It had been a long six months since Yuki began working at Dock One. Countless evenings spent working until the sun peaked over the ship yard, announcing another sleepless night, but she couldn't find it in herself to walk away at times. The submarine build had consumed her every thought since the day the materials arrived; calloused fingers and sore limbs to prove her dedication, along with oil stains that littered her skin. While it was named a 'Solo' build it still required help from the other foreman, but with the finishing touches and tests going on, it was fully on her and she would be damned it something went wrong. How many years had Iceburg spent teaching her? She couldn't let it be a waste, she had to prove herself that she could bring his vision to life. Whether it was to prove it to him or to herself, she wasn't sure.
Her nimble fingers tapped the gauge in front of her again, jotting down a few notes on her clip board before continuing her inspection. Heavy boots rang out across the metal grates of the engine room, signaling a visitor, but it didn't even register with the small pinkette. Her mind was so engrossed in running diagnostics that she didn't process they were there until a hand clamped down on her shoulder.
"AHHHHH!" Her small form shot up and her clipboard went flying, earning a booming laugh from her would be assailant. She whipped around to confront the intruder and found an overly amused Paulie, cigar and all hanging from his mouth while he tried to stop laughing. "Damn it Paulie! You almost gave me a heart attack!" She huffed out in embarrassment while her cheeks flushed a deep red. Her shoulders slumped after taking a few deep breaths, trying to get her heart to calm down.
"Sorry, sorry! Oh, the look on your face!" He wiped a hand down his face, eyes crinkled in amusement that soon turned to concern as he took in the girl's appearance. She was already focusing back on the gauges behind her but he could see the dark rings under her eyes. How many hours had she been working straight? Surely, she went home the night before when everyone else bid her farewell and left for Blueno's Bar? What worried him the most was how thin she was getting. She had always been small and lithe, but there was nothing healthy about this level of thin. Her collarbones protruded a bit too much, her boiler suit was baggier than usual, and her cheeks were slightly gaunt. It wasn't extreme, at least for now, but he had known her for so long that it didn't take him much to see that she was neglecting her health. He didn't want to involve Iceburg, but he would do it if she wouldn't comply with taking better care of herself.
"Did you need something Paulie-kun?" Her tired and uncharacteristic raspy voice brought him out of his thoughts and her bloodshot eyes confirmed his theory that she wasn't sleeping. Her once vivid green eyes were pale and dull, losing themselves to the overwhelming red tinge that gave away her bad sleeping habits. Soot and oil covered her forearms and her overalls that were tied around her waist had clearly been through more than one shift.
"Yuki, you have been here for too long. You need to eat and sleep. The sub isn't going anywhere and you are still a month away from the deadline. You have more than enough time for diagnostics AND sleep." His arms crossed his chest, while he peered down at her in concern, noting the way she rubbed her eyes grumpily; as though they somehow betrayed her. He couldn't help but worry, the whole group of Foremen at Dock One looked after the little rookie, wanting her to succeed and flourish alongside them. That wouldn't come true if she kept neglecting herself. Had her mother not seen her? It was so unlike Hana to ever let Yuki go without meals or sleep. Unless Yuki's current habits were unknown to her mother. If Paulie remembered correctly her mother's bar had been getting more foot traffic as of late with the new generation of pirates making their way toward the new world.
"I just need to finish checki-"
"No!" His shout shocked her and she flinched back slightly, unused to seeing actual anger come from Paulie. "Yuki, not only is this a request as a friend but an order as a foreman that outranks you. You are done for the day. Follow me." He hadn't meant to sound so stern but he couldn't watch her deteriorate any further. With a hesitant nod, she followed the blonde man, scrunching her nose as the smell of his cigar wafted behind him. She made a mental note to turn the sub on soon for air-filtration. They made their way out of the large luxury submarine and the bright sun nearly blinded her. Tears pricked at her eyes and the fresh air burned her lungs, though considering the submarine engine hadn't been turned on yet, she supposed the lack of fresh oxygen inside wasn't surprising. She hadn't realized they reached their destination until she bumped into the Rope Specialist's back.
"Paulie-kun?" Her hand shielded her eyes and she peered around him to see all the other foreman sitting around a fire pit, plates in hand as they enjoyed their lunch; tools long forgotten to the side, each member taking a well-deserved break. All eyes turned to her as Paulie moved aside and she felt her nerves kick in at the many sudden frowns, eyeing her baggy coveralls and sleepless expression. Without a word Paulie moved her to sit next Kaku and Lucci, who both proceeded to shove a full plate of food into her hands.
"You don't leave until you have eaten it all. Then one of us will take you home to sleep. You have tomorrow off. That is non-negotiable." Kaku stated firmly, looking down at her with a hardened stare and for a split second she wondered where his normally cheerful disposition went. Lucci's bird squawked out, 'non-negotiable' a few times like an added sting. All she could do was nod as her cheeks turned a vibrant red for the second time that afternoon, hoping this wouldn't revoke Iceburg's confidence in her abilities. Soon the chatter picked up and eyes drifted away much to Yuki's joy. She ate slowly but soon felt her hunger hit her after a few bites in. Then she ate quickly and for the first time in months, felt the uncomfortable hunger finally dissipate to a satiated state. Thoughts drifted back to the submarine, while she mindlessly shoveled food into her mouth.
What needed to be done still? Final diagnostics check, prepping the cabins with the luxury items Iceburg ordered, stocking the med bay, and finally giving the beauty a fresh coat of paint and namesake. It honestly wasn't much, and her loosely given 'deadline' was in a month's time. More than enough time for her to finish adequately. But for some reason she felt the need to finish now. Something in her gut urged her to finish. She chewed her food mindlessly, looking past her coworkers out to the endless blue that met the skyline in an unforeseeable distance. She had spaced out for so long she hadn't realized her plate was empty and Kaku had been calling her name softly.
"Yuki!" He snapped his fingers in front of her, effectively rousing the girl from her thoughts with a jolt.
"Ah, sorry Kaku-kun! I was just…thinking." She smiled, but it didn't quite reach her cheeks. The man nodded with an exasperated shrug of his shoulders. Standing up with a quick stretch, Kaku crouched down in front of her.
"Hop on Yuki-chan. I am going to get you home. You need to sleep!" His head crooked back to look at her, eyes peering out from under the bill of his Galley-La Company hat.
"Are you sure? I can just go home myself. It never takes too long with my devil fr-"
"Yuki…you can barely focus long enough in a conversation. Using your fruit right now would be downright dangerous." Kaku's voice was firm and with a sighing defeat, she wound her arms around his neck and let him carry her.
"I c-could manage!" Her pathetic retort only made the other's chuckle as the pinkette hung from the tall man's back. Her frail frame swayed slight as he hooked his arms under her knees and stretched his legs a bit; preparing to hit the roof tops so he could make it back for his shift as quickly as possible. Though Yuki couldn't help but blush, she had always had a small crush on the Shipwright and being this close to him, while it wasn't unheard of…it still embarrassed her.
"Yeah, so you can 'impact' yourself right into the side of a building!" Tilestone boomed in a joking manner, laughing more at the red hue that continued to claim her cheeks, in an unyielding manner. Her devil fruit was a popular subject around Water 7, as almost no one on the island had one. Yet the small bubblegum haired local had found one by mistake when a pirate crew drunkenly forgot said item at her mother's bar. Her mother was almost unnaturally calm about the whole situation and Yuki had to laugh at that. Her mother was very unconventional in her parenting style. She actually encouraged her to use her devil fruit and spent time looking up which one she ate. It turns out it was from a sky island and she was the holder of the 'impact-impact fruit'. It allowed her to emit a powerful 'impact or force' from her palms, elbows, forehead, knees and feet. Theoretically she should be able to emit it from all over, but she didn't have too many people to practice with, nor did she have another fruit user to instruct her. So, all she used her ability for at the moment was propelling herself up to rooftops and using the force on her wrench to turn huge lugs and hammer down bolts.
"I'll give you an 'impact' right to the face old man!" She held up her tiny palm, knowing that despite their laughing, one 'impact' from her could easily take down a grown man. It was one of the main reasons, aside from her mechanical talent, that Iceburg let her work on Dock One. Every single Foreman on Dock One, had to be able to take down a pirate with a minimum of a 50,000 belli bounty. Many pirates tried to steal from Galley-La and with the spotty Marine presence, they had to rely on their own strength to protect their interests as well as their town when need be. Luckily, despite her size, she passed the strength test with flying colors. Though she didn't think Paulie enjoyed being flung harshly into the brick building for the test, leaving a human shaped imprint, much to everyone's amusement.
"Ah, I'll be back shortly, shouldn't take too long." Kaku smiled, gripping under her legs just a little tighter and feeling her arms secure around his neck. Yuki would never admit it out loud but she enjoyed feeling his voice vibrate down his back. 'Stupid childhood crush…'
"You better hit the sack right when you get home kid." Peeply Lulu barked, giving her a stern look. She nodded to all the Foreman, giving a mock salute. Her heart thrummed happily, grateful for how much her 'family' cared.
"Aye, Aye, Captains! Try not to get any gray hairs while I'm gone ya' old farts." She joked with a tired wink, trying her best not to yawn, which wasn't successful. The last thing she needed to do was too fall off Kaku's back. Nothing says, 'I think you're cute', like falling fifty feet to your death. With a final wave goodbye, Kaku leapt from the Dock One outlook, which peered over the city. Wind rushed through Yuki's hair and a childish giggle escaped her, earning a smirk from the square-nosed man. Roof tops blurred by and it shocked Yuki how quick Kaku could be. She was sure he had to be one of the fastest at Dock One. How a Shipwright got to be so strong was beyond her. Soon the old bar, Deadman's Dock came into view and Kaku landed gracefully in front of the main entrance. She would have to ask Kaku someday to teach her how to land better, but in her currently malnourished state, perhaps she should wait. Carefully he eased her legs down out of his grip and she released his neck, missing the warmth of his back.
"Remember, you're off tomorrow. If I see you come in, I'll carry you straight back here." He teased, giving her a boyish grin but also keeping a firm tone to make his statement final.
"Sir, yes, sir!" She mocked once more, before throwing up a peace sign and stumbling into her mother's bar. Her exhausted state making her look more inebriated than the patrons that occupied it. With a quick smile and wave goodbye, Kaku flung himself back up to the roofs and was gone the moment he hit the top. Yuki raised a weary hand to her eye and rubbed the offensive orifice. As much as her pride was wounded, she couldn't help but agree with the others. She needed to sleep and she was already feeling the positive effects of the meal. Her vision didn't swim as much and her stomach didn't growl painfully any longer. Except now, she would have to face her mother for the first time in a month since she wasn't in bed at this hour. Swallowing the lump in her throat she made her way into the bar, heading straight for the stairs in a poor attempt at avoiding her mom.
"Manami D. Yukiko! You come over here this instant!" Her mother's voice pitched into a high shriek and Yuki visibly winced in preparation. Now that she was home she just wanted to be alone in her room, not subjected to another lecture in what seemed to be 'lecture Yuki day'. She hung her head down and walked over to her mother, who was practically stampeding her way over.
"Mom it's really nothing I pro-" Her words died on the tip of her tongue as calloused hands smooshed her cheeks together and surveyed the dark rings under her eyes.
"What is going on Yukiko? Your eyes are bloodshot and bruised. That and you have been neglecting meals, I can tell! Oh my…and you reek sweetheart, when did you last shower?" Yuki's expression softened at her mother's worry, but she also felt a bit insecure. Did she really smell that bad? 'Oh Kami…poor Kaku. I'll forever be remembered as the stinky girl he gave a ride home…'
"I'm sorry mother. I just let my work consume me…it won't happen again, I promise. I came home to sleep. I have tomorrow of as well. We can go to the market tomorrow if you want." Yuki offered up a rare moment for the two to escape work and catch up. Her mother looked hopeful and a small smile and nod from Hao, her bartender, indicated she could sneak out for a while. Her mother eyed her briefly, making sure her daughter was indeed going to go upstairs and rest.
"Alright. Go rest. We will go tomorrow afternoon. Sleep in, I'll wake you with lunch, okay?" She gave her daughter a kiss on the forehead before patting her back and ushering her upstairs. Yuki made her way up the creaking stairs that winded haphazardly up to the third floor where their home was. It was a small two bedroom, one bathroom apartment that took up the attic space. Barely 500sqft of living space, but her bedroom overlooked the ocean…a feature that was absolutely priceless. Her bedroom was very small but it didn't matter to Yuki as she never found herself that obsessed with material objects; exceptions being for her pictures she took and her tools that she used to tinker with. She loved to invent things after spending so much time with Franky and the evidence littered her desk with small cogs, springs and conduits. Her bed pressed into the far wall, just under the window that remained cracked open, letting the sea breeze come into her room. It cleansed away the smell of oil and metal, freshening the room up and filling her with comfort.
She kicked off her boots lazily and stumbled out of her clothes as she walked, before face planting into bed. With a last-ditch effort, she pulled herself up to the windowsill, peering out at the skyline. Endless blue waves rolled in from the edges of the world before crashing up against the piers below. Pirates walked the docks below and chattered merrily about food and ale. Most likely stopping downstairs. She hummed quietly, a random sea shanty she had heard from many pirates over the years. It soothed her mind as she lost herself in the view of the ocean. Her heart ached at the sight, frustrating the girl as to why. Why couldn't she just be happy with the life she had? Why did she desire more? Maybe her mom could give her a better answer tomorrow. With her eyes growing heavy, she decided it was time to sleep. Giving one final stretch, she fell back onto her pillow, falling asleep before she could even grab a blanket.
Light filtered in from the window and seagulls began to cry excitedly as they no doubt found their breakfast by the docks. The wind ruffled a few sails outside the window and Yuki blinked away the sleep that had previously consumed her. Her chest rose and fell softly as she took her time waking up, enjoying the way she sank into the mattress. Stretching her arms over her head to loosen up her limbs, she inhaled once deeply, before almost gagging.
"Oh kami, I really do stink!" She exclaimed in horror, nose furling and lips pursing in disgust. Running a hand down her face and patting her cheeks, she hopped out of bed in favor of a shower. At this point, it was a public service. The water sputtered out of the shower head, raining down in rivulets in the porcelain tub. Steam filled the small bathroom, fogging over the one mirror and tiny privacy window. The moment the water hit her skin, dirt, oil, and soot swirled down the drain until the water ran clear. Her small calloused hands worked the shampoo into her scalp, enjoying the relaxing sensation and making sure every inch of her smelled like the bottled fragrance. It wasn't until a traitorous bit of conditioner decided to invade her eye did she decide to cut her shower short. Cursing the irritating sting but opting to brush her hair and teeth before finding some casual clothes to wear out with her mother.
A pair of well-worn combat boots, tattered shorts, and a white Galley-La Company tank top would have to suffice; as her wardrobe didn't consist of anything fancier. Most of her clothes were from either from work, consisted some type of denim pant, and a trusty pair of flat combat boots. The click of the front door alerted her that her mom was in the house, humming cheerfully in the living room. She made her way out, water droplets falling from her damp hair.
"All cleaned up I see. I came to check on you last night, I don't think anything could have woken you. You slept like the dead!" Her mother mused with a soft laugh. Yuki plopped down on the couch next to her, smiling at the plate of onigiri her mother gestured to. She took one and happily began to nibble on it, opting to savor it unlike she did with yesterday's meal.
"I feel a lot better. I smell a lot better…" Yuki mumbled with her mouth full, hand hovering under the onigiri for any stray rice that chose to abandon ship. The smoked salmon filling was still warm and hearty. Filling her stomach perfectly and giving her a boost of energy.
"That we can agree on. You did smell like a dead Sea King!" A laugh bubbled up from each other them, filling the air with an easy atmosphere. "Though it might take one or two more nights before those rings under your eyes disappear…and don't think I haven't noticed your weight loss. I expect three meals a day missy." Her fingered wagged in front of her and Yuki simply nodded, not wanting to argue with the woman. Hana's green eyes crinkled at the corners from her broad smile, before she tucked a snow-white strand of hair behind her ear.
"Don't worry, I think I was scolded enough yesterday to last me a while." Yuki winked cheekily and her mom made a motion for her to turn around. Without second guessing her she continued to eat while her mother's hands made her way into her hair, picking up sections and folding them in a repetitive pattern. Soon a simple fishtail braid fell softly over her shoulder. Taking her light pink tresses from just below her ribs to just above her breast in length.
"Thanks mom." She smiled down at the secured end, looking back up at her mom with a small grin that flashed her pearly whites. "So, what did you want to do today?" She plopped the last bit of rice in her mouth, wiping a few crumbs away from her legs.
"I was thinking a quick trip to the market for groceries?" She smiled while standing with a small stretch. "I am ready if you are? I don't want to leave Hao for too long…" Her mother worried her hands together, biting her lip and eyes glancing toward the door.
"Mom, Hao has been bartending for longer than I've been alive. Give the man some credit. He hasn't let us down in the decade he has worked here and honestly, he loves this place as much as we do. It will be fine." She patted her back soothingly easing the woman's anxieties.
"I guess we are both guilty of being workaholics." Hana confessed timidly, squeezing her daughters hand in thanks. "Alright, enough work talk, let's go get some groceries!"
The market buzzed with people who talked jovially, the flow of traffic moving at a leisurely pace. Yuki's hands were stuffed in her back pockets as she casual eyed the food stands. Her mother bartered for produce and fruit, chatting animatedly with a few friends who worked the shops. Yuki found her gaze once again focused on the sea just over the market's edge. Her arms leaned against the cobblestone railing, listening to the Yagura Bulls below, who patiently waited in the water canal for the owners to return from shopping.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Her mother leaned on the rail next to her, eyes peering out at the water. "I wonder where he is?" She murmurs quietly, probably not intending for Yuki to hear her. Her daughter takes in the sight of her mom's carefree smile and mirthful eyes.
"Dad?" Yuki questions curiously, her usual anger toward the faceless man dissipated and was replaced with curiosity. Her mother looked nervous at first, but nodded her head with a heart melting smile. She supposed if her kind-hearted mother loved the man so much, that maybe he wasn't so bad. Maybe she should open her own mind a bit to change.
"Mm. We were so young when we met. I knew he wouldn't stay long, but that was enough for me." She fumbled with something in her hand before handing it to Yuki. A small metal chain pooled into her hand, before her eyes fell on a small pendant of a white flower, no doubt a symbol for her mother's name, Hana (flower) and her signature white hair. "He gave this to me just before he left, with your birthday around the corner I want you to have it. I know you have always hated the idea of him, but I promise you…you are so much more alike than you realize. Trust me when I say…that's a compliment, Yuki-chan." Her mother turned back to the sea, her eyes lighting up as the sea train horn blew in the distance. "Yuki…should you ever decide that island life isn't for you…just know I support you completely."
"I wouldn't worry mom, being a Marine doesn't really excite me much." The girl innocently states with a smile before grabbing their produce bags and getting ready to head back, eyes flittering back to the water every few seconds. A longing gaze glinting behind her youthful irises. Her mother chuckled, it seems her eyes were drawn to the water, just like his.
"I wasn't leaning toward Marine…" Her mother whispers to herself as she watches her small daughter look back expectantly. She rocked back and forth on her feet, a common quirk of hers whenever she was getting antsy.
"Come on momma, let's get back before it gets too late." Her smile shakes the woman out of her thoughts and Hana gives one last look at the open sea before joining her. 'She just doesn't know how much of you she has in her.'
Walking toward the bar, Yuki mentally ran through her week-long game plan. She would get in a nice dinner before going to bed early. She still had to run diagnostics, stock inventory, paint and name the submarine. A fire burned in her, she would complete it all and have Iceburg sign off on it a whole three weeks in advance! However, the icing on the cake would be that she finished on her birthday. As the bar came into view, Yuki realized she still had time to kill before dinner.
"Hey mom, I'm going to run by the junkyard for a bit. I haven't been by since my promotion." Yuki added an extra dose of guilt to her voice, knowing her mom wouldn't be as put out if that was that reason.
"Oh? Well go then. You're about to be eighteen at the end of the week, an adult Yuki. You can go wherever you want." Her mother stressed oddly, causing Yuki to raise a confused brow. 'I swear my mother is trying to kick me out.' She sighed internally, wondering what had gotten into her mother. She palmed necklace her mother gave her, fingers running over the flower ridges before shoving it into the confines of her pocket.
"I'll be back for dinner since I need to get to bed a bit early. I have to go back to work tomorrow, but I promise to keep more work hours reasonable!" She blurts out the last part before her mother can contest anything she said. She really didn't want to lose another work day to anyways concern for her health. Her mother waves at her dismissively.
"I'm sure you learned your lesson yesterday. Just be home before sundown. I am making unagi-don tonight." She chirped happily, knowing it was one of her daughter's favorite foods. With another quick wave her mother entered the bar, leaving Yuki to herself. Hopping slightly to test her muscles she found they were feeling much steadier than the day before. Using her devil fruit, she launched herself up, heading to the Franky House for couple hours. Maybe some time out would clear her head from her jumbled thoughts. It seemed if she wasn't completely engrossed in her work to the point of it being unhealthy than she was day dreaming…about what, she wasn't quite sure, but her heart yearned for it more than she had ever felt before. It was an answer she was sure she would never find in Water 7.