I Missed you

The meet

Buggy is tired. He enjoys his job but the people he has to deal with sometimes... he wishes he could just cut them into pieces and throw them into the sea. Like, this morning only, he had to call five different people from the same company to track a parcel that someone lost between a boat and a train. How can people be so stupid ? Fortunately, the shipping company he works at recognizes his merits and he got a promotion recently for his good works. That means more money, but also more work and more annoying people to deal with. Which is why, as he leaves the almost empty building on Friday night, his only wishes are a warm dinner and a good night of sleep.

After crossing the street, Buggy searches his pockets for his wallet, anticipating his public transports card for the subway, and doesn't notice he's walking right into someone. The other person doesn't see him either, apparently, as theirs shoulders bump, destabilizing Buggy – his hands are stuck in his pockets and he's cursing his day –, and so, he falls. He barely has the time to yelp before he lands on his ass, groaning. "Ouch ! Can't you watch where you're walking ? I have no time for this !" Buggy stands up, dusting himself, and only then casts a look at the responsible for his state.

Said man is looking at his feet and awkwardly scratching the back of his head, apologetically smiling. "Sorry, seems like we were both distracted. Long day, long week, we have it all."

Buggy blinks. Something's familiar. Not the black clad shoulders and strong-built body – not that Buggy cares anyway –, maybe the voice though it's somehow gruffier than he remembers, but above it all the bright red hair he would recognize anywhere. He tilts his head, lifting up an eyebrow in interrogation, "Shanks ?" Shanks used to be his roommate back in college and he recalls their antics as clear as day. They said they'd keep in touch after leaving the university, but they moved to different states and failed to see each other again. It was a fiery friendship, that only lasted for a few years and, well, sometimes Buggy kind of misses it – in the privacy of his head.

The other lifts his head up and silently studies Buggy, seemingly confused. After a moment though, his eyes light up in recognition. "What, no way ! Buggy, is that you ?"

"Of course it is", he smiles, and grabs his friend for a quick hug. When he pulls back, he teases, "You're as clumsy as before."

"Come on, you're no better", Shanks elbows him. "What are you doing now ? I can't believe you're actually wearing a suit. Where have your loose pants gone ?"

Buggy laughs at that, "Says the one that wouldn't wear anything but flip-flops back then !"

"Hey, everyone's gotta get a job at some point", the redhead shrugs. "Speaking of which, you haven't answered my question."

Buggy rolls his eyes. "Geez, you're always so curious and pressing... Fine, fine, I'm sales manager at a shipping company, hence the suit."

"Nice", Shanks beams. "Looks like your all-nighters weren't for nothing in the end, I'm glad you found a good job." Squinting his eyes, he adds, "You like your job, right ?"

The blue-haired man chuckles. "I do. The people I have to deal with on a daily basis, on the other hand..." He sighs, "Ah, I wish they wouldn't exhaust me is all."

Shanks hums thoughtfully. "Why don't we go eat and drink somewhere ? We both look like we need it, and I'd love to catch up with you. What do you say ?"

"You know what ? Getting old suits you well, you're having good ideas. I'm in", Buggy answers, and he lets his old friend take the lead as they wander through the city.

It's been more than a decade, Buggy feels like he's getting older just thinking about the numbers, but they're not old enough that time left its imprint on them. Sure, they've build up a bit, hair has grown and half of their wardrobe has changed but they're still recognizable. Just a bit older, and hopefully wiser.