Tumgik
#la grande vague
vinillain · 3 days
Text
Tumblr media
“Yugo Sheran Sharm”
77 notes · View notes
tafetta · 17 days
Text
Tumblr media
Once they were happy.
Tumblr media
192 notes · View notes
lascitasdelashoras · 2 months
Text
Tumblr media
La Grande Vague by Joél Guenoun
104 notes · View notes
geekgirles · 1 month
Text
I'm only going to say this once.
As much as I love them, if only Tristeva get their happy ending, I am going to be pissed. We have not waited this long for Yumalia to become canon only to lose them in a little over a month. I'm serious, Ankama...
Tumblr media
52 notes · View notes
chlogummy · 15 days
Text
Tumblr media
Cozy morning 💕
193 notes · View notes
astrosociety · 1 month
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Saw those on twitter and man can they catch a break???
What is going on ;;;
93 notes · View notes
aphilayx · 16 days
Text
How long will last Wakfu the Great Wave?
On Twitter, Tot said 12 chapters were already finished, and they woukd like to make about 100.
Tumblr media
I don't know if it's good news for my heart, given what happened in the first chapter.
67 notes · View notes
onyichii · 7 days
Text
Wakfu The Great Wave in English, Spanish, and etc is working now!!
Finally! I can read it! Though I didn't mind translating too much. I do like seeing how the English and French dialogue differ since when they translate—it's not exact.
I'll have to read it a few times to put my two cents in! It takes me a few views to soak up details and write my thoughts
Tumblr media
33 notes · View notes
Text
Sorry, my bad....
I want to publicly apologise to the Great Dragon. 🙇
After a cool-down period, I dove into Wakfu Wikia and re-read the first chapter of WAKFU: The Great Wave.
I've realised the dragon who invaded my boy's dream and gave Yumalia a case of coitus interruptus (a wet dream ?) was NOT Yugo's father.
*Beware of potential spoilers for Dofus the Movie, Wakfu, Wakfu the webtoon and Waven*
The silhouette shown during the dream sequence reminded me of two dragons from the World of Twelve.
Theory #1 : Grougalorasalar
The first one is Grougalorasalar, the Primordial Ebony dragon. Yes, the same dragon linked to Master Joris.
The picture from the webtoon is very similar to Rasalar, especially the wings and horns.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
I can't show the webtoon, but here is the Ebony dragon. Looks like if Godzilla and a giant bat had a baby.
However, I don't know how Grougalorasalar could have entered Yugo's dream or how he would have known about the threat the Eliatrope king might represent. I mean, sure, Yugo is a walking disaster but his reputation is not (yet) that bad, right?
As far as I know, Grougalorasalar doesn't have a "dream-hijacking" ability. Plus, like in all good old fantasy settings, the Ebony Dragon and all Black dragons from the WoT is a malignant creature, symbolising Black Fire or Stasis... or so the Wakfu wikia says.
If that's the case, why would Grougalorasalar seemingly try to prevent Yugo from doing what he does best, "unwittingly endangering the world" ?
That's why I'm more inclined to believe this is the work of Draconiros.
Theory #2 : Draconiros
Tumblr media Tumblr media
His dragon form is flawless.
Draconiros is the Master of Dreams and the Lord of Nightmares. He lives in the Kingdom of Dreams, within the Astral Plane. As such, he can manipulate dreams as he wishes. This could include hijacking someone else's dreams or even changing his appearance within said dreams.
In the wikia, it is said that Draconiros also seems to have a part in the events preceding the Eliocalypse, possibly trying to prevent it.
Since he has access to dreams, this dragon could know about the vision the Eliacube gave Oropo and how Yugo might be linked to the almost destruction of the World of Twelve (WoT). If so, it would make sense for Draconiros to contact Yugo and announce his upcoming courtesy visit. This dragon is a true gentleman! 🙏
Still, if Draconiros is really behind Yugo's nightmare, why would he pick the form of another dragon? It could also be that his true form has been redesigned for the webtoon, like they did with Nora in the tv show, idk.
Theory #3 : Idk for sure but it's not the Great Dragon
Either way, an interference from any Twelvian dragon makes more sense than the Great Invisible Dad trolling his son just to say "I hate you! Wait till I get home! 👿👿👿".
This is especially true, taking into account what is known about the Great Dragon. He is the incarnation of Stasis, the energy of destruction. Why would he bother preventing the end of one world among so many? Plus, he wasn't shown interacting with the Eliatropes back in the day, even when they were facing extinction, thanks to the Mechasms. he Great Dragon is the incarnation of Stasis, the energy of destruction.
Nah, Great Dragon "danced" with the Eliatrope Goddess, which helped her get the kids she wanted, and DIPPED! Does he even know the names of his kids? There's a reason they are called Eliatropes and not Stasisians or something. 😒
These are speculations based on my small understanding of the Wakfu universe. I don't play any MMORPG from the Wakfu franchise. I have not read all the available materials, apart from the manga-style Wakfu comics, which are a must-read for fans of the series and take place after Season 2.
For all I know, Yugo's nightmare could be sent by someone else or something else entirely.
For example, if the gods were not MIA, I would have thought Osamodas, the OG dragon master, or Sram, the biggest troll in Twelvian History, would have something to do with this nightmare.
Ngl, I was hoping this was a nightmare created by Yugo's trauma (ptsd) or his link with Toross. I really want to see this antagonist come back to haunt Yugo somehow. Maybe he can still make an appearance as a hallucination (PTSD?) or as himself from the Necroworld, channelling Rotalström (still in the Sadida kingdom), the stasis he stabbed Yugo with or the wakfu he ingested from the Eliatrope king. Anything to see Toross again! 🙏🙏🙏
I cannot wait for Episode 2 to drop and obliterate my theories!
**Please, go read Wakfu The Great Wave if you can **
30 notes · View notes
amaliashiro · 22 days
Text
Wakfu Webtoon Trailer!
instagram
39 notes · View notes
vinillain · 6 days
Text
Tumblr media
They should bring the poncho back…
173 notes · View notes
larebiscornue · 1 month
Text
Only 17 days til La Grande Vague releases!! 🥹
0 notes
pucksandpower · 6 months
Text
What Happens in Vegas
Max Verstappen x Red Bull driver!Reader
Summary: the morning after the Las Vegas Grand Prix, you wake up with one new wedding ring and zero clue about what happened … or who your husband is
Tumblr media
You wake up with a pounding headache, the sunlight filtering through the curtains feeling like daggers in your eyes. Groaning, you roll over and glance at the clock on the nightstand.
12:37 pm.
Far later than you would normally sleep, but given the circumstances, not entirely surprising.
The night before was the Las Vegas Grand Prix and things had gotten a little out of hand afterwards. Okay, more like a lot out of hand.
The details are fuzzy but you vaguely recall dancing on a table at some point and did someone get pushed into the hotel fountain?
Ugh. You make a mental note to apologize to whoever ended up taking an unexpected late-night swim last night.
Sitting up slowly, you rub your temples, trying to ease the jackhammer currently going off in your head. Getting blackout drunk maybe wasn’t the most professional move, but hey, what happens in Vegas and all that.
You stumble into the bathroom, turning on the faucet and splashing some cold water on your face. As you reach for a towel, the glint of metal on your left hand makes you pause.
No. It can’t be.
But there it is, a simple gold band around your ring finger.
A wedding ring.
Your wedding ring, apparently.
“What the hell?” You mutter, staring at your reflection in disbelief.
You rack your brain, trying desperately to remember what happened last night. But it’s no use, the details are lost in an alcohol-induced haze.
You married someone last night. In Vegas. While ridiculously drunk.
This is bad. Really bad.
Your career, your reputation, everything is on the line here. Who knows what kind of scandal this could cause if word got out? You need to figure out who you married and do damage control, fast.
Taking a deep breath, you try to calm the rising panic. Freaking out won’t solve anything right now. You need answers and sitting here panicking won’t get you any. Time to do some investigating.
You quickly throw on some clothes and head downstairs to the hotel lobby. The drivers had agreed to meet for brunch today before getting thoroughly wasted last night. Maybe one of them knows something.
As you step out of the elevator, you immediately spot a group of your friends chatting in the lobby. Max, Charles, Lando … the usual suspects.
Lando is the first to spot you. “Well good morning, Mrs. Lando Norris,” he says with a cheeky grin.
You freeze. No way. There’s no way you married Lando. The kid is like a little brother to you. An obnoxious, hyperactive little brother. But Lando just laughs at your stunned expression.
“Kidding! You should see your face right now,” he giggles. Little punk. But at least that rules out Lando as your surprise husband.
You roll your eyes and shove Lando playfully before turning to the others. “So, crazy night last night, huh?” You say, aiming for nonchalance.
Max shrugs. “I mean, it’s Vegas. Things do tend to get wild.”
“Right, wild,” you echo. Time to cut to the chase. “So wild that I ended up getting married apparently.”
You hold up your left hand, wedding ring glinting in the light. The others stare at it then at each other, puzzled.
“Wait, you actually got married last night?” Charles asks incredulously.
You throw your hands up in exasperation. “Yes! And I have no idea who I married. Come on mates, you must remember something from last night that can help me figure this out.”
But their faces are blank, everyone shaking their heads. Useless, the whole lot of them.
You turn to Max, who averts his eyes, looking uncomfortable.
“Max, come on. You always know everything that happens on these nights out. Help me out here,” you plead.
Max shuffles his feet, not meeting your gaze. “I mean, it was pretty crazy. I was very drunk too,” he mumbles.
You sigh in frustration. Clearly you’re not getting anywhere with this group. You need to try someone else, someone who maybe left the party early last night.
You recall Fernando complaining about the horrible music at one point. Bingo.
“Alright, I gotta go see if I can find someone who can get me answers,” you announce. “You drunkards are no help.”
As you turn to leave, Charles calls after you, “Let us know if you find out who the unlucky guy is!” This earns snickers from Lando and Max.
You shake your head and head out to find Fernando. That Spaniard better have some useful information or there will be hell to pay.
One thing is certain, you will get to the bottom of this. You need to find out who this mystery husband is, sort out this mess, and most importantly, get this ring off your finger before the media catches wind of your drunken Vegas wedding.
This is going to be one hell of a day.
***
After leaving the unhelpful group in the lobby, you set out to find Fernando. The Spaniard has always had a keen eye for details. If anyone saw what happened last night, it would be him.
You find Fernando sitting alone at a table in the closest coffee shop, sipping an espresso. He looks irritatingly fresh-faced and put together given the wild night you all had.
“Well good morning, chiquita,” he says with a smirk as you plop down across from him. “You look like you had quite the night.”
You scowl at him. “No thanks to you. Leaving the party early again, I see.”
Fernando shrugs. “What can I say? I’m getting too old for these Vegas nights out with you crazy kids.”
You roll your eyes dramatically. “Oh yes, grandpa, you’re soooo old at 42. Anyway, I need your help figuring something out.”
You hold up your left hand, the wedding ring glinting under the lights. “Any idea how this might have ended up on my finger last night?”
Fernando raises an eyebrow, looking far too amused. “Well well, our little Y/N got married in Vegas. Who’s the lucky man?”
You huff in annoyance. “That’s what I’m trying to figure out! I don’t remember anything from last night. But I woke up this morning hungover as hell with this on my hand.” You waggle your finger for emphasis.
Fernando sits back, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “Hmm, interesting. And you say you remember nothing?”
“Nothing!” You exclaim, throwing your hands up. “Everything after the third tequila shot is a total blank. Please tell me you saw something that can help me out here.”
You give Fernando your best pleading puppy dog eyes but the Spanish driver just shakes his head.
“Sadly, I did not witness this alleged wedding. I turned in early, unlike you wild youths.”
You groan and let your head fall to the table. “This is bad, Fernando. Really bad. I could lose my seat over this if the team finds out I pulled a stunt like this. I need to figure out who I married!"
Fernando pats your head condescendingly. “There there, I’m sure it’s not as bad as you think. Your secret is safe with me.”
You peer up at him suspiciously. “Just how secret is this? The smirk on your face makes me think you know something.”
The smirk widens. “Maybe I know something, maybe I don’t. But I’m not going to spoil the surprise for you.”
“Nando!” You smack his arm as he laughs. “This isn’t funny! Just tell me who I married!”
“Nope,” he says, popping the P obnoxiously. “It is too entertaining watching you squirm.”
You let out a frustrated growl. “You’re the worst. I don’t know why I bothered asking you for help.”
“Because you love me, that’s why,” Fernando says with a cheeky wink.
You can’t help but smile a bit at that. You’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for the menace.
“Ugh fine, keep your secrets,” you concede. “I’ll figure this out without your help.”
You start to stand up but Fernando stops you. “Leaving so soon? Stay, have some breakfast with me. You’re going to need your energy today.”
Your stomach rumbles at the mention of food so you sink back down into your seat. “I guess I could eat something while I plot my next move.”
A waiter comes by and you order a massive plate of food to soak up the alcohol still swimming in your system. As you tuck into your meal, you notice Fernando watching you from across the table, looking thoughtful.
“You know,” he says. “Whoever you ended up marrying ... they are a very lucky man. Underneath this hungover mess, you have a good heart. Don’t be too hard on yourself over one wild night, eh?”
You pause mid-bite, touched by his sincerity. “Thanks, Nando. That really means a lot coming from you.”
He smiles and squeezes your hand briefly before returning to his coffee. The playful twinkle returns to his eye. “Even if you did get married like an idiot last night.”
You snort. “Wow, thanks. Way to ruin the moment there.”
Fernando shrugs, unrepentant. “What can I say? I live to annoy you, little sister.”
You finish up your meal, feeling slightly better with some food in you. As frustrating as that encounter was, at least you can count on Fernando to keep this quiet. Time to go gather more clues.
You stand and point an accusatory finger at Fernando. “This isn’t over. I will get to the bottom of this mystery marriage!”
Fernando just smiles enigmatically. “I have no doubt. Good luck, Mrs. Whatever Your New Last Name Is.”
You stick your tongue out at him maturely and flounce away. That man is infuriating. But the quest continues. Time to find the next driver on your interrogation list.
***
You decide to try your luck with Daniel next. The Aussie partied hard but he’s also a notorious gossip. Maybe he caught wind of something that can point you in the right direction.
You find Daniel lounging by the pool, sunglasses on, basking in the Vegas sun like he doesn’t have a care in the world.
So unfair.
“Hello there, sunshine,” he drawls as you walk up. “Don’t you look fresh as a daisy this fine day.”
You glare at him from behind your own sunglasses. “Stuff it, Ricciardo. I’m only here because I need information from you.”
Daniel gasps, clutching his chest dramatically. “You wound me! Here I thought we were friends.”
“We are friends,” you roll your eyes. “When you’re not being a pain in my ass.”
“A pain in that fine ass of yours? Perish the thought!”
You smack him lightly upside the head and he chuckles. “Alright alright, what do you need from old mate Daniel?”
You plop down in the lounge chair next to him and hold up your left hand. “I need you to tell me anything you know or can remember about how this got on my finger last night.”
Daniel lets out a low whistle. “Well tickle me pink and call me Sheila, Y/N’s gone and got herself hitched in Vegas!”
You shush him frantically. “Keep your voice down! The last thing I need is for this to get out.”
Looking far too delighted by the situation, Daniel leans in conspiratorially. “Right, top secret and all that. Who’s the lucky fella then?”
You sigh. “That’s what I’m trying to figure out. Everything after we moved on to OMNIA is a total blackout. Please tell me you know something.”
Daniel taps his chin thoughtfully. “Let me think here ... I may have some recollection of the night’s events.”
You perk up. “Yes? Go on then, tell me!”
“I do seem to remember ...” he pauses theatrically, “... that I was your very own ring bearer for the occasion!”
Your face falls. “Seriously? That’s all you’ve got?”
Daniel grins cheekily. “What can I say, it was a beautiful ceremony. I was truly honored to be part of it.”
You smack his arm. “You’re no help at all! Come on, I’m desperate here.”
Daniel laughs and puts up his hands. “Alright, alright, I’m just having a bit of fun with ya. Truth is, I was as pissed as the rest of you lot last night. Don’t remember much myself.”
You sigh. Of course it wouldn’t be that easy.
Daniel must take pity on your crestfallen face because he places a hand on your shoulder. “Chin up, Y/N. So you got a little wild in Vegas, it happens. I’m sure you’ll get it all sorted out.”
You nod but can’t keep the worry from your face. “I know, it’s just ... this could really screw things up if anyone finds out. I don’t even know who I married!”
“Well then it’s a good thing you’ve got the Honey Badger on the case!” He proclaims cheerfully. “I may not have the details but I’ll sniff around and ask some questions on the down low.”
You smile gratefully. “I appreciate that. Hopefully someone around here knows something.”
Daniel pops to his feet and offers you a hand. “Too right! Now come on, up you get. Let’s go scrounge up some greasy food and hair of the dog for that hangover, eh?”
You let Daniel pull you to your feet, feeling bolstered by his positivity.
As you head towards the sports bar in search of a burger and fries, Daniel slings an arm around your shoulder. “Cheer up! This’ll make for one hell of a story someday. It might even become a Grill The Grid trivia question.”
Despite everything, you have to laugh. Trust Daniel to look for the bright side.
But you still can’t ignore the uneasy feeling in your stomach. You married someone last night. For real. It’s not just some random hookup you can laugh off. There’s a living, breathing person out there who you pledged your life to and you don’t even know their name.
What kind of person did drunk Y/N choose as a life partner? Are they worried about this too? Or are they some opportunistic sleaze looking to take advantage of you?
You shake your head, realizing Daniel is watching you with a quizzical look. No use speculating. Just keep searching for answers, one driver at a time.
***
After saying goodbye to Daniel, you set off in search of Lewis. As the life of every party, surely he has to know the details of your wild night.
You eventually track him down just outside the hotel, walking his beloved bulldog. Lewis grins when he sees you approaching.
“Ah the bride awakens at last! We were wondering when you’d emerge,” he says with a chuckle.
You roll your eyes. “News sure travels fast. I’m guessing Nando blabbed?”
Lewis shakes his head. “When you have an impromptu wedding in the middle of a rager in Vegas, people are going to talk.”
You wince, dreading how far word of this has already spread. But that’s a problem for later. Right now, you need information.
“About that ...” you say. “I don’t suppose you happen to know who I ended up marrying last night?”
Lewis’ grin widens. “Now what kind of best man would I be if I spilled the beans?”
You stare at him in shock. “Best man? You were there?”
“But of course!” Lewis declares. “Had to lend my impeccable fashion sense for your dress. Pulled some strings with a stylist I know and got you all hooked up last minute.”
Your mind is reeling. You got married in an actual wedding dress? This just gets worse and worse.
You wrack your brain trying to picture it. But you have zero memory of any dress. Lewis must read the confusion on your face.
“Don’t worry, I had it safely delivered to your room after you started taking it off in the middle of the club. Though I’m guessing you were in no state to keep track of it,” he chuckles.
You shake your head, still stunned. “I didn’t see any dress in my room. What did you do with it?”
Lewis taps his chin. “You know, I did pop in this morning to check on you but you were still passed out cold. So I had the dress boxed up and sent off to be preserved and framed as a gift.”
He crouches down to scratch Roscoe behind the ears. “That’s from me and this good boy right here. Couldn’t let such a work of art go to waste!”
You’re touched in spite of yourself. “That’s really sweet, thank you. But I would really rather just know who I married right now.”
Lewis stands back up and wags his finger. “Ah ah ah, where’s the fun in that? This is the most entertainment we’ve had all season!”
You groan as Lewis laughs. “Come on, Lew. Have mercy and put me out of my misery here.”
But Lewis just zips his mouth. “My lips are sealed! Don’t you worry though, he’s a great guy. You’ve got my stamp of approval.”
You cross your arms in frustration. Of course Lewis would drag this out like a sitcom. But his clue gives you pause.
“He’s a great guy,” Lewis said. So your mystery spouse is someone Lewis personally knows and actually approves of. That narrows it down a bit.
Lewis gives you an apologetic smile and checks his watch. “I’d best be off. But don’t worry, you’ll figure this out!” He tosses a wink over his shoulder as he saunters away with Roscoe in tow.
You watch them go, mind spinning.
Lewis doesn’t just compliment anyone. So apparently drunk Y/N didn’t marry a total disaster. That’s something at least.
You absently twist the wedding band around your finger. You wish you could remember anything about him, about what happened between you.
Did you have a beautiful ceremony? Exchange heartfelt vows? Share a magical first dance as spouses?
You shake your head ruefully. If so, what a shame not to remember any of it. Here’s hoping that this “great guy” turns out to be someone who can make you fall in love all over again ...
***
You decide on a new approach — find the person who actually married you and your husband last night. Whoever officiated the ceremony must know the identity of your mystery groom.
The only problem is, you have no idea who that could be. It’s not like Vegas chapels employ actual priests or judges to perform marriages. It was probably just some random person licensed to perform marriages.
You start making the rounds of the chapels on the Strip, showing your ring and asking if anyone remembers you coming in during the night. But you have no luck — most of the chapels you try to check in with aren’t even open yet, catering to the drunk impulsive crowd that comes out after dark.
After hours of fruitless searching, you plop down on a bench in front of the Venetian, racking your brain for what to try next.
A group of women in matching Bride Tribe shirts walk by, laughing and chatting in that way only tipsy daytime bachelorettes can.
One of them pauses as they pass and calls out to you. “Hey hun, you look down. Guy trouble?” She gestures to your ring.
You debate waving her off but then reconsider. Maybe a bachelorette party would know their way around the Vegas wedding scene.
“Yeah, you could say that,” you reply. “I’m trying to find the person who married me last night but it was a bit of a ... wild impromptu thing. I don’t even know where it happened.”
The women gasp excitedly. “Oh my god, a drunk Vegas wedding? That’s epic!” Says the one in the rhinestoned Bride To Be sash.
“Epic disaster more like,” you mutter but can’t help smiling. Their enthusiasm is infectious.
The bride puts her arm around you. “Don’t worry sweetie, we’ll help you sort this out! I know all the best chapels.” She turns to her posse. “Ladies, let’s help her track down her mystery hubby!”
You find yourself swept up in the bachelorettes’ mission to assist you. After barraging you with questions about the wedding (“Please tell me you at least had a cute dress?” “Oooh was it Elvis themed?”), they decide that the most likely chapel was The Little Vegas Wedding Chapel off the north end of the Strip.
You all pile into their pink party bus and soon pull up at the aforementioned chapel. The receptionist greets you with a smile. “Welcome ladies! Who’s the lucky bride today?”
The girls nudge you forward. You clear your throat awkwardly. “Well actually, I’m trying to find out if I was a bride here last night.” You show her your ring. “I don’t remember much but I know I got married. I was hoping you might have a record?”
The receptionist types away on her computer, then frowns. “Hmm doesn’t look like we had any late night weddings yesterday. Our last was at 10 pm.”
You sigh but thank her anyway. So much for that idea. At least the bachelorettes are still upbeat as you climb back on their bus.
“No luck there but it was still a fun adventure!” The bride-to-be seems to have all the enthusiasm in the world.
You nod, grateful for their attempts to help. As the bus starts moving, the bride gasps.
“Wait, girls, I think I know where we need to go!” She turns to you excitedly. “There’s this little all-night chapel down on Fremont Street. Our friend Val got married there on a total whim a few years ago and she said it was fabulous!”
A chorus of squeals greets this news. You aren’t sure this is a solid lead, but hey, it’s not like you have any better ideas.
“Alright, let’s give it a shot!”
Twenty minutes later you’re climbing out of the bus in front of a small chapel with a neon 24 Hour Weddings sign. Taking a deep breath, you push through the door into the kitschy Vegas-themed space.
At the front counter is an older man in an Elvis costume that must be at least a size too small. Bingo. You hurry over and show him your ring.
“By any chance did you marry me and some guy last night?”
The Elvis impersonator peers at you for a moment before his face lights up in recognition. “Well slap me sideways, you’re the lovely lady I helped get hitched last night! What a shindig that was!”
Your heart leaps. Finally a lead! “Yes that was me! Do you by chance have a record of who I married?”
Elvis frowns. “You mean you don’t remember the young fella? He was real handsome, said some mighty sweet vows if I recall correctly.”
You shake your head in frustration. So close and yet so far.
Elvis pats your arm. “No worries darling, old Elvis remembers. I gotcha hitched to ...”
You lean forward eagerly as Elvis taps his chin, racking his memory.
“Now let’s see ... young fella you married. He was oh ... a bit taller than you I’d say. Had one of them European accents — German, Swedish, or somethin’ like that. Brown hair I think. A pretty good lookin’ chap. Dressed real sharp too.”
Your heart sinks as Elvis delivers the extremely vague description. Brown hair and a little over your height? Well that only narrows it down to about half of the paddock!
You groan and smack your forehead in frustration. So close! Elvis gives you an apologetic look.
“Aw shucks, wish I could tell ya more little lady. But I was croonin’ so many love songs last night that all you couples started to blend together.”
You force a smile, knowing he did try his best. “That’s alright, I appreciate you checking for me.”
Back outside, you fill in the eager bachelorettes on Elvis’ less than helpful clues. Their excitement deflates a bit.
“Dang, that could be like, anyone!” One says, voicing your thoughts exactly.
The bride-to-be squeezes your shoulder. “Don’t worry hun, we’ll keep thinking! Your mystery man is out there somewhere.”
You give her a grateful hug. “Thanks ladies, for all your help today. I should probably get back to my hotel and keep investigating.”
The gaggle of girls walks you back to the bus, firing off more wild theories about your potential groom.
“Oooh what if it’s that sexy Spanish driver … Alfonso?” Suggests the bridesmaid named Amy.
“It’s Alonso,” you correct with a laugh. She may be way off but you appreciate the enthusiasm.
As you say goodbye to your new friends, your mind is spinning once again. So Elvis confirmed this wedding really happened, though his clues weren’t particularly enlightening.
But he did say one thing — whoever you married gave sweet vows. So apparently in your drunken state, you picked someone who could be sincere and romantic.
That has to count for something, right?
You glance down at the wedding ring on your finger, the physical reminder of the huge secret you’re unraveling. Did you really promise to spend your life with someone here of all places? And do they plan on holding you to that promise?
Your gut twists with anxiety but also a trace of curiosity. Who is this mystery man who can make drunken Elvis shed a sentimental tear?
Whoever he is, you’re going to find him.
***
Exhausted after a day of fruitless searching, you decide to head back to your hotel to regroup. You slump down onto one of the plush couches in the crowded lobby, mind still spinning over the bizarre situation you’ve found yourself in.
Who exactly did you end up pledging eternal devotion to in your drunken stupor last night? So far your quest to unravel this mystery marriage has led nowhere.
But you can’t rest yet. You need answers.
As you sit there contemplating your next move, your phone starts blowing up with Twitter notifications. You blink in surprise. Must be big news dropping for this much activity.
You open the app and nearly swallow your tongue when you see the top trending hashtag: #Y/NMaxWedding.
Your stomach drops to your feet.
No no no, this cannot be happening!
But with a sense of impending doom, you click on the hashtag. Immediately you see the bombshell that has sent your world into a tailspin.
It’s a tweet from a fan account, featuring photos they somehow obtained of a Clark County Nevada marriage certificate between you ... and Max Verstappen. Your teammate.
You stare slack-jawed at the images of the official document signed by you and Max as spouses, clear as day. Your drunken Vegas escapade isn’t a secret anymore. It’s public record, blasted all over social media.
Numb with shock, you scroll through countless tweets analyzing, freaking out over, and cracking jokes about you and Max’s surprise nuptials. Some fans are outraged. Others seem delighted at this bombshell gossip.
You groan, head in your hands. This is an absolute disaster. What was merely a drunken mistake is now immortalized online. There’s no hiding it or hoping it will blow over quietly.
You married Max freaking Verstappen in Vegas. The sometimes arrogant and standoffish but always crazy talented driver you’re teammates with. No wonder he was acting so squirrelly this morning when you asked about the wedding.
Some logical part of your brain knows you need to talk to Max, start figuring out what to do for damage control. But the overwhelmed emotional side just wants to crawl under a rock and hide.
In a daze, you make your way up to your suite. Once inside, you toss your phone onto the bed, not even bothering to read the likely hundreds of texts blowing it up. You are in no state of mind to talk to your manager or team right now.
Collapsing onto the couch, you stare blankly at the wall, feeling numb. Despite all your investigating, a part of you still hoped that maybe it wasn’t real. Maybe the ring and certificate were just part of some elaborate prank.
But there’s no denying it now. You’re well and truly married to Max Verstappen.
A hysterical laugh bubbles out of you. Of all the drivers, of course you had end up with him. Max, your fiercest rival, constantly pushing you to be better. The teammate who drives you crazy but also loves to compete with you and rile you up.
God, your friends are never going to let you live this down. Married to Max. It’s like some cheesy fanfiction brought to life.
You glance over at your silent phone. The logical part of your brain knows you need to call him. You’re going to have to talk about this and figure out what the hell to do next.
But the overwhelmed part wants to put that conversation off indefinitely. You need time to process the bombshell that just upended your life before you can face Max.
Your inner debate is interrupted by a knock at your door. You freeze. No doubt it’s the Red Bull PR team come to scold you or paparazzi looking for a comment on your no-longer-a-secret marriage. Well you have nothing to say to them!
“Go away!” You yell but the knocking persists. With an irritated huff, you wrench open the door, fully prepared to give whoever’s there a piece of your mind.
Instead, you come face to face with the person you least expected but probably most needed to see. Max stands in your doorway, sheepish and awkward.
For several tense beats, you just stare at each other, the weight of this life-altering moment hanging between you.
Finally Max breaks the silence. “So ... quite a day, huh?” He gives an uneasy chuckle.
You continue gaping at him, stunned into silence. Max shuffles his feet, not quite meeting your eyes.
“Can I uh, come in? I think maybe we should talk.”
Wordlessly, you step aside and let him enter the suite. Max perches on the edge of an armchair while you sink onto the couch. More tense silence.
Max clears his throat. “So I’m guessing you’ve seen it?”
You nod mutely. Max sighs and runs a hand through his hair.
“Look, Y/N ... I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier. But I woke up just as confused as you this morning. Wasn’t totally sure it was even real.”
He hesitates then continues softly. “You were pretty out of it last night. We all were. Getting hitched was obviously crazy but I guess it seemed fun in the moment.”
You shake your head, finding your voice at last. “This goes way beyond fun, Max! We’re married! Actually married!" Your voice edges up hysterically on the last word.
“Yes it was a ... crazy night,” Max laughs nervously.
You scoff bitterly. “That’s putting it mildly. I’d say a drunken Vegas wedding to my teammate counts as more than just crazy!"
Max winces at your tone. “Look Y/N, I’m sorry for not telling you sooner. But we were all wasted last night. I didn’t even remember at first—”
You cut him off sharply. “Well I don’t remember any of it! As far as I’m concerned, this so-called marriage never even happened.”
You begin pacing. “We need to get this annulled immediately before things get worse. It was clearly an idiotic mistake.”
Max frowns, looking hurt. “Whoa, no need to be so harsh. It may have been drunken impulse but ... maybe it was also fate.”
You stop pacing and stare at him incredulously. “Fate? Are you insane?”
He stands and steps towards you. “Hear me out. We’ve been teammates for years now. Maybe deep down we both wanted this.”
Your jaw drops open. Max keeps going.
“I know it’s crazy but what if this marriage was meant to be? We owe it to ourselves to give this a real shot before bailing.”
You gaze at him in disbelief. Is he seriously suggesting ...
“Give this a real shot?” You repeat faintly.
Max takes your hands earnestly. “Yes! We’ve always made a great team on track. Just imagine how great we would be together off track too.”
You open your mouth to argue but Max presses on. “Plus, my children need a mother.”
You yank your hands back in shock. “Children? You have kids?”
“Well, not human kids,” Max admits sheepishly. “But my cats, Jimmy and Sassy! They need a maternal influence.”
Your head spins as you try to keep up with Max’s ramblings. Is he pranking you right now?
He fixes you with his most charming smile. “Come on, wifey. Just give it a chance! We’re clearly compatible if drunk us wanted to get married.”
You stare at him like he sprouted a second head. Max gazes back hopefully. His smile really is kind of adorable ...
No! Snap out of it! This is crazy.
But he does raise some valid points. And backing out now would cause an even bigger scandal ...
You slump down onto the couch with a groan. “Fine! We’ll stay married for now. But we explain to the team it was just drunken foolishness.”
Max pumps his fist. “Yes! See, we’re already compromising with each other. It’s like we’re meant to be husband and wife!”
That finally breaks through your haze of shock. Oh god ... you have to tell Christian Horner that you married Max Verstappen.
***
You take a deep breath as you stand outside Christian’s hotel suite, arm raised to knock. “Ready for this?” You ask Max.
He grimaces. “Ready as I’ll ever be. Might as well get it over with.”
You steel your nerves and rap sharply on the door. After a moment, it swings open to reveal Christian mid-yawn.
“Y/N, Max, to what do I owe the pleasure?” He asks curiously.
You shuffle your feet, not sure how to start. “Uh, hey Christian. Max and I have something we need to discuss with you. Mind if we come in for a minute?”
Christian narrows his eyes but steps aside to let you both in. “What’s this about? I just got off a conference call with the factory team in Milton Keynes and I was finally planning to try my luck with the slots downstairs.”
You perch awkwardly on the edge of an armchair while Max stands next to you stiffly.
How do you even begin to break this kind of news to your boss?
“So Christian, funny story ...” you start lamely.
Max jumps in, deciding to just rip the bandaid off. “We got married last night.”
Christian’s eyes widen comically. For a long moment he just looks between you two like you each have three heads. Then he throws his head back and laughs heartily.
“Good one guys, you almost had me there! Trying to pull one over on your poor old team principal, very funny,” he chuckles, wiping his eyes.
You give a weak smile. “No uh, we’re actually being serious. We got married for real last night.”
Max nods. “It just sort of ... happened.”
Christian collapses onto the sectional, looking between you in shock. “This would be a great time for you to stop with the prank.”
“I’m afraid we can’t do that,” Max says solemnly. “We were drunk and it was all really quite fast ...”
“No no, this must be some kind of joke!" Christian protests, though he’s starting to look uncertain. He grabs his phone off the coffee table. “Let me just check online, there’s no way ...”
His voice trails off as he scans his phone screen, eyes going wide at the headlines. With a low groan, he collapses back into his armchair.
“It’s true? You two actually ...” He drags a hand down his face. “Please tell me this is all some elaborate hoax the internet cooked up. Please tell me that two other people named Max Verstappen and Y/N Y/L/N happened to get married in Vegas last night.”
You shake your head helplessly.
Christian drops his head into his hands with a groan. “Unbelievable. Two of my drivers running off and eloping in Vegas! The media is going to have an absolute field day with this.”
He fixes you both with a stern glare. “Do either of you have any idea the position this puts the team in? The scandal it could cause?”
You hang your head, properly chastised. Max speaks up tentatively. “We’re really sorry, Christian, it was incredibly stupid of us. But it’s done now so we just have to deal with it.”
Christian sighs heavily. “You’re not wrong. The last thing we need is more media drama so we will have to get out in front of this.”
He pauses, regarding you both shrewdly. “I don’t suppose there’s any chance you’ll pursue an annulment right away and we can pretend this never happened?”
You glance at Max, who takes your hand and shakes his head. “We’ve talked it over and want to make this work. It happened for a reason.”
Christian makes a strangled noise. “Make this work? You plan on staying married??” His voice rises in pitch, verging on hysterical.
“We want to try,” you confirm, squeezing Max’s hand.
Christian looks desperately between you two once more before his eyes roll back and he slumps over in a dead faint.
You and Max rush over in concern. “Christian!" Max taps his face urgently. “C’mon, wake up!”
After a few tense moments, Christian’s eyes flutter open. “Wha ... what happened?” He mumbles.
“You passed out when we told you we’re staying married,” you explain sheepishly.
Christian groans, covering his face with his arm. “God help me, this is a nightmare ...”
You have to bite back an inappropriate laugh. Seeing your usually unflappable team principal so flustered would be funny if the situation wasn’t so serious.
Max helps Christian sit up and hands him a glass of water. “Sorry for springing this on you. But we’re going to make the best of it.”
Christian fixes Max with a weary look. “Just promise me no more reckless surprises from you two.”
You and Max raise your right hands in unison. “We promise!”
Taking a deep breath, Christian straightens his shirt and smooths his hair, regaining his composure. “Right. Well this is certainly an unexpected development. But the show must go on.”
He adopts his usual businesslike tone. “We’ll need to draft a press release announcing this immediately and get ahead of the media cycle. No commenting publicly until we strategize.”
You both nod obediently. Christian checks his watch. “I needed to get our PR team on the phone five minutes ago. You two, order room service and lay low until you hear from me.”
He ushers you politely but firmly out the door. As it shuts behind you, you turn to Max with wide eyes. “Well ... that could’ve gone worse?”
Max winces. “I thought Christian was going to burst a blood vessel at first. But it seems he’s taking it in stride.”
You both burst into slightly hysterical laughter, the stress melting away.
Looks like you have a marriage to figure out how to actually make work.
***
One year later
You take a deep breath as you knock on the door to Christian’s office, Max by your side. It’s time to break some more big news to your team principal.
“Come in!” Christian calls.
You enter to find him sitting at his desk surrounded by the usual organized chaos of strategy plans and data analysis.
He looks up, blinking in surprise. “Y/N, Max, what brings you by?”
You glance at Max, who gives you an encouraging nod and tentative smile. Turning back to Christian, you clasp your hands together nervously.
“Hey Christian. So, remember last year in Vegas when we promised no more reckless surprises?”
Christian’s eyes narrow warily. “Yeeesss ...” he draws out.
You look at Max again who blurts out, “Well we have another surprise coming your way. You’re going to be a grandpa!”
Christian’s jaw drops. His gaze darts down to your still flat midsection then back up to your nodding, beaming faces.
“You ... you’re ...” Christian stammers, looking like all the blood has drained from his face.
You take pity and confirm it for him. “Pregnant, yes. Surprise!” You add with an awkward chuckle.
For a few long moments Christian just sits there, mouth opening and closing wordlessly like a fish. Then, his eyes roll back and he topples forward, head thunking down on his desk.
You and Max rush forward. “Uh no, I think we broke him again,” Max winces, gently shaking Christian’s shoulder.
After a few tense seconds, Christian stirs with a groan. “Oww, my head ...”
“You passed out when we told you about the baby,” you explain sheepishly.
Christian blinks blearily up at you both hovering over him anxiously. “The baby ... so it’s really true then?”
You place a hand on your stomach. “Yep! There’s going to be a little Verstappen running around in around seven and a half months.”
Despite his obvious shock, Christian manages a weak smile. “Well how about that ... we’re expanding the Red Bull family.”
Max claps him on the back. “I know it seems a bit crazy but we’re thrilled.” He squeezes your hand and smiles softly.
Christian lets out a long breath, straightening his rumpled shirt. “Well, I appreciate you both coming to me first this time. We’ll need to strategize how to share the happy news.”
You can’t resist teasing him gently. “Don’t worry, we’ll do our best to avoid making you faint again in the future.”
Christian levels a stern finger at you both. “See that you do. My heart can only take so much.” But his mock glare melts into a warm smile.
You exchange a grin with Max.
It turns out that sometimes what happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas … but neither of you is going to complain about that.
2K notes · View notes
geekgirles · 1 month
Text
Ok, so I got a question.
The Wakfu webtoon pack seems to include both the ten chapters and a lot of items meant for all three games.
Tumblr media
And at the very end it says something like "connected to the account". Does that mean you can't buy/pre-order the webtoon without playing the game?
17 notes · View notes
wood-white-writer · 7 months
Text
“Didn’t mean to make your heart Blue” || [1/…]
- OPLA!Buggy x F!Reader
Tumblr media
“So, I don’t blame you if you want to bury me in your memories,”
— Mitski, "Goodbye, My Danish Sweetheart"
Pairing: Buggy the Clown (Live Action) x F!Reader
Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6
Summary: You were an apprentice of Gol D. Roger’s crew in your youth, long before his eventual demise. Along with the Red-Haired Shanks and Buggy, you were a formidable trio; the embodiment of a new generation of pirates yet to come. But times changed, and so did you and your friends. Years have passed since you last saw Buggy following the dispute that you thought ended your friendship. When you finally reunite with the blue-haired menace you once considered your closest friend, it’s under less than “friendly” circumstances.
Warnings: Fem!Reader, Canon Typical Violence, Slight Canon Divergence, Buggy is an asshole, The reader used to go by "Cross-Hairs" in the past.
A/N: I’m basing this primarily on the LA! version of “One Piece”, as I’ve just recently begun to watch the Anime.
Luffy, for his unyielding devotion towards his dreams of becoming the King of Pirates, evidently lacks the sense of foresight required of a pirate to successfully navigate the seven seas. Then again, it's nothing new.
You’ve always known. The kid's been a hazard to society even in his youth; no filter between his brain and his mouth despite the ungodly amount of food he pushes between his jaws. You used to watch him make his proclamations in front of Shanks' merry band with little more than vaguely piqued interest, indifferent to the youthful albeit naive optimism he exhibited.
Shanks, meanwhile, always used to find his demeanor endearing - “He’s a good kid. Let him dream,”
And so you let him. You watched him dream for the next ten years, making sure that his dreams didn't catch the wrong kind of attention until he was old enough to hold his own weight.
However, back then, Luffy's actions seldom warranted any real consequences. Save for the incident with the Bandit and the Sea King, he's rarely been in any real danger prior to his debut as a pirate.
An unruly child spouting declarations of desiring to become the next “King of Pirates” hardly would’ve caused more of a ripple effect than to make other people shake their heads and laugh. And if it did, you were there to make sure it didn’t.
Now, not only has his actions earned you the ire of the Marines by stealing the Map of the Grand Line, but it has also garnered the attention of other opponents. Far more dangerous ones than the likes of Alvida or even that Axe-Hand Moron.
It was only a matter of time.
So when you find yourself waking up in a wooden cage with the rest of your reluctant crew mates, accompanied by a head-throbbing headache at that, your first instinct is to heave an exasperated sigh.
"Goddamn it."
"Oh, you're up." It's Luffy. He looks unharmed, albeit disoriented, not too unlike yourself. "How're you feeling?"
"Like I just snorted a bottle of rum through my nostrils." You get up into a crouching position, eying your surroundings, which doesn't leave much up for inspection considering your cage consists of broad wide planks. "What the fuck happened?"
The last thing you recall before being knocked out was a Jolly Roger in the distance, too far away for you to make out properly. So, not Marines, but pirates.
You can't tell if that's a good or a bad thing.
"Think we wouldn't have told you if we knew?" The swordsman - Zoro - replies with a deadpan look of boredom on his face as he attempts to peek through the cracks in your confinement. You have half a mind to tell him where to shove it but opt for a more quiet approach.
It's during moments like these when you realize you actually miss that scrawny pink-haired kid with the glasses - Koby. He never spoke to you like this. Granted, he was probably intimidated by the way you were always hovering behind Luffy like a silent guardian, but he didn't provide unnecessary comments like Bounty Hunter over there does.
Small blessings and all that. Very small.
You provide a solid kick to the plank on Zoro's right side without warning, catching him off-guard and earning you a short-lived glare. The planks loosen considerably, probably not meant to contain you for long.
Meanwhile, you listen half-heartedly to Luffy and Nami as they discuss the potential identities of your captors.
"They're not marines," Luffy assures her. "Before I got knocked out, I saw a Jolly Roger. We've been captured by pirates."
You glance at him from over your shoulder. "What'd it look like?"
"I don't know, it looked ... like ..." he pauses in thought. "A skull with crossbones, and a red ... dot? It almost looked like a nose, if bones could have noses, but they don't."
The blood in your veins freezes up, as does the rest of your body until their voices blur into nothing.
You've been keeping occasional track of him in the years that's passed since you parted ways, and when he amounted to a considerable bounty on his head, his signature Jolly Roger was hard not to miss on his wanted posters.
-------
"I didn't know there were so many pirates."
You tilt your head at the wall decorated with various wanted posters of different pirates, some more torn and discoloured than others, some more dead than others. You can't find your own amongst them in Shells Town, but then again, it has been some time since last you were on the Marines' radar. More likely than not, your poster is hidden somewhere underneath the several layers of—
"Hey, there's yours!" Luffy damn-near exclaims in wonder and points at— Oh yeah, there it is, right above Foxy's poster, a little yellow around the edges but still holding strong.
WANTED Dead or Alive "Cross-Hairs" 25,000,000
"Oh, wow, a 25-million bounty. That's a lot of berries."
The image is well over a decade old, taken back in your early twenties, and you were much more easy to identify back then. You were sharper in some angles, softer in others, compared to the present.
You look different now. Less robust, a little older, but no less dangerous in the grand scheme of things. Your sharp eyes remain the same, a trait Gol D. used to remark upon with a mischievous glimmer in his own eyes.
"You have eyes sharp enough to cut through steele," he'd say and ruffle your hair. A sense of loss perforating your being at the memory.
Despite being in your thirties, age tends to alter the appearance of most people, and you consider that a pretty good advantage right about now as you're standing surrounded by an army of Marine officers. Given the fact that you've spent the last couple of years away from the sea without a trace or clue, the World Government probably assumes you've died or gone into hiding.
Be that as it may, they didn't even bother to decrease the bounty since last time. How odd.
While Luffy spends a few moments admiring your old picture like a child that just learned their relative is some kind of famous celebrity, Koby is less than enthralled by this revelation.
"T-That's one of the highest bounties in the East-Blue." He is hesitant to look up at you. "What did ... What did you do to earn it?"
"A little here, a little there. Kicked a few asses, stole a bit of treasure along the way. Nothing too bad." You admit with a half-assed shrug as you continue to inspect the various posters.
For the boy's peace of mind, you won't go into the less ... child-friendly details regarding your reputation. About the way you used to fight to the blood with most of your opponents, Marines and pirates in equal measure. How you'd stand victorious atop a pile of broken limbs and pleading sounds from the defeated crowd.
"Yeah, yeah ..." Koby agrees with a feeble nod. "There are way worse pirates on the Grand Line."
Your gaze happens upon a particular wanted poster, and your demeanor stiffens. Not enough to notice from an ordinary point of view, but it does nonetheless.
His sharp cerulean eyes and bright red nose seem to mock you from his picture, and a heavy feeling settles in your heart. A feeling of hurt and betrayal you've long since thought abandoned in the corners of your heart. Not even the loss of your old captain could hope to compare to it
You snap back to Luffy, your voice a little strained as you speak though you desperately try to cover it up. "Are we done here, Luffy?"
------
It's your fucking luck it had to be him of all people to come after Luffy first.
Why him?
Fuuuuuu—
"We don't need to fight." Luffy's voice snaps you back to the present. "I can talk to them, pirate to pirate."
"Not with this one," you whisper more to yourself than anyone else. The only one who seems to catch onto this is Zoro, but the moment he opens his mouth to ask, Nami beats him to it.
A discussion regarding the duality of piracy quickly causes you to lose all interest in the following sequence.
You don't trust either the thief or the bounty hunter as far as you can throw them, and the feeling is mutual in both parts. Sure, they proved useful in getting rid of the Axe-Hand, and have had thus far been tolerable enough for you not to throw them overboard.
Still, Zoro recognized you on the spot where the Marines failed to, and though Nami doesn't, your status as a pirate is enough reason for her to distrust you.
As mentioned, you don't trust them, but Luffy does, and his lead is the only one you'll follow. This is his voyage, and you’re not here to keep him from making mistakes unless you consider them particularly vital. If this bites him in the end, then you'll be there to keep him afloat.
After all, you made a promise to your old red-haired friend.
"Look after the lad for me, will you? Help him achieve his dream."
With no patience left to wait to get the fuck out of here as quickly as possible, you prepare to kick through the planks. Just then, the top piece of your confinements unfold, and what you're greeted with is the pinpoint definiton of a fever dream on acid.
Tightrope walkers swinging in the air, acrobatics performing acts of impressive feats, someone fire-breathing, and-- was that a guy juggling on a unicycle passing you just now?
A circus troupe. You've been captured by a fucking circus troupe.
"Oh, what the actual fuck?" Is all you can manage to mutter, a sentiment Zoro surprisingly agrees with if the nod he adds serves as any indication.
The troupe has an audience, you come to observe in the distance. They're clapping and cheering on cue with the sign being held in the air, yet they look ... wrong. Forced. Puppets with strings embedded in their limbs, so to speak.
You narrow your eyes in distaste at the view. The hell has he been up to as of late?
In the midst of the enforced round of applause, a voice gradually makes itself more and more prominent through the masses. Deeper and huskier since last you heard it, but yet painfully known to your ears.
"No, no, no, NO! Stop clapping!"
And then he appears. The ringleader himself, exasperated as he throws his arms out to each side and effectively silencing the crowd.
"No, stop! This is all wrong!"
You momentarily forget to breathe as you watch him come into view from behind the audience. He's taller than the last you saw him, that's for damn certain. Must've hit a second growth spurt in your absence because, while you were relatively on equal foot in your youth, he now seems to have grown a head or so taller than yourself.
And like yourself, he's changed, and not inherently for the better. It's a relative statement considering that the life of a pirate is oftentimes a hard one, but it's a fact nonetheless. The years have not been any kinder to him than they've been for yourself. He still has the same hair, the same general appearance, but he's changed.
Out of the three of you, Shanks seems to have had it the easiest in recent years, appearance-wise. He never lost his smile or affinity for the brighter things in life, even when he had his damn arm chewed off.
Meanwhile, you lost your dreams, and he seems to have lost everything you recognized about him in your youth. His smile, his laughter, and even his stance had been replaced by some replica that fails to hold a candle to the original one.
This is a show master, not your friend. Then again, you haven't been friends for a long time now.
Still, changed as he may be from an outward point of view, Buggy's eyes have not. They're clear like the seas, just as they were long ago. (And his nose, of course. How could you forget?).
You can't tell if that's a relief yet.
You're not a fearful person by nature, having lost the distinct ability years ago. Now, however, you feel the tremors vibrating through your ribcage at the sight of him. That's why you decide to turn your face slightly to the side for now, hoping to prolong the inevitable.
Fortunately, your presence evades Buggy's notice for just a while longer as he berates his crew. "The spotlight was late! You completely missed my entrance!"
The sound of said spotlight changing its focus can be heard.
"And where, oh where, was the dancing lion?"
Good! While he's occupied, maybe you can find the right moment to grab Luffy and get the hell--
"Hey! I know you! I saw your wanted poster in Shells Town!"
... You want to dig a hole in the sand and bury yourself right about now.
"You're the clown guy! Uhm ... Binky, right?"
Buggy, you scream inside as you suppress the urge to yank Luffy by the shoulders and shake him until all of his limbs drop down on the ground. Fuck Shanks and fuck the promise. He's Buggy the fucking Clown, and you did not have to go out of your way to pinpoint that fact!
In your internal state of dismay, you settle with trying to locate potential escape routes. Maybe a hole in the walls of the tent, or an absent-minded guard by the entrance. You're stronger than most, with years of experience behind you, but you're not capable of fighting your way through a crowd with three tagalongs so seamlessly.
"Buggy," the man of the hour states as he approaches, still having failed to notice you. "Buggy the Clown."
No one says anything, which he takes as a sign to continue on with - what you personally regard - as a moronic long line of titles.
"Buggy, the Flashy Fool." Still nothing. He raises his arms, like a lost puppy begging for scraps of recognition. "Buggy, the Genius Jester."
Seriously, what's with him and all the names? He’s always been … overdramatic, but this cuts the cake even for him.
"Wow," Luffy seems genuinely impressed, a stark contrast to his companions, who would rather be anywhere than here. "You have a lot of names. I bet everyone in the East Blue knows who you are."
A range of gasps echo from the unwilling audience, and you finally snap your head to the front in alarm. Fuck, he couldn't have used a better word than that. Granted, Luffy didn't mean it in that context, or even that word, but it doesn't matter.
Another thing that hasn't changed about Buggy... And that very same thing might as well be what snaps him out of his theatric act.
You thought Buggy finally would've noticed you by now, seeing it as you're finally willing to face him, but his eyes remain eerily glued to the kid.
"What did you just say?" Buggy asks, calmly.
Way too calmly for your liking.
Oh, no.
Luffy blinks in confusion. "Just that everyone knows who you are?"
You notice the clown lunging before Luffy does.
In the span of a second, you plant yourself between them, the only barrier between him and the clown's rage. You don't move an inch even as Buggy closes in with his gloved hand outstretched towards the boy, having not yet registered your sudden appearance until his fingers are inches from your face.
Your eyes finally lock, the blue in his eyes more prominent now than ever. Almost two decades since the last time you saw each other, and Buggy ceases his attempted assault as though time itself freezes.
At first, there is nothing in his eyes but surprise. Anger. Maybe even a trace of admiration towards the one who dared stand against him. Hot and burning beneath his irises, like glowing embers left behind in a dying pyre.
Finally, there is recognition, and the fire reignites warmer and scorching more than ever before.
He doesn't say anything at first, and neither do you, but the glare in your eyes conveys the message loudly enough that even the performers and troupe members alike know not to interfere.
"Leave him be."
You think of what to say, what you can say, after years of being silent. A simple “Hi” will not suffice, and considering the way of which you parted, there is little room for confessions.
Then, Buggy begins to laugh.
It starts out as a whisper of a chuckle, then gradually develops until he's full-out holding his stomach in wheezes, tears leaking from the corners of his eyes and smudging his make-up.
He points his arm up as he tries to contain himself, and the guy holding the APPLAUSE-sign picks up on the subliminal message. Everyone in the place begins to laugh, both the captives and the captors, so loudly this time that it makes you feel small in a way you haven’t felt since you were a child.
You glance cautiously around yourself, sharing brief looks with your companions before the noises abruptly stop, having most likely been forced to do so.
When you look back at Buggy again, he's smiling wider than ever, but his eyes hold no genuine humor. No, there's an unidentifiable emotion swirling in the depths of his blue eyes that you fail to decipher before he speaks.
"Well, well, well! Isn't this an unexpected surprise?" He raises his arm to gesture to you, as if you're an exotic exhibition behind a display case for everyone to behold. The spotlight is now aimed at you, momentarily blinding your vision.
"Ladies and gentlemen! It is my honor to present to you, the one and only, the myth, the legendary 'Cross-Hairs'! The Beast of the East!"
Applause rings again in the air as Buggy continues.
"She was famous throughout all of East Blue for her many endeavors, with a bounty greater than even yours flashy truly." Admitting that fact looks like it physically hurt him, but he prevails. "And then, almost ten years ago, after her biggest heist yet, she just POOFS!" He snaps his fingers and lets them slowly decline for dramatic effect. "Vanishes out of the blue. Leaving the seas for an unforeseen amount of time."
It would seem like you were keeping track of each other all along.
The next words Buggy utters are so hushed that only you hear them, and his smile is gone.
"Then again, you do have a track-record of leaving things behind, haven’t you?"
Oh, the fucking nerve of this guy. You take a step forward, clenching and unclenching you jaw so much your teeth feel on the bring of cracking. How dare he? How fucking dare he?
You’re about to shout back at him, argue, throwing every caution to the wind just to correct him and scream:
("You're the one who left me, remember?")
Before you can, something taps your right shoulder. Thinking it's Luffy, you turn around, and the last thing you recall before it all fades to black is an air of red dust clouding your vision.
992 notes · View notes
astrosociety · 12 days
Text
What.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Spoilers I guess??
81 notes · View notes