rude. You went over to the dresses and observed them, touched and felt the different fabrics and looked at the pricing. To expensive for your taste, even though you know auntie Emma would make you a great deal, you prefer to make them yourself.
You heard Haruko laugh loudly and shook your head. That girl is way to extroverted. You made your way through a few more clothing pieces. You studied their cuts, fabric, color combinations, which materials you have at home and could use instead, thinking about what you could wear them for and, and, and...you were so lost in thought, that you didn't even noticed, that the blond one moved up beside you.
Next to the dresses, where you stood, were some fur and feathers clothes which he had an interest in. You got startled a bit, when you noticed him beside you. You quickly averted your gaze back to the dress in your hands. He feels so intimidating, it's probably his height right? You're nearly on height with his crotch and that's a bit embarrassing.
His smell was intoxicating.
It was rich, expensive. Like jasmine with a hint of vanilla but also a wooden note, a smell you would never have expected from someone like him. Sweet but also bitter. You wonder if that says something about him...
What are you even thinking !?
You quickly hung the dress back to its original spot and made your way back to Haruko. You could have sworn that you heard a sly giggle coming from him, while you took your leave.
Haruko was still active in a conversation with Auntie Emma. The black haired guy was browsing through some clothes at the front, but still out of reach.
"Found something, dear?" Asked auntie Emma.
"Uhh, not really, but the new batch of wares is pretty. Interesting customers coming in I see."
"Days like these bring all sorts of people. You children should head to the Academy now, or you will be late."
Right...school.
7:35 am
Haruko and you waved auntie Emma a goodbye and left the store to head to the school grounds. On our way there, you stated your thoughts about the people you saw back at the place to Haruko.
"I don't know, maybe I'm overthinking it, ...but they seemed out of place. Like not even in the traveler way, you know? More....dangerous, does that sound dumb?" You questioned to Haruko.
She looked at you with a questioning expression.
"I dunno, maybe?"
It settled a silence between you both for around 20 seconds.
"Maybe they are Pirates?" Haruko blunted out.
You stopped in your path to look up at her with a curious expression, raising one eyebrow high. You couldn't shake the sudden feeling of excitement off.
"You think so?"
"I dunno, it was just a thought...would be bold of them though."
"Yeah ! Especially around here. If they are, maybe they are not that well known yet?"
You both were right in front of the school gates now, still talking about them and questioning if they could be pirates.
"I mean we are an island with high trading or whatever or not? Maybe something shady is up here." Haruko stated.
"Uhhh, that's a bit too much, no?"
"Ugh, who cares about some wannabe Pirates who have some weird fashion sense. Let's just get over with this school day. I want to continue making my bracelets and school is in. The. Way." Haruko said with a sassy undertone.
You didn't argue with her on that part and just followed her inside.
1 hour earlier - Doflamingo [age: 18]
The Numancia Flamingo just docked, on one of the mountain sides of Misty Harbor.
The Donquixote Pirates had to be careful with where they dock because of the high marine presence. Apparently Admiral Sengoku is also on this island, not that he would bother with small fish like them, but you can never be careful enough.
Pica walked up and down the deck nervously, while Diamante leaned on the nearby wall observing him.
"Doffy, should we really dock here? It's dangerous, what if we get caught and that Admiral is going to make problems. I don't think we're strong enough to deal with them yet and wha-" Picas high pitched concerns were stopped by Doflamingo raising his hand in his direction.
"No need for worries Pica. We won't stay long. I'm just interested in the fashion here. Vergo and I will go and take a look around. The rest of you stays here." Doflamingo said with a wide grin spread across his face.
Pica could only nod and Trebol wheezed loudly.
"Sure do Doffy~ Ehehehehe *snort*"
Doflamingo hummed in response and made his way over to the side of the ship to jump down and join Vergo who was already down on the ground.
"Let's go Vergo, I wanna see what this city has to offer fufufufu~"
Vergo nodded with a plain expression and followed Doflamingo who already made his way to the city.
7:20 am
Doflamingo and Vergo arrived at the fountain and looked around curious. Lots of people, lots of marines and travelers. Maybe they fit right in, so no one notices that they are Pirates, right?
Vergo saw a big clothing store right in front of the fountain. It has big windows, with all sorts of clothing styles displayed. Big boxes of wares have just been brought in and it peaked Vergos interest and possibly Doflamingo's too.
"Look Doffy."
Doflamingo turned around to look at where Vergo was pointing. Looked good enough, he thought. He started walking towards the store.
"Auntie Emma...what a name. Hope the clothes are better than that horrendously boring name fufufu~"
As they walked in the bell of the door rang and the old lady behind the counter greeted them with a warm smile.
"Good morning, are you new around here? Need any help?" The old Lady questioned softly.
"Just looking around, thanks." Vergo said while Doflamingo already made his way to the back, completely ignoring the old lady at the front. Vergo was quick to follow him.
Doflamingo extended his hand and went through a few clothes hanging on the racks with his slender fingers and hummed in the process. "Not bad."
The patterned pants caught his eyes. He signed Vergo to come over and look at them with him. They had all sorts of colors and combinations with different patterns. If there's one thing that Doflamingo loves, then it's patterns, that raise attention. He grabbed a few off the racks and raised them, discussing with Vergo if it's worth the Berries.
Then he heard the door bell and afterwards a woman with a way too loud voice. It annoyed him a bit, but he didn't let it get further into his head...maybe a few veins popped up, on his forehead, but that's all.
Then, steps behind him passing through the door and stopping for a moment. He felt a pair of eyes looking at him and he was sure, that was not Vergo who still talked about which pattern he finds better. The woman was still to be heard so it was another person.
The feeling quickly faded and in his side vision he saw another woman, going to the dress racks, a bit further away from them. He observed her, just like she observed the dresses. She looked closely over the fabric, feeling them, touching them and going over the stitches like she wanted to know how they were made. Maybe to recreate them? It's a fashionable island with fashionable people after all.
Vergo noticed Doffys absence in mind and placed the clothes back onto the racks, knowing the thought about buying them is long gone and Doflamingo has another thing in mind now. He took his leave back to the front to leave Doflamingo and whatever crossed his mind alone.
Doflamingo snapped out of his thoughts, to look after Vergo leaving. He decided to walk over to the woman. The closer he got, the more he realized, that she was a student here on the island. He saw other teens walking around with the same uniform but hers looked different. More exclusive. More attention seeking. He likes it.
It made him wonder, what kind of person she is. Maybe as flamboyant as him? Maybe not, more exclusive. More original.
He saw the fur and feathers clothes next to her and decided to look through them, just to get a better look at her without her noticing. He didn't want to attract attention after all and she can't see what he's looking at because of his glasses anyways.
He saw her startling a bit, when she noticed him standing right next to her, which made his smile grow wide. She looked up at him, for a moment, but was quick to look away and turn her back to him.
It was enough for him though. He saw enough. A pretty girl, the prettiest he has seen in a long time. Maybe ever? It made him feel weird. He didn't know how to feel about it...about her. Just some random girl on a random island. A very pretty and apparently fashionable girl...
Before he could give it more thought, she was already turning her heels and left. Leaving him to be alone.
That feeling rising in his chest right now, it peaked his interest.
He wanted more of it.
12 am - reader
*grumble* "Damn I'm so hungry, finally lunch break." You said to Haruko as you both made your way outside while passing other students and some classmates, who sat on the benches inside, to eat and talk or who chilled around their lockers and grabbing stuff.
The sun shined like a spotlight over the fields and pavements, sending a radiant light over them. It was warm, almost too much, but still bearable enough.
You put one hand up, to shield your eyes from the sun as you made your way further outside.
You heard other students run around laughing or participating in social activities. Some even decided to start their club activities early. That nature club for example, some of their members started watering the plants, while others cut the bushes or re-planted plants. Atleast some people work on keeping the school grounds pretty.
Haruko eagerly made her way over to one of the free benches that sat right under a big oak tree. It shielded you both from the heated sun, while trying to enjoy ur break and food.
While Haruko already got her lunch out and prepared to eat it all in one big bite, you sat there enjoying the peace for a moment. You looked up at the sky, while some of the falling leaves appeared in your vision.
The oak tree blocked off the sun just enough for you to enjoy the view. Some typical woodland birds flew over your heads or landed on the ground to pick on some seeds or left over crumbs.
A Eurasian Blackbird landed a few meters away from you. You admired it's color for a second. It was clear white and had a light blue spot upon its head and a sleek black with bright yellow-orange around his eye rings. It picked on some crumbles on the ground. 'How beautiful' You thought. Your mind dazed off, how free they must be feeling. Do birds even know how good they have it? No school, no bills and more importantly, no marine work. Just flying around with other birdies, finding food and building nests with your mate, for future offsprings. Not that THAT exact idea excited you, but it was better than whatever responsibilities you had right now.
How much you envy that little bird now. Ridiculous.
You softly shook your head, to exit your trance. You reached out towards the bag, to get the lunchbox your mom packed you. It was a light-brown wooden box, with a floral pattern engraved on top of it. You placed the box in the middle of your upper thighs and opened the lit to reveal a neatly wrapped sandwich followed by a bento on the side. The sandwich was stuffed with cabbage, cheese, mayonnaise and ham. Simple, but good enough for the day.
You carefully picked it up, so the inside wouldn't spill out, looked at where to bite in first, settled on the right side and took a big bite.
While you took your first bite, Haruko was long finished with her meal. You look over to your right side, while still chewing, to look at Haruko, who was now nearly slipping off the bench with her ass and rubbing her tummy in a circle motion.
You couldn't help but laugh a bit at her when she let out a bubbly burp. While laughing, you quickly put a hand up, to cover your mouth. We don't openly laugh, with a mouth full in this household !
After Haruko calmed down from her food eating Marathon, she went on to ramble about some random topic again, as always, while you enjoyed the rest of your sandwich and bento.
The break was nearly over now and most of the students made their way back to their classrooms.
"I don't want to~~ We have science now..ugh. That's so BORING !" Haruko growled. While she has a visible annoyance on her face, while she sank even further down on the bench, her ass now floating and her back being the only thing holding her up.
As quick as she slid down, she got back up.
"Welp, no use in complaining." She turned back to me."We should get going, before the teacher makes us stay longer again." She expressed annoyingly while sticking her tongue out.
I nodded and quickly picked up my pace to follow her back in.
3:30 pm - reader
End of the school day.
Classmates storming out of the classroom to rush home and enjoy the afternoon sun. You wish you could do that too, but you already had something else planned for the afternoon, against your will.
Haruko noticed the visible discomfort on your features as you slowly packed your bag.
"What's up with that face...and why the hell are you packing your bag so slowly! I WANNA LEAVE [NAME] !"
You looked over at her.
"Sorry, I just have something planned, which I don't want to participate in."
Haruko tilted her head to the side and looked at you confused. You could have sworn you saw a few questions marks forming over her head.
You sighed "You remember the marine thingy, I told you about?"
"Ahhhhh~ that thing...yeah, you expressed how much you hated it. I requote 'I would rather kill myself, then set even one foot on the Marineford grounds'." Haruko mimicked, with a funny looking expression on her face.
"Yes. Exactly that. And I still live up to that statement."
Harukos eyebrows pulled inwards and angeled upright, with a thin smile on her face.
"I don't see the issue you have with it."
You got up and threw your bag over your shoulder. Without mentioning or even acknowledge what she said.
You knew she wouldn't understand it, because she never did. She saw a bright future for you, while you saw yourself sitting in a cage. Like a bird stripped from it's freedom.
"You would get coverage for all your medical bills, an amazing paycheck and the people around you would love you!" Haruko brightly smiled at you.
"Mhm. Yes, great and all, but I could care less about what others think of me. My freedom is more important to me and getting stuck with an already planned out future is a pain in the ass." You sharply exhaled at her, while making your way out of the classroom.
Haruko tried picking back up on the topic, but you were already out of her reach. Head low and with relatively big steps, you made your way down the stairs to the exit of the building.
Quietly bypassing any student or teacher, who tried to greet or even tried to pick up a conversation with you.
"You act like it's the end of the world." Haruko stated as she tried to catch up with you.
"Because it is."
"It's not."
"It is."
"You're overreacting."
You slowed down and turned around to face her. You already prepared to give her a piece of your mind and opened your mouth to say something to her, but gave up on that idea, since you saw no point in trying.
You tried to explain your way of thinking many times to her, but she only saw the bright sides and never understood the downsides. Well, the downsides you saw from it.
You rolled your eyes.
"Forget it."
And with that you left. Haruko didn't follow you, she had club activities now. It still bothered her, that you left her all alone like that. Especially with that gesture.
4 pm
You stood in front of the door to your home now. Key raised high and ready to open the door. Still, you stood there without moving a single muscle.
Mind racing with all sorts of possibilities that could happen, if you open that door now. Sengoku is probably already present, ready to greet you and start right away with the topic you've been avoiding for quite a while now.
The more you thought about it the worse your anxiety became. This is the moment where you throw your life away. No, this is the moment, your life's getting decided for you. A fate I will be thrown into, with no way out.
You thought about running off. Where could you run to? Where would you stay? Would you get caught? Probably. So no use in trying, you don't have the upper hand here.
One last heavily breath, in and out.
...
You inserted the key and opened the door. Before you're even able to fully step in and place your bag down, you're already getting greeted.
"[Name] ! " Sengoku happily beamed at you, while making his way to you with open arms.
You forced a smile and hugged him. The hug was genuine, you know that. As much as you hate the marines, Sengoku is no one you can dislike or ever dare to talk badly about. He's always been there for your family, especially when your father decided he had better things to do, than to take care of his family.
Because of Sengoku you're able to live in Misty Harbor under marine surveillance. Even if you see it as a cage because of what you're being forced in to.
He let go of you, but rested his hand on each side of your shoulders, while looking down at you with a warm smile on his face.
When he took his hands back you threw your bag to the ground. Sengoku made his way over to the table where your mom already sat with a cup of tea in her hand. You were quick to follow and Sengoku pulled a chair out for you to sit on.
You sat down next to him and folded your hands on your knees nervously.
"So, to dive right into the important topics..." Sengoku paused for a moment before continuing. "We were thinking about offering you a place as a sort of secretary. Away from the dangers the recruits have to face."
You made no noise, no eye contact, no reaction. You didn't bother.
"For who exactly we don't know yet, but it will be pleasant and well paid. You will be stationed at Marineford, I can guarantee you that. Home and anything else is getting taken care of by the Marines, so no extra costs."
Your Mom smiled at Sengoku before turning to face you.
"Doesn't that sound good? You will even have enough time to continue your little fashion hobby !"
You forced a smile once more and nodded.
"Sounds great." You exhaled.
Deep down, you were already thinking about your lost freedom. You will be forever stuck at Marineford, working as a random secretary, for some random Marine Commander.
What kind of use does a secretary even have for the Marines? It will be boring, so boring that you would love to strangle yourself already and get this misery over with. Yes, that's how much you hate the plan. How serious it is for you.
"When do I start to work?"
Sengoku looked over at you.
"Next week. The grades you have at the moment are already enough, so we can make an exception."
Next week. Next week?!
Sengoku noticed the visible shock on your face.
"Don't worry, you don't have to go to school this week if you don't want to. Spend your time however you want. I can imagine it's quite the shock to be send off so soon."
Quite the shock? It's more than just that. You're being forced out of your regular life already, without being able to mentally prepare for it.
"And why so soon? Why not in a month? I don't get it, it's not like my position is important or is it?"
Sengoku let out a tired sigh.
"Well, they want to get the paper work over with as fast as possible. The quicker you start working there the better, trust me."
Your jaw tightened, as you clenched your teeth.
"Fine." There's no use in fighting, everything has already been decided.
Tears started to form. As much as you tried to keep them in, some still spilled out. You quickly turned your head away and abruptly got up.
With clenched fists, you stormed up the stairs to reach your room and lock yourself in it.
Once you were alone, you couldn't keep any tears back, they instantly started flowing down your face. You walked over to your window and sat down on the seat in front of it and got comfortable.
The window was huge, once seated you could perfectly look outside to observe what was going on on the sidewalks.
You watched after the people below you. Some looked like they were in a rush and others at peace. You could only frown.
As much as you tried to let your mind drift to something else, it didn't work. It was filled with possible outcomes of your future. Nothing positive. You couldn't think positive about this whole situation.
You laid your head against the window and harshly closed your eyes. A whimper escaped your lips, as you tried to steady your breathing.
8pm
You fell asleep. It wasn't a good sleep, it was filled with nightmares. Nightmares about the awfully boring life that awaits you, where you're forced into a role you never wanted to participate in. Oh wait, that's real life. You nearly forgot it's the fate that's about to await you.
You tried opening your eyes, but they felt heavy and tired. One of your hands quickly came up to rub your sleepy eyes. You let out a sleepy yawn, as you slowly pushed your body up.
You were still seated next to the window. The sun was setting and you could hear the last few birds chirping their songs.
You look outside at the street, in front of your home. They were empty and quiet, or so you thought. You saw the blond, tall guy from earlier this morning striding along the path. He was throwing, what looked like a tiny pouch, up in the air and catching it, in a repeating motion.
He looked like he's plotting something. Your mind drifted back to what Haruko and you talked about on your way to school. How him and his friend could be pirates.
He suddenly stopped in his path. He was standing right below your window now, slowly turning his head to look up at you. His grin grew wide once he looked you dead in the eye. Not that you could see them, they were covered by his tinted red glasses, but you felt them on you.
Your pulse started hammering against your ribs and an icy chill spread through your veins. You didn't like the effect he had on you. It was odd, unable to put into words. Your breath started hitching as you held eye contact with him.
He seemed composed in his form, still throwing the pouch up and down. His grin was menacingly and unsettling. He then gestured, with his free hand, to follow him. He was quick to avert his gaze from you, to continue walking along the road.
You looked after him. 'should I follow him?' You thought. That unsettling feeling still crept around your head, but you quickly washed it away. What do you have to lose, everything is going to go down anyways, once the week is over. Getting killed by a handsome, but creepy looking pirate will be the least of your problems. Actually, it will settle quite a few, atleast for you.
You quickly got up and took a look in the mirror. You're hair was fine, but you were still wearing your uniform. You made your way over to your closet and roamed around in it to find something to wear. You guessed it would be chilly outside, so you settled on wearing something comfortable, but still warm enough. A basic tanktop, loose pants with a baggy jacket over it will do the trick. It looked cute enough.
You walked out of your room and went downstairs. Kitchen empty, living room empty, your mom must be sleeping and Sengoku long gone. Good, no one will question where you left off.
You put on your shoes and held in for a moment. 'Am I really doing this?' you thought. Your hands were on the handle of the front door now, one last deep breath and you opened it to step outside.
You looked to your left, then to your right and then again, to check if someone's around to spot you. No one's there, so you made your way to the left, were the blond guy was standing a few minutes ago.
You followed the path down the road. It leads away from the main road, down to the forest and cliffs. You wondered where he could have went to, he gestured to follow him, so where the heck is he at?
You walked past a few houses and decided to just walk down to the harbor. If you can't find him, then might as well enjoy the evening and look over at the ocean.
8:15 pm
When you arrived down at the harbor, you decided to sit down on some stacked wooden crates and embrace the ocean breeze. The waves were steady and the ocean surface was sparkling in the moonlights glow.
You took a deep breath and exhaled loudly.
"What got you sounding so exhausted?"
The sudden deep voice behind you, made you flinch and quickly turn your head towards it's direction.
When you turned around, you faced a bare chest. You quickly turned your face upwards and were greeted by a less menacingly grin then before. It was him. The same blond, WAY to tall guy you met at auntie Emma's and had a stare off for 10 minutes.
You could see your frightened reflection in his tinted glasses. God, you looked pathetic. Your eyes were still empty looking and the tears from earlier left reddish markings on your cheeks and under your eyes.
Despite you sitting on stacked up crates he still towered over you. His hands were stuffed into his pants pockets, his hair a bit messy and his jacket hung open loosely.
"I don't think that's any of your business or is it?"
"You checking me out made it my business."
You gasped out.
"I- What?! I did not check you out. When did I supposedly check you out?!"
You looked up at him with an annoyed expression, while slowly turning your body into his direction to fully face him.
His grin only grew wider. He let his hands fall out of his pockets and shrugged.
"Hmmm.... I don't know. Maybe when you stood behind me and stared holes into the back of my head, in that wannabe fashion store OR a few minutes ago. Looking out that window like a creep, waiting to attack it's next victim."
A wordless gasp escaped you, your hands flew up to your chest and if you could, you would've stumbled backwards.
That man is way to confident. No, his ego is so high it must reach the moon. It pissed you off so much, that you forgot about your previous feelings, concerning his behalf.
"First of all, it's not a wannabe fashion store, you don't have taste." You hissed out at him.
"Second of all, I was curious and I've never seen people like you and your goofy friend around here."
He opened his mouth to try and say something, but you quickly silenced him before even a whimper could come out, by raising one of your fingers in front of his lips.
"And last but not least, I just woke up and your giant ass was the first thing I saw when I opened my eyes. So no, I didn't stalk your ugly wannabe fashionista butt."
Your last words settled a silence between you both. For a moment, you thought you hit a nerve and this will be your end, but his smile never faded. In fact, it grew even wider and back to it's sinister self.
As confident as you were with your defensive statement, it slowly vanished away, the more time passed and dissolved into a insecure fassade.
You turned your gaze away from him and opened your mouth to speak.
"So,...out of curiosity and since I have nothing to lose
anyways,...are you a pirate?"
A dark, sinister laugh came out of him.
"Fufufufu~ You're smarter than I thought. Are you going to snitch on me now and tell your little marine friends all about us?" He leaned his head to the side and observed your facial features.
You turned your head back to look up at him and crossed your arms in front of your chest.
"No, I could care less about them actually. In fact, I wish I never have to see them again. Hope that settles your concerns."
You could've sworn you saw his smile shrink a little at your response.
"Why so negative about them? Aren't they your peoples saviours and best line of defense? What happend to that image, I'm awfully curious now."
Should you really tell him? You don't know who he is, well, you know he's a pirate, but you don't even know his name or what his ambitions are. Even better, what he wants from you.
Is he just interested or is there some more to it? Even if he's interested, in what exactly is he interested in?
As if he could see your concerns spread across your mind he tried settling them.
"Right, we don't really know eachother yet. I'm guessing thats a bit of an issue, right?"
You nodded.
"Does it help if I tell you who I am?"
"I guess, but how does that benefit you? Why do you care so much?"
He laughed out loud again. He suddenly started climbing up on the wooden crates next to you. They were big enough to fit both of you on them, while also keeping a decent and well needed distance between you two.
Your body automatically tried distancing itself, but there wasn't enough room left for that. You let out an annoyed sigh and looked away. Your eyes focused on the ocean, watching the calm waves going up and down.
You nearly got lost in thought again, but the stranger already spoke up.
"I wouldn't necessarily say I care, but offering ways to comfort another human being and resulting in them giving me what I want, is very beneficial for me."
You scrunch your eyebrows together.
"..."
"So you're a jerk, who only cares about himself. Noted."
He only laughed in response. You take that as a yes.
"I'm truly hurt." He put up his left hand to hold it over his heart, as if it really hurt him. What a liar.
"You're lucky I have nothing to lose, so, how about this." You faced back to him, but he was already looking at you. Well, you think he was looking at you, his face was turned in your direction but his reddened glasses only reflect the moonlights shimmer.
"I tell you who I am, what my issue is and what ambitions I have and in return you do the same. Deal?"
He hummed in response.
"Good idea. Ladies first." He casually leaned back, while gesturing towards you, with his free hand. He rested his head on his left shoulder, while still observing you.
"Okay." You let out an exhausted breath. "My name is [Name]. I'm forced to work as a secretary for the Marines at Marineford next week, but I hate that plan. I want to decide for myself what to do in the future, but my mother had other plans for me. That's it, short version. Now you."
The Blondie stopped grinning, but smiled at you instead. He leaned back forth and crossed his legs on top of the crates. Then he let out a giggle again. It seemed less sinister and more amused about your situation.
"Unexpected. Well, a deal is a deal."
You joined him and raised your legs up on the crates too, but instead put up your knees to your chest and rested your head on them, while listening to him.
"I'm Donquixote Doflamingo. I'm a pirate who seeks to achieve absolute power and to take revenge on the world that stripped me of my status."
You blinked at him a few times. Status....
"Status?"
"Yes."
"Are you some kind of royalty or what?"
It would explain a lot, if he answered your question with a yes now. The high ego, the way he only thinks of what benefits him and his overall body language. Connecting the dots, as some might say.
"We don't know eachother well enough, to comfortably answer that question. You understand."
You wonder if there's more to it and where he could possibly originate from, but curiosity killed the cat, so you paid it no mind anymore. You wouldn't want to piss him off, by bothering him with the topic any further.
You will keep it in mind though.
"I won't bother any further."
His smiled stretched widely across his features. He readjusted his glasses and spoke up once more.
"What kind of freedom do you seek?"
The question caught you off guard. You never payed it much thought. Freedom, yes, what would you do with your freedom if you could have it?
New found freedom.... its different for everyone. What they achieve with it. What they do with it. How they use it.
You don't know.
No, you know what you want.
"I don't know what exactly, but I know that I don't want to be bound to responsibilities I don't want to partake in. I want to be free of my thoughts, free of my decisions, to not have them decided for me. To not have my future planned out for me."
You pressed your cheeks further against your knees and hugged your legs really tight. You could feel the tears building up again.
"I want to travel where I want and to see the world, not be bound to a desk in the main headquarters of the Marines. I would rather end it all now, than spend my upcoming future there." You mumbled.
His smile faded, after you mentioned you would end it all now. He rested his right elbow on his knees and held is head up on his hand, while his left arm hung loosely in the space between his crossed legs.
"How unfortunate. A pretty girl like you shouldn't end it all just like that, that would be a shame."
You narrowed your eyes at him and pinched your lips into a white slash. Any tear that was ready to start flowing out dried out.
"To think I would fall for your flattery, irks me a lot more right now."
He let out a suppressed snicker at your response.
"You're really funny. I'm even starting to enjoy our little conversation."
You huffed out again.
"I have to admit that I'm truly jealous of you." You admitted.
"Why is that?"
"You're free. You have a goal to look forward to and I'm guessing also quite the crew at your back, supporting you with anything."
You got up and carefully climbed down the wooden crates. You're faced towards the ocean now.
"You can go where you please. I can't, not anymore. Not once have I left this island. Anytime I asked, it got talked down, avoided or the topic got changed. I'm sick of this life, sick of not being seen, sick of my opinion meaning nothing." You clenched your fists and gritted your teeth.
Doflamingo still sat on top of the crates, but now letting his legs dangle down the wooden surface, while watching you rant about your problem.
It bothered him though. Not you ranting and drowning him in your issue, no, not that. Even if it's a bit tiresome, but that's not the point. The topic itself is his issue. He understands your points and, surprisingly, how you feel too.
He knows the feeling to well. The feeling to be left at your own misery without being able to alter it, without anyone caring or trying to change it for the better. Being stripped of your regular life, without having a saying in it.
He hated how attached it made him feel towards you. But he can't shake the feeling off, as much as he tries, he knows exactly what's boiling up inside of you.
He let out a cough. The kind of cough to get someone's attention.
You looked up at him with a questioning look, while adjusting your jacket, to cover you up and shield you from the rising cold.
"Join my crew."
You froze in place. And not just from the freezing evening air.
"W-what?"
Doflamingo jumped down the crates and landed in front of you. Instantly embracing you with his intimidating height and forcing you to look up at him.
His whole front is covered in a dark shadow and only glimpses of the moon made their way to assist his sharp features. His red tinted glasses beamed in a dangerous color.
"I want you to join my crew." His expression seemed cold and his smile long vanished, since the moment you started ranting about your biggest issues.
You didn't know how to respond or what the proper way to react to it even is. But you know one thing.
He's offering you a choice.
A choice to change your pre-made future and break out of it. To break free.
"I- ....I don't know, I don't know how to respond to that. Are you serious? Like, you actually want me to join your crew?"
"Yes."
"I have nothing to offer. Nothing that could benefit your journey. I can't fight, I don't have a devil fruit and I know nothing about the sea. All I can do is make clothes and that's it."
A silence settled between you both, for a brief second.
"Doesn't matter. We will find something you're useful for. My crew can teach you the basics."
He noticed your visible confliction. How could you not be conflicted. He knows exactly what he is offering you, what kind of door he is opening up for you. Or maybe closing.
He doesn't care how useless you are, not yet atleast. He feels to bound to you now and the mere thought of leaving you behind bothers him. He doesn't know you, he doesn't know what kind of person you are, how old you are or what you love.
He only knows that you and him shared the same fate in some type of way. And he knows you would understand his side as much as he understands yours.
He likes it, he likes the thought of being understood deeply, even if it's from someone like you. A nobody like you. It's something he can't show, it makes him weak and that's what he despises. He can't show weakness, he doesn't want to be pitied. But he has a feeling you won't make him feel that way. You will make him feel understood.
And even if you fail to support him, then he will simply get rid of you or not bother as much anymore, perhaps send you off somewhere distant or lower your rank in the family.
But those troublesome thoughts are for another time. If the time ever comes that is. It's more important to get you to join his crew now, then he will see how it will work out.
"I just,...I don't get why, it makes no sense. We barely know eachother."
"If a pirate asks another individual to join their crew, it doesn't matter how well they know eachother."
You wanted to say something back, but no words came out. You were at your loss of words. He gives you a chance to break out of your misery, but you're not even sure if what he's offering you is the better choice.
A pirates life includes getting haunted down by marines, getting into rivalries with other pirates and possibly getting killed in the process. Yes, you're free, but at what cost?
"Being a pirate is really dangerous. I wouldn't even know how to defend myself."
"The family doesn't tolerate being made fun of or hurt."
The family? Is he talking about his crew? Is his crew like a family to him?
"The family?" You questioned.
"Yes, the family. The crew is like a family to us all. Once you join, you will be a part of it."
Being part of his crew.
If you join his crew, you could possibly never see Haruko again.
If you join his crew, Sengoku would be heavily disappointed in you.
If you join his crew, you could possibly never see your mother again, nor communicate with her.
You're conflicted. Heavily conflicted. Both sides share heavy down- and upsides. The Marine life speaks like a prison to you, but embraces safety and care. The Pirate life lets you live out your freedom, but drags a dangerous path behind it.
You took a few steps away from him. The air felt heavy, like it's trying to suffocate you. The whole situation seemed unbelievable to you.
Doflamingo looked at you with a stern expression. He expected you to instantly agree and not be so torn apart between the both options.
"Why so unsure? I thought you would rather kill yourself, then join the Marines. You want freedom and I'm practically serving it to you on a silver plate. What's the issue? Tell me."
The issue, yes. You know the issue. Both sides have big issues. But he's right. Even though you hate admitting it, he is, quite literally, serving freedom to you on a silver plate.
And you want freedom more than anything. You always wanted it. You want it so much that, that you would rather end yourself, then not being able to achieve it.
You just never expected to get offered freedom like this. By someone like him. He's dangerous and has a crazy goal.
"You're right, I'm sorry. I wasn't prepared for it. It was just so unexpected to get offered a way out."
You tightly pulled on your jacket.
"I need a night to sleep over it."
He nodded, the smile was back on his face now.
"Only one, we're already leaving tomorrow."
"Okay, thank you." You smiled up at him. It was a warm and genuine smile.
"I will take you back home. Just to make sure."
You nodded.
9pm
You were both in front of your home now. The sun had fully set a long time ago and the streets were covered in a dark shadow. It was freezing cold and the wind blew frequently through your open hair. You scrunched your face whenever the wind picked up.
Despite the cold, Doflamingo still stood there with an open jacket and bare chest. Not once showing any signs of feeling cold. Bold.
"Aren't you cold? It's freezing." You stuttered out.
He let out a quiet suppressed laugh.
"I'm doing perfectly fine. I'm flattered that you care about my well being."
You rolled your eyes at his response.
"Don't take it to heart."
His grin only widend.
"Where should I meet you tomorrow? I'm guessing not wherever you docked."
He nodded.
"How about.... at the fountain. 6 am."
So early. You huffed, but agreed to it anyways.
Doflamingo wished you a good night and then quickly walked off to disappear into the night.
You opened the front door and quietly stepped inside. You took off your shoes and placed them neatly to the side, so no one could stumble over them.
"Where were you?"
You froze in place. Front faced towards the door and back to your mother who caught you.
You slowly turned around to face her.
"Outside..."
"Just outside? And the man who was with you? Who was that? Hmm?"
"A new found friend."
Her arms were crossed tightly in front of her chest. She had her nightgown on and her hair was open. Her face signalized curiosity, frustration and anger. Typical.
"Ah yes, sneaking out to meet a boy in the middle of the night, while we just had the discussion about your new workplace, which you're not happy about. I'm not stupid, I know how much you hate it."
"And?"
"What and?! I hope you're not thinking about running off young lady !"
You clenched your fists and felt your jaw tightening.
"I would have every reason to."
"No, you don't. You should be more grateful to get an amazingly paid job and guaranteed safety, without even having to lift a single finger."
There is no use in fighting with her. She will stand on her ground and make her point. You fought her many times on the topic before, but she always changed the topic or sent you off to your room, once the conversation got to heated or not to her liking.
"Yes, yes, all great. I'll go sleep now."
You rushed past her, despite her trying to keep you there.
You didn't care. You're in no mood to talk with her about that topic, it always ends the same way anyways.
You entered your bedroom and closed the door behind you. A tired breath escaped your lips.
You made your way over to the left side of your room where your closet is. You started changing into something warmer, comfortable and more suited for sleeping. Once you were finished, you made your way over to your bed and climbed under your blanket.
You laid on your back and looked up at the ceiling, while letting your mind drift off. Your mother has confirmed exactly what you had already mentioned to Doflamingo before, about your situation. It annoyed you.
But you have to admit, it made your decision a lot easier. You love your Mother, how could you not. She cares for you, you know it, but it doesn't change the fact that she doesn't care how you feel about the whole situation.
It seems like a complete stranger cares more about your feelings than your own mother. How ironic.
You imagined how shocked she would be, if she found out that the boy you hanged out with, in the middle of the night, is a pirate who invited you to join his crew.
She would instantly call Sengoku and lock you up.
Well, she doesn't have to know.
You turned around and faced the wall now. You will make your decision in the morning.
With that you closed your eyes and drifted off into the world of dreaming.
9:20pm - Doflamingo
Doflamingo just arrived back at the Numancia Flamingo and was instantly greeted by Diamante.
"Where were you off to Doffy?"
Doflamingo walked passed him to enter the ship.
"I went out to take a walk through the city one last time, but I met an individual that already caught my eye today and had a talk with her."
Diamante followed him inside and they made their way over to the living area in the ship. Vergo and Trebol were already present and sitting on one of the nearby couches.
"A girl?" Diamante asked as him, as Doflamingo entered the room.
The words caught Vergo and Trebols attention.
"Hm? The girl from this morning, from the clothing store?" Vergo questioned Doflamingo.
Doflamingo nodded as he sat down on one of the armchairs, which stood sideways from the couches, but still facing their way.
"I had a very interesting conversation with her and I also invited her to join the crew!"
His words made everyone turn their head in shock.
"What?!" Came from all three of them.
Doflamingo only laughed out loud in response.
"FUFUFUFUFUFU~ She caught my interest. I couldn't resist. You will like her, I'm sure of it."
"Did she say yes?" Diamante questioned, while stepping closer towards Doflamingo, taking a seat on the couch next to Vergo.
Doflamingo looked over to Diamante.
"Not yet, but it would surprise me if she said no. I will meet her tomorrow morning, then we will know more."
"Ehheheheehehe~ Doffy is always full of surprises Ehehehehe" Trebol got closer and closer towards Doflamingo.
"To close Trebol."
"To close? Ehehehehe."
"Yes."
Trebol backed away, but stayed close enough. Doflamingo leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs as threw his hands behind his head. A wide grin spread across his face.
"I hope she makes the right decision."
6th July 5:30am - reader
The sun was already rising, as you opened your tired eyes. You let out a long tired yawn and cuddled deeper into your pillow. Pressing your face firmly into the soft fabric. You let out a tired huff.
You slowly sat up and stretched out. You nearly got a cramp in your hand, by how intense that stretch was. You rubbed your tired eyes and yawned again.
It's way to early in the morning. But you have plans, so no sleep for you.
You have 30 more minutes till the meet up. So you decided to take a quick shower, then see what you're going to wear. You're not sure yet.
Now that the light is flowing into your room, you can see the materials you requested, laying on the floor next to your bed. Seems like Sengoku carried them up here for you.
5:40am
You stood in front of your closet now. You scratched your head and grabbed a few pieces out of your closet. You had no idea what to wear.
In the end, you went for a white ruffled tank top, over which you wear a hand crocheted top. It has a loose, open knit design with large gaps, light blue in color, it transitions into dark blue, intended to evoke the look of rolling waves. It drapes over your left shoulder, while slipping down off your right arm, and extends just past your hips, making it longer than the tank top underneath. The sleeves are wider than the top part and extend over your hands.
For trousers, you choose a pair of bootcut jeans in a washed out blue. From the knees down, the jeans is cut open on a diagonal and replaced with blue silk fabric, with a floral pattern engraved, giving the entire outfit the appearance of a wave in motion.
For accessories you went with the white marble necklace Haruko made you. No more than that.
You straighten your hair and clipped it behind your ears with white pins. They had little flowers on top of them. It looked childish, but you made them when you were younger, so the emotional attachment towards them is big.
One last look in the mirror and you were set. You can't go out when not looking your best. Not your thing.
You made your way down the stairs, while trying to be as quiet as possible. You're to tired to pick a fight with your Mom again.
You put on your white espadrilles heels. They have a filled out bottom with white braided straps, not too high, but comfortable enough to wear. They wear open, so you had to lean down to close up the straps.
You opened the front door and left the house. It was a warm outside, the air felt fresh and the ocean breeze prickled on your skin.
You made your way to the main road and walked up the streets towards the fountain. The streets were empty and only a few travelers passed by you. The house facades illuminated in a soft looking bluish hue from the morning sun. The city looked so peaceful in the morning.
5:58 am
You were at the fountain now, leaning back on the stone marble while waiting for Doflamingo to arrive. You nervously fiddled with your sleeves and occasionally looked around, in case you spot him.
You indeed spotted him, walking up the streets you came from. The moment he saw you his grin widend menacingly and he picked up his pace.
Your heart started hammering against your ribcage the closer he got to you. You breathing became rapid and the twisting feeling in your guts made your clench your jaw.
Doflamingo was quick to pull you out of your trance.
"And? What will it be?"
He leaned down on the stone marble of the fountain next to you. He had the same jacket on as yesterday but different pants. They were white with erratic black stripes rising up from the bottom to the top. He must really like patterns.
You let out a heavy breath.
"I'll join your crew."
A laughter rumbled in his chest. He pushed forward and turned around to look at you, with his hands now in his pockets.
"Well then, let's go and leave."
You looked up at him with a shocked face.
"Right now?"
"Yes."
"And my things? My clothes? Can I get them?"
He let out a laugh and started walking towards the direction you both came from.
"Won't be needed. I already told my crew to get it."
You were quick to follow him. They already picked it up? Your clothes, your materials, everything? He already knew you would say yes. Ugh, how much you hate to agree with him.
"They better not break anything."
He turned his face towards your direction and gave you a wide grin.
"They won't."
6:20am
The walk to the ship was tiresome. You know that pirates have to be careful with where they docked, so the ship was at the other side of island, positioned below the cliffs in a big cave. Unexpected, but that's a good thing, isn't it?
Doflamingo walked ahead of you, pushing a few leaves away and pressing through the stone slits. Once you saw the ship your eyes widend. It was a pink flamingo.
Who would have guessed that. It even had his glasses on. You shock your head. That man is so fricking full of himself.
The ship was gigantic, you didn't expect for him to have a ship this huge. The railings of the ship were a white wood. The Flamingos wings extended from both sides and covered half the sides of the ship. It even had a tail.
It was probably expensive as hell, maybe you will ask him about it later. You wondered how the cabins looked and how many there are. What kind of wood was it built from? How sturdy is it?
You noticed the black haired guy from yesterday, loading up some crates with another dude. Doflamingo was already tall, but the other guy was another level. If you could guess, he's around 2 meters taller than Doflamingo.
Are all of them so tall? You hope not, it will make you feel even more out of place.
Doflamingo and you stood in front of the ships middle now. You nearly had to twist your neck, to properly look up at it.
Doflamingo introduced the black haired guy as Vergo and the giant as Diamante. Vergo greeted you, while Diamante just looked at you suspiciously.
How nice.
You waved at them with a small smile and told them your name. You're going to spend quite the time with them now, so it's better to stay as nice as possible. For your own sake that is.
As you all made your way up to the deck, the gut twisting feeling returned in your stomach. You couldn't even say goodbye to Haruko. Nor will she know that you left with the same Pirates you talked about prior.
You wondered how she would have reacted or if she would have tried to talk you out of it. You couldn't imagine it, doesn't matter anymore now.
You will miss her. Deeply.
But you still got her bracelets she made you, so some parts of her will always stay close to you.
You didn't know how to feel about leaving your Mother and Sengoku behind though. She will definitely blame Doflamingo and snitch on him to Sengoku.
You couldn't blame her. You just hope she won't notice anytime soon and you will be able to peacefully sail off.
All four of you were on top of the deck now. Two other, also way to tall, individuals already seemed to be waiting for you all.
"Is this the girl Vergo told us about?" Your eyes widend for a brief second. You did not expect that voice.
The one who spoke was a tanned and muscular guy with a stern expression on his face. His voice is...really high pitched. And again, really tall. Taller than Doflamingo, but not as tall as that Diamante guy.
It was a bit funny you had to admit, but the words from Doflamingo quickly made their way back into your head before you could even muster a smile.
You remember what he said to you last night:
The family doesn't tolerate being made fun of or hurt.
You shouldn't test your luck on that topic. Just because you're part of the family now, doesn't mean that you can go around and do as you please. You're not foolish enough for that.
Doflamingo looked over to you.
"This is Pica and next to him is Trebol."
You waved in their direction and also gave them a small smile. "Nice to meet you both."
From that Trebol guy came only a goofy laugh and snort glided out of his nose. You were definitely grossed out, but didn't try to look like you were. You're going to keep your distance from him though.
Vergo walked over to you now, Doflamingo walked off somewhere and the other three started loading the crates below deck.
"I will show you to your cabin now, okay?"
You nodded up at him and he started walking towards to door to enter the ship.
You were below the deck now, walking through a big corridor. Didn't surprise you that the walls were that high, tall crew members after all. It was covered in a neat dark wood, including the floor and ceiling. A long red carpet carried along the whole way.
A few paintings also hung on the wall. Most of them looked quite expensive. The kind of paintings you only hung up to show how rich you were.
Not your thing, but certainly Doflamingos.
Your room was at the end of the corridor. Along the way, there were many turnoffs leading to other corridor, which likely led to yet others. The mere thought of it made you uneasy, eventually you will find your way around the ship with ease.
"I will excuse myself now if you don't need anything else. Once breakfast is ready, I will come over again to get you."
And with that Vergo walked off and left you alone in front of your room. Your new home.
You slowly opened the door and peaked inside.
It was a huge room, same dark wooden surfaces and very clean. You stepped inside to take a better look around.
A few of the wooden crates stood in the middle of the room. You guessed they were probably your things.
Your bed is positioned against the center of the wall, between two small, round windows. Next to it were two nightstands, one held a transponder snail and a few unlit candles. They looked brand new, no traces of wax or burn marks.
There is also a work desk with a very comfortable looking chair, positioned against the wall on the left side of the room. Nothing sat on it except for all the materials you needed for your hobby. You couldn't help but smile, thankfully they were there.
On the right side of the room, there were two doors. The one on the right looked just like the door leading into your room, while the one on the left looked a bit more casual and stood half open.
You went through the half open door first. It was a huge walk in closet, with a large mirror at the far end, perfect. The other door led to your private bathroom. It was equally big, featuring a large shower, a separate bathtub, a sink, a toilet, and wall mounted cabinets.
You walked out of the bathroom, towards your bed. You let yourself fall on top of it and embrace in its comfortable, soft beddings.
For a few minutes you laid there and enjoyed the peace and quiet. The sudden heavy turning of the ship, resulted in you opening your eyes and quickly walking over to one of the small window next to your bed, to see what was happening outside.
As you looked outside, you saw the ship leaving and sailing off to the open sea. You couldn't help but smile, even though the weird feeling never left your stomach.
You will just have to get used to your new life.
Your new freedom.