𝗚𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 & 𝗯𝗼𝗹𝘁𝘀 ┃One Piece [SLOW UPDATES?]

42. Who?

Time flies by between experiments and explosions, leaving your escape plans aside due to the senseless overwork. None of your knowledge as a mechanic was being of any help to whatever Gladius or Doflamingo were doing, so you were really just there as free labor, since you weren't even getting paid.

At least a month of pure work passed, carrying things from one place to another, you didn't develop much of a relationship other than cordiality with the Donquixote family, since you didn't have time to enjoy yourself either, and when you had a break, you preferred to rest or walk around the city forgetting about the palace that you now saw as a prison.

Thinking back now, how would it have gone if you had gone with Bonney? At this point you miss her.

"Hey, psst, here!"

You snapped out of your reverie, lifting your head to stop looking at your shoes, a smiling Barto approached you, checking that no one was watching, he sat down next to you on the bench.

"How's everything going, you still don't know when you'll be able to escape?"

"I'm tied hand and foot, I barely have time for myself, although thanks to these little moments I know the city as if it were my own little town."

Somehow Barto made all the weight that was on your shoulders and tension go away when you were with him, he was an idiot most of the time and thanks to him you knew all of Luffy's crew, but it was your time to disconnect, you appreciate that, even though he's a fanatic, he talked to you about other things besides things related to work.

"That sucks, but oh well, you don't have to be discouraged! I'm sure they'll leave you alone for at least a few days now."

He patted your back, making a small smile appear, although deep down you doubted that the situation would improve.

"How are you so sure?"

"In a couple of days there is a festival that lasts three days, not even they work during the party, so you will have time to do anything."

He winked at you as if he were a little child telling you a secret that only the two of you know, your smile widened upon hearing it, some hope shining in your eyes.

Just as he said, you were allowed to do whatever you wanted during the three days of the festival, if you didn't hate Doflamingo you would have given him a hug the moment he left you "free". You rubbed your hands together like a fly on poop, making the mechanisms of your brain spin, crackling with a lot of ideas and paths, drawing up a small plan... but before that, you would give yourself the right to enjoy one of the days of the festival.

You took advantage of the day before, buying a cute and comfortable outfit that wasn't your usual worn-out set of clothes, smiling at your choice of attire, the first night you saw yourself ready to enjoy free time for once without worrying about anything.

The moon had a nice 'C' shape that gave the night a charming touch, in addition, the colored lights illuminated the streets full of people, playing, eating, drinking and dancing, the dolls or stuffed animals also joined the celebration.

"Wow... you seem like a different person."

"You look good too Barto."

You both smiled at each other, he also wore clothes different from his everyday ones, a nice suit that casually matched a small accessory of your outfit, you flirted jokingly like a couple before going deeper into the busy streets.

"So, have you already thought about your escape route?"

He glanced at you, slightly pushing aside the people who were blocking the way to one of the food stalls you were planning to try.

"Barto, can we drop that topic for today, just for tonight?"

You muttered with a slight frown due to the crowd constantly pushing to get from one side to the other, you clicked your tongue when you felt someone step on you accidentally but without apologizing, the man stretched his hand towards yours when everything seemed to narrow due to the influx of people, you grabbed his hand stumbling when you bumped into a woman to whom you apologized.

"Ugh, finally."

You managed to get to the fast food stand, taking a look at the menu you chose what caught your attention the most, you chatted while the food was prepared, once you paid Barto took your hand again to guide you to a more secluded place, so you could enjoy the food. The coliseum where you met him was close enough to hear the noise and music, but far enough away to be quiet while dining.

A comfortable silence settled in the atmosphere, with just enough background noise without being a nuisance, you enjoyed your meal like never before, trying not to stain your clothes, looking at the dark sky with determination, the determination to get off this cursed island, picturesque and fun for its citizens maybe, but not for you.

You closed your eyes for a few more seconds enjoying the last bite of flavor from your dinner, leaving the wrapper aside, your face lit up in different colors as Bartolomeo nudged you on the arm, moving your head towards the sky where small, bright, flashing explosions of colors drew figures, the sound of the firecrackers wasn't bothersome from this part of the city which made the moment much more peaceful and relaxing.

"They're very pretty, it's been a long time since I saw fireworks, mmm I should make them and sell them now that I think about it... pyrotechnics is a good business, don't you think?"

Completely absorbed in your visions of the future, you were surprised not to receive a response from your companion, when you looked to the side, you didn't see him on the bench, but kneeling on the floor. His mouth was wide open and some tears seemed to want to overflow from his eyes, his cheeks also seemed a little pinker, you crouched down next to him, moving his shoulder to get him out of his state of shock.

·Barto? Hey, can you hear me? God, is this some power from some devil fruit? Bartolomeo... hello, is anyone home?"

You snapped your fingers beside him, moved your hand in front of his eyes, patted his back... nothing seemed to snap him out of his trance, you crouched down beside him, cupping his cheeks with your hands, it wasn't until you really locked eyes with his gaze that he wasn't looking straight ahead, but right behind you, the sound of hurried footsteps made you realize too late that there were more people here, though Barto himself distracted you before you could turn around, as he spoke right at that moment.

"He... that's... it can't be... it's one of the best days of my life!"

He murmured breathlessly, again, before you could turn around another voice spoke, one you recognized very well and didn't expect to meet again so soon in your adventure.

"(Y/n)?"