The Young Pirate Apprentice is Bewitched by the Local!
Eventual Romance!Buggy x Reader
Summary: Y/n is a local girl who ends up joining the Roger Pirates.
A/n: This is a set up for a slow burn romance between Buggy and Y/n. CW, no romance just yet
Part I • Series Masterlist
Sitting at the cliffs edge, leaning back onto your palms, you watched the twilight view plunge into the ocean horizon. The dark night sky, beginning to drape over the sky. Despite the strong breezes, the humid summer air seems to dwell.
You lay flat on your back, looking up to the starry sky as you submerge into nature, listening to the cicadas and frogs sing songs. Before you could really take it all in, the loud ringing of the Tavern bell has you sighing in resignation as you slowly sat up, reluctantly pulling yourself away from the comfort of the earth to help your grandfather work.
You steadily walk the familiar path back towards the village where the small shabby Tavern sat. Normally the Tavern was slow paced with vacant stools excluding a couple of regulars that keel over the bar surface.
But before the building even comes into view, you can hear the wildly loud and rambunctious crowd that has seemed to take refuge within the humble business. Sea shanty’s being sung loudly with drunken jolly.
You walked passed a few interesting characters, especially a young boy dressed as a clown. The sight was amusing in its self, but you kept a straight face to avoid any unintended offence. Especially since they look like a bunch of pirates.
Walking right passed the bar you enter the back room where your grandfather rummaged the stock with greater haste and energy than you have seen in a long time.
“My darling girl, I knew buying all this alcohol would come in handy! The towns people called me crazy spending the last of the money for stock, but here we are, a Tavern full with thirsty young men!” Your grandfather cheers in excitement, grabbing more packaged goods from its dusty boxes.
“Grandpa… i thought you bought this for the Marine crew… unlike pirates, they actually pay. Can they even pay?” You press your questions to which your grandfather refuses to look you in the eye. “Grandpa… you can’t take their word for it, you must take an advanced payment.”
“They’re good boys darling, i can tell.” You frail grandfather declares which only makes your resolve harden. Pirate or not, you won’t let anyone push your grandfather around.
Stepping away quickly you exit the back rooms and into the main bar area. “Another pint.” One of the men ordered but you ignore the request and walk straight to the man with a large mustash leaning back casually and comfortably as if he owned the place.
You look down your nose at the man seated before you silently demanding his attention. His curious eyes breaking away from his entourage and setting it on you.
“Captain,” You greet to which the man juts one brow up. “We are grateful that your crew has chosen to celebrate at our humble establishment tonight- but I’m sure you can appreciate that we will require an upfront payment before you drink us dry and stick us with an unpaid bill.
An amused smirk tugs at the corners of the man’s lips. “Aye’ promise ya’ we won’t leave a bill unsettled.” The captain promised, holding a pint up as the crew roared in cheers.
“Oh? And if the Marines were to appear right now you would take the time to settle the bill?” You question making the man hum in thought. “I should think you would sooner run away and leave us, yes?” The man nods along with your reasoning.
“A fine point young one, Rayleigh, be sure to make advance payment would ya?” The man orders, turning his attention back to his entourage, leaving the man you presume is Rayleigh to guide you back to the bar with a heavy sack in tow.
“Here’s an upfront payment of 2 million berries.” Your mouth drops seeing the heavy sack hitting the table. It was far more money than most would ever see in a life time, and far too generous for drinking just one night in the Tavern.
“Sir… that’s… that’s more money than all of our products.” The man smirks, a sense of bemusement tugging at his features.
“You’re an honest girl- take it as an extra reward. It’s rare someone could just waltz up to Captain Roger and reason with him so easily.” Rayleigh compliments making your features grow warm with pride. “And to do it so gracefully too.” A chair goes flying across the room and smashes against the wall. “And I can only hope it will also compensate the damage.” Rayleigh states, quickly leaving the large money sack behind before you changed your mind and demanded more.
You stumble your way back to your grandfather who shakily takes the sack of money. “My word! I knew my granddaughter was impressive, but regardless!” He pulls you in for a one armed hug, excitedly shaking the life changing goldmine.
He shuffles off to the back room, no doubt racing to place his loot into the safe. “Oi! Gimme a beer!” The clown boy demands only making you wrinkle your nose at his poor manners.
“Aren’t you a little young to be drinking?” You question, bemused by the clown boys seething expression.
“I ain’t much younger than you! Just give me the drink damnit!” Before you could even respond, a mature gentleman with a pink headband and a yellow crown came up behind the clown boy and slapped him upside the head.
“You best have some better manners Buggy.” He demands, snatching a half drunken pint from the bar. “Ask the girl properly.”
“I ain’t gonna!” He spits childishly crossing his arms in defiance. “Give me my damn drink!” He demands again which only makes you giggle at his antics.
“Well if you ain’t gonna, then I ain’t gonna neither.” You tease back, darting away from the bar to serve other thirsty pirates around the Tavern, leaving the boy behind with an a gaped mouth and the older gentleman in stitches.
Fascinating. A pretty, elegant girl like you had no problems stooping low to put someone back in their place.
It wasn’t before long that Buggy jumped up on the bar table performing silly entertaining acts which had the crew hooting and hollering in howling laughter. But the real sense of satisfaction set in once he saw your stoic expression contort to a mild smirk at Buggy’s antics. A rush running through Buggy, he felt greater motivation to see you smile.
He so desperately wanted to hear what you laughter sounded like. Was it airy and angelic? Did it match your demeanour? Or was it jarring like a witches cackle, opposing your enamouring appearance?
After a few more rounds of his circus like acts, Buggy sprawled out on the grass where he let the night breeze cool down his overheated figure. His head lulled back, taking in the starry night sky.
“Care for a pint?” You offer, holding out a large wooden cup filled with frothy malt.
“I ain’t thanking’ ya since you took so damn long to serve my drink.” Buggy rasps, snatching the cup and taking a slugging swig of the malty drink only to choke and sputter on the bitter flavour. “Ugh— delicious— my favourite!” He sputters in embarrassment, the tips of his ears pinching in red which has you booming with a loud hearty laughter. Buggy’s stomach fluttered at the sound of your laugh. It was oddly satisfying to hear such boisterous joy coming from someone so prim. He wanted to hear it again. “You have a beautiful laugh…” mutters, his cheeks reddening at the unintentional admission. “Uh- I mean for someone for a face like yours!” His scrambling only makes you laugh more.
It’s been a while since you had a good laugh.
Being stuck in a small town with only adults and old people can make a young girl feel isolated. You never did get to act like a silly child, only ever behaving like a proper young woman, much like the other ladies in your village. But the crew you served tonight acted so young and lively. Their shenanigans were hilarious and endearing. You wished you could be like them. Having wild outrageous adventures, acting silly and having a jolly good time. You especially admired Buggy for being his authentic, unapologetic self. He showed no shame, and no embarrassment in how he looks and acts. You really enjoy the unpredictable excitement that comes with being around him.
“Can I ask why you became a pirate?” Your graceful gaze locks onto Buggy. Your genuine curiosity made Buggy feel nervous to give a good answer, but right now, he didn’t really know why he wanted to become a pirate.
“I wanted to and so I did.” Buggy answered, taking another swig on the ale, his face pinching together in dislike. “Money, power, to be worshiped by all!” He adds theatrically make you smile in humour. He looks back at you, expecting your mockery, or denial but you only nod in understanding. Your cool and composed demeanour sets shivers up his spine.
“I’m jealous of you.” You state plainly making Buggy’s head spin, comparative to you, he doesn’t believe he’s enviable. “I wish I could travel the world like you, eat and drink, party, see sceneries that aren’t the same every night… have fun with people like you…” You whisper, making Buggy’s cheeks warm.
“Yeah? It’s a good thing you’re coming with us.” Buggy rasps, taking a huge gulp from his cup, screwing up his face.
“What?” You ask, confused with Buggy’s statement.
“…That’s why we’re here… to pick you up.” Buggy said, his eyebrow raised.
“I-…. What are you talking about? Are you drunk on 3 sips?”
“No- your grandfather is an old friend of Captains, asked him to take you on as an apprentice. Said his time is coming to an end and wanted to make sure his Granddaughter saw the world, and was looked after.” Buggy states plainly, unsure why he had to explain your life story to you.
“That crazy old man… he was going to ship me off without saying anything?” You question more so to yourself.
“Now that you know- what’re you going to do?”
Standing at the rear deck you wave off to your frail grandfather who only continues to stand on the dock, waving back with unmatched enthusiasm. He continues to wave at you until the Oro Jackson sinks into the horizon.
