«White, uh? That would be Cavendish.»
Nami sneers seeing the grimace on your face. Not that you have anything against the model, he's just... a little bit too over himself for you. You two were in good terms, when he moved in your complex, but then his continuous animosity against Barto pulled you apart, since the greenette is one of your best friends.
Vivi goes fetching the guy as you approach the closet. Once he appears, he has the usual superiority look plastered on his features and, of course, he's dressed like a prince. He eyed you from hair to toe, without hiding a certain dismay.
Rude.
«Okay guys, let's get going.»
Nami pushes you both inside and closes the door. You sigh in the dim light.
«So, Y/n. Would you like an autograph? Maybe a dedication? I really hope you were not expecting more than a hand squeeze from this silly game.»
You frown at his confident words.
«I really wasn't, don't worry.»
«Just the autograph then?»
You shrug, smirking at his showy figure.
«Not really interested.»
Cavendish squints, incredulous.
«I beg your pardon?»
«I'm not... into models I guess. And I get to see you almost everyday, so I don't see the point.» you mumble, recalling how sensitive he is on the topic. He can be vain, but you don't really want to hurt his feeling, since he's actually a good guy. The memory of that day you were both stuck in the elevator for hours comes back to your mind.
His expression seems baffled for a moment, then he blinks in realization.
«Oh, yes, I remember it now! You used to date Eustass, right? No wonder you cannot appreciate something refined.»
Okay, the hell with not hurting his feeling.
«Well, at least Kid looks like a man!» you snap back.
His eyes sharpen and you suddenly remember the secret he told you, that afternoon.
It's curious how an almost-stranger can open up, if you spend the right amount of time alone with him. The interminable hours you spent on the elevator with Cavendish, months ago, leaded you two to talk. At first it was just small conversation, then you both went deeper and deeper, finding somehow really easy to speak about your worst fears, at the end.
You didn't talk much after that time, each one resuming their life like nothing happened, but you bore his secret inside you. And that secret had a name.
Hakuba.
You take a step back, regretting your cocky words.
However, his grimace dissolves at the look on your face.
«Are you scared of me, Y/n?»
«I don't know. Should I be?»
Something flashes in his expression. He seems hurt and somehow... sad?
«I would never touch you!»
«I know!» you hurriedly say «But... it's not just... you, right?»
His lips form a tight line as he leans against the opposite wall.
«Cavendish, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm an idiot.»
He sighs.
«It's okay, I can't blame you. It's just... the look on your face.»
You reach him, leaning beside his figure.
«Yes, I had a moment of dread, but it's because I don't know how it works.» you quietly say, palming his arm «I know you would never hurt anyone willingly.»
His face relaxes a little, although his gaze is still fixed in front of him.
«I'm working on it, you know.» he says after a while, in a low volume «I go to therapy and take the pills. Things are getting better now.»
«This is good!» you dare a smile «Does anyone else know about it?»
«Not really, no.»
«Well...» you twitch your mouth, slightly embarrassed «You can always talk to me, if you want. I'm ignorant on the subject, but I could help, if you guide me.»
He glances at you, then shifts his eyes again.
«I don't think it's a good idea. He... Hakuba would get angry at you, if you come too close.»
His words hit you right in the chest.
If his alter ego endangers anyone who comes close to him... how alone is Cavendish's life exactly?
«I don't care!» you blurt, almost without thinking.
He turns to you, surprised.
«Y/n, he's dangerous...»
«I don't care!» you repeat, then flash him your best smile «'Cause I know you'll never let him touch me.»
Cavendish blinks at your statement.
«I...» then he smiles back «It's true. I won't.»
«It's a deal, then!»
You pull your phone out and hand it over him.
«Here. Save your contact, I'll be calling you for a coffee or something, does it sound right? When you're not too busy with you supermodel life.»
After a moment of hesitation, he takes it.
«Sounds like a plan.» he mumbles.
The door shouts open just while he's handing your phone back.
«Ah! Caught ya!!» Carina shouts.
The typical outraged expression returns on Cavendish's face, as he marches proudly back in the hall.
«Just to be clear,» he hisses before being too far «we're not dating or anything!»
You smile, putting your phone back in your pocket.
«Of course not.»
The rest of the evening proceeds with all the girls going on and on about how you managed to get Cavendish's phone number.
It takes a whole week to convince Barto to speak to you again.
YOU ARE READING
One Piece 7 Minutes in Heaven - HALLOWEEN SPECIAL
Fanfiction[modern!AU] You're invited to Donquixote Manor for Halloween party, and of course someone has the brilliant idea to play 7 minutes in heaven.
