Chapter Text
The ink stained your fingers like blood. Paperwork. Orders. Bounties. Everything ran through your hands, yet none of it belonged to you.Not your time. Not your life. Not even your name some days. You were theirs.And you were starting to hate it.
You didn't know when the breaking point hit. Was it the thousandth invite from your friends you haven't seen in weeks that you had to cancel for them? Was it seeing the happy couples by the pier holding hands and smiling? Was it when you found your old diary? One that dreamed of love and a happy life in full control? Where you mattered? No. It was when they blamed you for something that was their fault
The meeting the Cross Guild had just left was a complete disaster. Despite your warning of the leader’s temperament and the crystal clear itinerary you gave them, they didn't follow your instructions yet again. Buggy decided to interrupt constantly, trying and failing to get the upper hand; Crocodile kept underestimating them and mocking them openly and Mihawk simply didn't even care to make it on time stating that it wasn't worthy of his attention. The leader had stormed out, canceling their deal for imports.
“If your information had been clear, we wouldn't be in this mess” Crocodile grunted as he lit up a cigar. “Yeah, you're supposed to prevent these things, what are we even paying you for?” Buggy whined. “Your oversight cost us an important deal,” Mihawk states. You try to stutter out that you had told them, but they didn't seem to listen or care.
Your eyes twitch, out of irritation or countless sleepless nights you can't tell. As “punishment” they send you out on a menial task to get something from town. You oblige with a strained smile and trudge into town, your legs feeling like going through quicksand with every step. You didn't realize the tension in your shoulders until you saw the serene sea and sunset before you.
When was the last time you got to see the sunset? You have always worked clear past into the night. That was when you saw them. Couples all around you. Oh. It was Valentine's Day. There was a young couple holding hands, this being their first date with shy glances and stuck smiles on their faces. There was an older couple holding the hand of their young child, all three laughing happily. When was the last time you laughed? When was the last time you went out on a date? When was the last time you stopped?
As you returned the item to the Cross Guild, without so much of a thank you, they dismissed you for the day. When you got home you found a diary hidden in your things. It was from when you were a young child. As you flip through the pages, you see crayon drawings filled with hopes and dreams of your future. You, a confident, independent person with a partner at your side supporting you. Drops appeared on the page
Confused, you look up for a leak, you don't find one until you feel wet on your cheeks.
Oh.
You were crying.
How many years have you dedicated to your job? What happened to those dreams? Your shoulder slump as you feel your breath being forced from your lungs as you start to collapse into sobs.
When you finally catch your breath again, you make a resolution. You were going to take your life into your hands again.
Your fingers didn't tremble as you drafted the perfect resignation letter, one thanking them for years of service but professionally letting them down and placing it on your nightstand for tomorrow. You’ve never felt lighter and as you place your head on your pillow to sleep you feel yourself genuinely smile for the first time in years.
The next day you walk in, your head held high. You picked out the perfect outfit to do this, one that made you feel confident and in control.
You waved and smiled to every employee that passed you. As you sharply knock on their door, you hear a muted enter, and find them all lounging around in their meeting room.
Buggy was attempting to pester Crocodile and Mihawk as they looked over last minute paperwork you had handed them a week before. You took a deep breath and threw down your resignation letter on top of the document they were working on.
“I'm resigning, this is my two weeks notice” you state firmly.
There is a small pause before Buggy starts bursting out laughing. “You can't be serious! Is this about yesterday? Come on, you messed up! Already forgiven” he smiles
Your eyebrow furrow “I'm serious. I'm tired of being treated like a machine”
Crocodile sighs “What do you want, more pay? We can negotiate that”
“I don't want more pay, I want my life back” you state firmly
Mihawk remains silent but is studying you carefully.
“I’ve realized I've given too much of myself, so much that I don't have an identity anymore”
Crocodile rolls his eyes at you “You're overreacting”
That's it
“When is my birthday, when's the last time you said thank you to me, when's the last time I left before midnight, when's the last time I've had a day off?” You snap back at them.
“Well that's because we know you can handle the work,” Mihawk says. “Yeah, you're our superstar” Buggy proclaims proudly
“I want a life! I want to see my friends, I want to fall in love.” You exclaim.
There is a heavy silence as they stare at you.
You feel hot tears stinging your eyes, but you refuse to let them see you cry. You turn around and leave the room, slamming the door behind you.
“Heh- they don't mean it right, they're not just leaving?” Buggy laughs nervously.
“Of course they’re not leaving” Crocodile scoffs confidently “They’re just having a little temper tantrum, perhaps i’ll give them a day off”
Mihawk stares at the door, his eyes narrowing in thought.
“I know exactly what's going on,” Mihawk stated calmly. "They're in love with us”
Buggy and Crocodile both look at him in confusion.
“Think about it, they mentioned wanting a love life, they didn't say with whom” Mihawk said confidently
“Ah, yes they're quitting because they can't bear to bear around those they cannot obtain. We come off too powerful for them, they’re intimidated” reasoned Crocodile, his hand and hook resting on his chest as he leaned back in his chair.
“Awww, they have a little crush” giggled Buggy, kicking his feet off the side of his chair.
“They are essential to our operation, we shouldn’t let them get away that easily,” concluded Crocodile, puffing out a ring of smoke.
“It is the logical choice. They help maintain what little order we have” Mihawk adds
“She gave us 110% so she must love us. The poor thing must’ve had these feelings for years” Buggy said frowning
“Alright, the solution is simple then” said Crocodile, Mihawk nodding and Buggy clapping in excitement
“We need to marry them”