Love's Treasure Map (Buggy Fanfiction) [One Piece]

Party in the Hive

The sun dips low on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the seas as Buggy finally makes his way back to Claire. His ship, the bustling hub of activity just moments ago, now settled into a quiet rhythm with the soft creaking of its wooden board.

"Sorry about the wait," Buggy apologizes, his boisterous voice carrying over the gentle lapping of waves as he comes to a stop next to Claire.

Claire, who has spent the entire day on deck, feels the weariness in her muscles and bones. "It's alright," she replies, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. She hands Buggy the old map, and the parchment without a second thought. "Here's the map back."

She sees no point in keeping it, but as she observes Buggy's facial expression she notices the signs of wonder and suspicion in his eyes. Apparently, he thought that she would insist on keeping the map and eventually fight him for it again.

"Thanks," the clown pirate breathes as Claire passes the map to him, their fingers brushing momentarily. It is a fleeting touch, yet even through the fabric of his gloves, Buggy feels a warmth and subtle buzzing sensation. Memories of simpler times when they could reach for each other without hesitation flash in his mind, and a subtle longing lingers in his gaze.

Unaware of Buggy's internal struggle, Claire, in her exhausted state, doesn't think much of the brief contact. Her attention is diverted when her stomach growls, a reminder that she missed lunch today.

"Feeling a bit hungry, aren't we?" Buggy remarks, his gruff voice disguising the genuine concern and guilt he feels. He subtly glances at her fatigued form, but quickly averts his gaze, not wanting to make his concern for her well-being too apparent.

Still, the thought of her being hungry and tired doesn't sit well with him.

"Time to grab a bite," Buggy smoothly suggests, seamlessly making it seem like the most logical step of the day – which, in his mind, it undoubtedly is. However, he silently hopes the kitchen staff has managed to whip up something, not only for Claire's sake but for their own good. After all, he can't promise to be in a good mood if one he cares about is hungry.

"Lead the way," Claire responds, her tired eyes brightening at the thought of a satisfying meal.

Together they make their way into the bustling kitchen, the enticing aroma of food enveloping them as they step through the doorway. The expansive hall echoes with the lively chatter of the crew, who mingle around, eagerly awaiting their turn to receive a warm dish from the efficient kitchen staff.

The clicking of plates and the sizzle of cooking fills the air even though the kitchen staff is preparing the dishes in the adjacent kitchen only entering the dining hall to carry out more food for the whole crew to enjoy.

As Claire and Buggy stroll through the chaotic yet organized scene, Claire can't help but revel in the lively atmosphere. "Everybody's still full of energy at the end of the day, hm?" she remarks, eying the crew before turning her head and focusing on the array of dishes being carried out by the kitchen staff.

Buggy's confidence radiates as they join the bustling queue. Rather quickly, however, the first pirate recognizes their captain standing behind him and turns around to greet him. "Captain!" the pirate calls out with excitement and respect, swiftly stepping aside. "You shouldn't have to wait, please, step forward."

Buggy grins widely, taking his crew member up on his offer, and strides confidently ahead in the line. Naturally, the rest of the crew follows suit, allowing their captain to cut the entire line until he stands at the very front.

Amidst their spontaneous rearrangement, Claire finds herself left behind. Buggy, caught up in the excitement of being fast-tracked to the front, only notices once he has his share of the meal. As he turns around, he's to his own surprise not met with Claire but with a bearded man who's next in line.