Maelstrom

Chapter 49

Mihawk's POV

Dio e lassu, Argenti, you really were an intolerable woman. You curse lowly as you make your way over to an empty seat, ignoring the knowing stares that were focused on you.

She just had to throw in her trademark sass didn't she? You groan as you fold your hands, sinking into your chair as you rest your head atop them. The same hands that Ruse had kissed, had held so tenderly before the two of you had set off to the shibaku meeting. The same hands you were going to throttle the damn woman with, your teeth gnashing as you focus on evening out your breathing, determined to sweep this incident under the rug, fate however had other plans.

"Fufufu who knew that the ever-stoic Mihawk Dracule would settle down, with such an adorable young wife as well, how interesting." Doflamingo's voice echoed from beside you, his long limbs already folding into a comfortable position as he invaded your personal space. Fantastico, now you had to deal with the eccentric rather crazed warlord, much to your displeasure. You sighed as you peered up at him, glaring at his smug expression.

"Donquixote, I'd suggest you keep to yourself, she is my concern, it would be best to not pry." You reply, voice flat and cold as you fix him with an even glare. If Doflamingo had his interest piqued by Ruse, or rather Rose as she had been called by her alias, you weren't sure you were going to like the results. He was a dangerous man, a crazed one, you knew that he had his own plans that largely differentiate from the warlord system, and a man like him taking interest in Ruse wasn't a good sign.

"Oh, how scary. Perhaps I should investigate this matter more. After all, you don't seem the type to simply settle down, wouldn't you agree...gator guy?" He chuckles as he shoots a grin to Crocodile, the hooked warlord, who scowls as he begins to stride towards you.

Even better, you sigh, not looking forward to this ordeal.

The cigar that had once dropped from his mouth was replaced by another one, the rich tobacco scent wafting through the room as he crept closer to you and Doflamingo. Crocodile had a scowl on his face, his steely grey eyes narrowed at you in contemplation, a smirk forming across his lips as he took a seat on the opposite side of you, leaving you in between two of the worst warlords in your opinion, as you grimaced.

"Ahaha, that is true 'Hawk-Eye' you're not a man that would settle down so quickly. Tell me, who is that woman that you're so keen on protecting, Hawk-Eye?" He questions as he props his feet on the table next to you, eyes still narrowed in suspicion.

Dio e lassu Argenti, look at what you've done now. Both men are looking at you inquisitively, as you clench your jaw, choosing to not reply. Whatever you were to say in response would be tossed and turned in between the scheming warlords, and you weren't about to offer your reputation to be stained like that.

"Well, if you won't give us our answers, I can always ask the cute little wife myself." Doflamingo chimes in, breaking the tense silence as Crocodile grins at you darkly.

"You know, for once I agree with you flamingo shit. That sounds like an excellent idea." He retorts, nodding in agreement as the two men observe your reaction.

Your heart almost falters, but you had to trust in Ruse to be able to stick to the plan, she had made a few quips here and there, but otherwise she had done perfectly well. And with those kinds of comments coming from the two warlords next to you, you were actually impressed she had silenced them with such a simple gesture. You honestly weren't that disappointed in Ruse, more in yourself, you should have gone about this ordeal a little more wisely, but now was not the time for admitting to mistakes. You still had to finish the meeting, and with Ruse, or rather 'Rose' being able to fool Sengoku, you were confident in her abilities.

You breath deeply, calming your frantic pulse as you school your expression into your normal stoic-façade.

"Then ask her yourself, I'm sure she'll be more than happy to oblige the two of you." You finally reply, the two raising their brows in surprise at your reaction. They had expected to get a rise from you, but you were experienced in their behavior, choosing to leave the rest up to Ruse.

You just had to believe in her. She had already proven her worth on several occasions, you noted as you think back to your training with the young woman.

The two warlords look at each other, both sharing the same sinister smirk as they nod in agreement.

"Then that we shall Hawk-eye." He chuckles as he continues, his smile wide as it spreads across his face, teeth barred in a wide grin.

"That we shall." Doflamingo answers, patting your shoulder affectionately as he gathered himself up, moving back to his original spot.

Crocodile fixes a level-stare at you, your golden-amber eyes unflinching as he glimpses at your body language. You've forced yourself into a relaxed posture, your shoulders no longer raised, your fists unclenched, you're the picturesque form of unguarded relaxation. You were placing your trust in Ruse.

He smirks at you, his cold dark eyes glittering in calculation as he rises from his seat, choosing to not respond to you verbally, instead, dipping his head in a mock bow.

Ruse could do it, you were positive.

Just so long as she kept that smart mouth in check, as long as she didn't do anything to pique their interest more, Ruse would be fine.

She would have to be, otherwise you weren't sure what you were going to do.

Hang in there Ruse, just a little longer.

Just hang in there.

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