The Clown's Kiss (Buggy Fanfiction) [One Piece]

Seeing You

In the heart of Orange Town, nestled within the weathered walls of the venerable old schoolhouse, Scarlet and Buggy find themselves in a classroom that exudes an air of timeless charm.

This particular room is a testament to Miss Moore's enduring dedication to education, a sanctuary where knowledge blossoms like the vibrant artwork adorning the walls. Among the cherished relics of academia, old and well-loved books occupy every available surface, their pages whispering takes of wisdom to all who enter.

However, not only do books speak volumes about Scarlet's commitment to her role as a teacher; there are the drawings, lovingly created by generations of students, which adorn the walls like colorful tapestries of youthful creativity.

Buggy stands in front of one of the drawings, a perplexed expression etched upon his face as he studies a student's rendering of a simple house, complete with stick figures gathering in front of it. His presence in the room seems incongruous amidst the nostalgic backdrop, and his skeptical gaze falls upon the colorful assortment of children's artwork adorning the walls.

With a quirked eyebrow, he couldn't fathom what Scarlet saw in these seemingly crude creations. He voices his skepticism, a hint of mockery lacing his words. "You keep all of their shitty drawings?"

Scarlet doesn't waver in the face of Buggy's skepticism. She waits until he turns toward her, her eyes holding a quiet conviction, a challenge lurking beneath their surface. She might have been tempted to reprimand him for his dismissive words, but instead, she chooses a different path.

Without engaging in a verbal sparring match, she retreats to the familiarity of her seat behind the desk. As she sat down, her fingers deftly opened a drawer, the soft rustling of papers indicating her search for something hidden among the treasures she holds dear.

Scarlet's fingers deftly retrieve two pristine sheets of paper from the drawer, along with a handful of pencils, their lead tips untouched by the marks of previous musings. With an almost imperceptible nod, she indicated for Buggy to join her, her eyes inviting him to partake in a shared moment of creativity.

Buggy, though visibly skeptical, couldn't resist the silent invitation. He approaches her cautiously, his feet carrying him to an empty chair, which he pulls out and settles into, positioning himself across from her.

It has been years – probably decades even – since he's set foot in a classroom, his life as a pirate chosen early, diverging sharply from the conventional path of formal education. He couldn't help but feel a pang of vulnerability in this unfamiliar setting, a discomfort that had him acutely aware of the stark contrast between his rough-and-tumble pirate persona and the gentle aura of the schoolteacher before him.

Scarlet extends a sheet of paper toward Buggy, its blank expanse inviting him to embark on a journey of creative expression. She scatters an array of colorful pencils between them to share. Her gentle smile accompanies her offer, an unspoken encouragement to step into the realm of artistic possibilities.

As the lines on his forehead knit together, causing Buggy's white makeup to crease in confusion, he couldn't help but voice his perplexity. "Why would I draw anything?"

Scarlet, undeterred by his initial resistance, simply shrugs and begins to work on her own creation. Her pencil dances across the paper with practiced grace, and she offers a response imbued with patience and wisdom. "You'll never understand unless you try it."

For a moment, Buggy finds himself captivated by the delicate strands of hair that escaped Scarlet's tie, framing her face like a whispered secret. An unexpected urge surges within him to reach out and gently tuck them behind her ear, but he manages to restrain himself. Instead, his gaze drifts to her hands, fingers long and nimble, guiding the pencil with a masterful touch.

In a sudden shift, Scarlet looks up from her work, her gaze locking with Buggy's. His porcelain clown makeup hides the blush that tingled beneath, but he couldn't conceal the warmth that swelled within him upon seeing the spark of delight in her eyes.

With a hint of playful sternness, she admonishes him, her arm covering her paper protectively. "Don't look just yet," she insists. "It's more fun to surprise each other at the end. Everyone should focus on their work without feeling pressured by what others create." Her words carry a gentle wisdom, and Buggy, though still hesitant, feels a newfound sense of camaraderie and curiosity as they embark on this unexpected artistic endeavor together.

"You're forgetting who I am," Buggy retorts, his voice tinged with pride, as he defiantly seizes a pencil and begins sketching the familiar contours of his beloved ship.

Scarlet, not eager to engage in a debate, offers a nod of acknowledgment, allowing the conversation to continue. As he traces the lines of the vessel he held dear, Buggy's enthusiasm for his craft begins to shine through. "If anyone knows about the magic of art, then it's me. People come and watch my shows every time we announce that we have created something new!"

Scarlet observes his passion, a swell of warmth coursing through her as she realizes the genuine excitement he exudes when discussing something so close to his heart. However, having experienced one of his shows firsthand, she couldn't suppress her thoughts for long. "People come and watch because they're scared," she ventured, her words hanging in the air like an unspoken truth.

Buggy's hand freezes, his gaze locking onto hers, his eyes shimmering with a dangerous intensity. He challenges her to continue, daring her to speak out against his artistry.

Her heart races, but she presses on, determined to convey her perspective. "Don't get me wrong," Scarlet hastened to clarify, "Your show was amazing, and I loved every moment of it – the music, the lights, and the unwavering passion each performer brought to their role. But..." She hesitates, wrestling with her words as she ponders whether to voice her thoughts. "It felt like you were too strict on yourself, and any deviation from the plan created a tense atmosphere."

Buggy's expression remains tense, his curiosity overriding his initial defensiveness. "Go on," he prods, a hint of vulnerability creeping into his voice.

Scarlet considers her next words carefully, her desire to be honest tempers her wish to avoid causing offense. "Your dedication to perfection is evident, and it's what makes your shows so captivating. But perhaps, allowing a bit of spontaneity to breathe in the performance could make it even more magical."

Buggy absorbs her words in silence, his eyes still locked onto hers, but now softens by contemplation rather than challenge. Scarlet's honesty had stirred something within him, a spark of self-reflection, and he found himself contemplating the possibility of infusing his art with a new kind of magic.

The moment lingers, both of them lost in their thoughts until Scarlet breaks the spell. With a gentle smile, she pushes her finished artwork across the table toward him. It was a rough sketch, far from perfect, yet it held a unique charm as if perfection had never been her ultimate goal.

In the drawing, she had captured him, the essence of the clown pirate, with all his imperfections present. His distinctive clown makeup adorned his face and his unusual red nose, but what struck Buggy the most was the smile she had bestowed upon him. It was unlike any he had ever seen on his wanted posters or in the mirrors that reflected his flamboyant persona.

In her sketch, his smile was genuine, reaching all the way to his eyes, revealing a softer, more vulnerable side of himself.

Buggy's heart skips a beat as he studies the sketch, emotions swirling within him He doesn't dare delve too deeply into the feelings it stirs, choosing instead to focus on the simple act of her sharing her vision of him. Without a word, he met her gaze, a mixture of surprise, gratitude, and something more profound passing between them at that moment.

Scarlet, her eyes reflecting warmth and compassion, gives a gentle smile and urges him with a kind tone, "Take it. It's for you."