Miss Juvat was quite the busy little bee, from what Buggy saw and heard of her later in the day. Discussing menus with the hotel's chef at the theater's bar, seeing that the hotel's complimentary toiletries were resupplied and ordered, getting word out that there would be no race today due to no planned checkouts, going over finances in her office with her accountant ,a mister Thomas Whitaker who was an old family friend, and lastly tending to guest needs, most of whom was his own crew.

"Thank you Captain Buggy for bringing us here, you're such a great captain!" one of them said in passing. The clown gave them a little wave and smile as Madelyn was watching. He took a sip of his coffee with a touch or three of whiskey and watched as Madelyn walked away from them to go back to her office. The lobby, other than the grand front desk, had a comfy couch and chairs that sat by the window that looked out the porch.

How the hell do they still believe in me? Ah well, small mercies I guess. It had only been a couple of months since a lot of the prisoners from Impel Down had joined his crew. Through a misunderstanding and Buggy's own luck he had gained them and he wasn't going to correct them of that misunderstanding.

Buggy had taken a risk of leaving his ear on Madelyn at the bar when she happened to be there with the chef. It made spying on her much easier. As Madelyn turned away from his men and there were no others in the lobby, he summoned his ear back to his person. Feeling hungry, he decided his investigation of the habits of his quarry could be put on hold for a light repast. As he arose from the couch, Buggy was run into by the woman who seemed to be glued to Madelyn's side this morning, a Miss Nadezhda Glinka or as Madelyn referred to her, Nadia. She wore glasses, her hair up in a neat bun,and a nice dark green colored skirt suit.

"Sorry." She said stiffly and called after Madelyn.

"Yes Nadia, did I forget something in my schedule?" Madelyn had almost closed the office door.

"No, something new just came up. The mayor is calling a meeting on Wednesday morning to address issues he wouldn't get into on the transponder snail."

"I have an idea of what he wants to discuss again. Good thing I'm going up to the farms that day. It should help get my annoyance out on some weeds or something. Plus a meeting so close to the festival, what was he thinking…"

Both women went into Miss Juvat's office. Buggy walked over to put his coffee cup down on the front desk, much to the chagrin of a young man tending the desk, and began making his way out the front door. Rich and goes to meetings with the mayor. What was that saying about the rich? 'They are different from you and me'.

Buggy proceeded to go out in search of food. The hotel had great food, but he wanted to stretch his legs. Going to the left, he passed by an outdoor pool and in a more secluded area, the hotel's restaurant. There was more property that seemed to be connected to the hotel and then some shops. He saw Alvida coming out of a clothing shop being fawned over by the staff.

"Do you really have to get them worked up like that Alvida?"

"Not my fault, I'm beautiful. Carry these for me?"

"Nope. A woman who can wield a club like you needs no help from me. "

"Hmph fine. Off to the hotel spa then." She waved her fingers at him through her bags.

Buggy did admit that Alvida was beautiful, at least physically. Of course he hadn't known her before she ate the slip-slip fruit. Eating the slip-slip fruit made it impossible for conventional physical attacks to hurt her since they would just slip away. Apparently the fruit had changed her appearance as well, but who was he to judge based on appearances.

The clown had met her when the small ship he stole from the Arlong pirates to get off the Conomi islands had proved to have too many leaks the further it got off to sea. She saved him, recognizing who he was, and joined forces for the purpose of getting revenge on the Strawhat pirate captain, Luffy.

He'll probably get himself killed, if he continues to be like he was at Impel Down. The armband that Luffy had given Buggy in exchange for helping him get to his brother Ace, all the sudden felt tighter around his left arm. It was the pirate, Captain John's treasure mark. Though simple in construction, a leather band with two circular glass-like orbs fastened in metal, it was essentially a map to the dead captain's treasure. Buggy had been researching and looking for it for ages and when it suddenly turned up the day he tried to escape from Impel Down, well, he had to have it. It's not like I still owe him. Hell, I saved his life by giving him and Jimbe to that submarine pirate doctor. He owes me!

"Oh pardon me…I believe it is Captain Buggy, isn't it?." A white haired old man in a suit and a bowler hat had bumped into Buggy's back.

"Yes, that's me. Are you a local?"

"Oh yes, my name is Thomas Whitaker, I am an accountant. I saw you briefly at The Gold Coin, Miss Juvat is a client of mine."

"Ah, then you would be the one to know, how is her business going? I'm really enjoying the hotel and would hate to see it go."

"Very well, she has a good head on her shoulders, of course her father, rest his soul, taught her well. He was a very good friend of mine so I intend to take care of his daughter as best I can."

"That's unfortunate, how'd he die?"

"It was…sudden." Mr Whitaker seemed to be lost in thought for a moment before returning to the conversation. "A heart attack…four years ago. A pity really, he seemed to be the picture of health."

Buggy made an agreeing noise and said" I asked if you are local because I am hungry and wonder what you would recommend?"

" Oh my! Yes, of course! Well further down you see that sign with the pink shell, yes, really on the nose name, The Pink Seashell. Oh dear have I said something?"

"No sir, continue." Buggy said as calmly as he could.

"They have good food. Tell them I sent you. Take care captain, I have a lunch meeting to get to." Off he went waddling like an agitated seagull.

Buggy followed Whitaker's instructions and walked into the most pink colored restaurant he'd ever seen. The walls had thin vertical light pink and cream striped wallpaper. The tables were cream with pink flower centerpieces and the chairs cream with pink cushioning. Buggy noticed the floor tiles were reminiscent of pink mermaid scales. It looked like there were a couple of empty spots at the warm colored wooden bar. He sat himself down on the round pink cushioned bar stool and picked up a menu that was wedged between a sugar packet holder and a salt and pepper holder. While reading, he swiveled from side to side.

Buggy heard the door open and after a moment felt someone walk behind him. They gently placed themselves on the stool next to him. He wouldn't have paid it any mind except his neighbor was wearing a very contrasting color to their surroundings. Black. He glanced over to see a petite woman in a straight black sleeveless dress, hair in a close cut black bob and lined slanted eyes. She was glancing back at him and smiled when their eyes met; showing white teeth under dark red lips. Buggy looked back at his menu and heard her let out a throaty little laugh.

"Can't decide what you'll have?"

"Something like that."

The woman placed her parasol, also black, against the footrest bar of the counter.

"Do you take recommendations, captain?"

"Sure, uh how did you—?"

"Know? Well, we are in a small town and news does travel."

"True and you are?"

"Zabella, Madam Zabella. I run a little place called The Siren's Call. A humble little pleasure dome that many of your crew have frequented in such a short time. Oh Clark, the usual for me and one for Captain Buggy."

"So you are a madam?"

"Best not to beat around the bush about it. After all, this is a pirate and marine friendly town. My services are a rule, if not a requirement."

Buggy took a drink of the water that was just given to him. He found her candor intriguing.

"How considerate of you."

"Hmm I can be."

They both chuckled.

"What brings you to these parts, business or pleasure?" She smiled into her glass.

"Pleasure, we just finished aiding the marines in taking care of an upstart pirate crew that was giving an island kingdom some trouble."

"Noble."

"Well, it paid well." For being upstarts they had a lot of money and things in their hold.

"Is that what the title of warlord means to you?"

"Not necessarily, it came upon me by surprise. It would be foolish to not take the opportunity and I'm ever the opportunist."

"Serving whoever pays the highest?"

"What? Nah, I serve myself, speaking of…"

Zabella had ordered for the both of them two thin cut steaks, hasselback potatoes, and green beans with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese. The steaks were juicy with a buttery herb flavor, the potatoes slightly spicy that were soft inside and crispy on the outside, and the beans a nice cleanser that calmed the mixture of flavors.

Only a few passing things were said as they ate their meals. Buggy would have to thank that accountant. Damn, it was really good food.

He carefully wiped his mouth with a napkin, he hated to smudge his makeup , "I may have to take more recommendations from you, madam."

"You should pay my establishment a visit then, we cater to various preferences. I'm sure we could find something to satisfy."

"Tempting, well I better get going" Buggy began to fiddle with his coin purse.

"Oh don't worry captain, the first time's free." Zabella winked and put berry on the counter.

"Thanks Clark" she picked up her parasol and sashayed languidly out the door.

Buggy chuckled to himself, if he wasn't after Madelyn's money, going to a brothel wouldn't be such a bad idea. It had been awhile, between razing towns in the East Blue, chasing Strawhat, treasure hunting, prison, a war, and the general surviving of the trials of the Grand Line, sex wasn't exactly a priority. Depending on how things with Madelyn went, maybe he would enjoy himself in that regard. The woman wasn't unattractive and she at least seemed receptive to dinner. Nor was the nose an issue. Hell she even touched it. "That's amazing!"

Enough pre-show jitters. Buggy shook his head and made his way out of the restaurant, thanking Clark with an extra tip. In approximately 3 hours he'd have to perform the man falling in love. No time for dress rehearsals all that mattered was that it was showtime and that the show must go on. No matter what.

Buggy bathed and groomed himself, choosing to go in his full get up, he had it dry cleaned express and polished his shoes. A nap in his room while waiting for his clothes had helped him get over whatever that weird feeling of jitters was. He chalked it up to the normal feeling he got before his old shows at the circus. It was dinner with kids, nothing serious yet, he thought to himself as he applied his make up. That being said he was determined to put his best foot forward to endear himself to Madelyn. Makeup accomplished, he looked himself over in the full length mirror the room had. Yup, he'd do.

As he descended the stairs he saw Madelyn all ready at the desk. The woman he had checked in with was there as well, she saw him first and smiled. Madelyn was dressed in a casual blue dress that fitted her form nicely. She turned to face him.

"Oh hello, are you ready?" Madelyn asked with a touch of eagerness in her voice.

" As I'll ever be." he offered her his arm. Madelyn picked up a good sized picnic basket from the front desk counter and came closer to him.

"Don't worry they won't gobble you up like sea beasts, chew on you, maybe."

"So reassuring." Buggy remarked as Madelyn linked her arm through his.

"Bye Deb, thanks!"

"Good night my dear, Captain Buggy."

Buggy nodded to Deb and led Madelyn out the door.

"To the right and up the street." Madelyn directed. The town's street lights started to flicker on and the beginnings of sunset were beautifully illustrated with oranges, pinks, purples and reds in the sky. Cool sea breezes sneaked through the warm air as they walked. Buggy got a little closer to Madelyn as she didn't wear a coat. She smelled of chocolate and vanilla and had a little bit of flour on her temple. He was gratified that she didn't pull away.

"So what's in the basket?" He asked.

"Some cakes for the children. You may possibly get a piece."

"Oh how kind," Buggy mocked. " I have never been to an orphanage, though I was one myself. "

"Do you remember your parents?"

"No, not really. Most of my memories are from when I sailed with Gol D. Roger. His crew was my family."

"You'll have something in common with the children then, most of them are the orphans of pirates. Some have even sailed on ships. They get dropped here because we are friendly to pirates. I hope you'll tell me of your time with Roger. He seems very mysterious."

Buggy let her words sink in. Such a kind thing to do really. Marines would capture pirates and then their families had to hide from the government in some places, but here, here there was safety.

"Why do you do this? You're clearly a busy woman."

"Honestly, to help me heal from the pain of losing my mother. She founded the orphanage, seeing the need. My mother was a pirate, you see, so I felt that I could relate to them, even if it was just a little. Now I do it because I want to."

"Wait, your mother was a pirate? What about your father?

"A merchant sailor, he met my mom while her crew was trying to board his ship in the middle of a storm. Unfortunately my mothers ship capsized so she had nowhere to go, but it did bring her closer to my father."

"A literal whirlwind romance." Buggy laughed.

"Oh yes." Madelyn laughed with him. "They loved each other very much. It was very hard when she left us."

"To go back to pirating?"

"Not necessarily, you see when I came along my mother and father decided to settle in my mother's family's house she inherited. My mother retired to raise me. Later my father retired, deciding he wanted to be home with us more. To support our family, my parents turned their home into the hotel I run today." Madelyn unlinked her arm with Buggy, she got a better hold of the basket.

"My mother never said I couldn't become a pirate, I wanted to, but she insisted I keep my options open. She made sure I was taught all kinds of things and even sent me to finishing school to get some "polish". When I came back an old pirate friend of my mother's begged her to help him with a job and she went…and got caught."

"Is she in prison, I mean a lot of my crew are from Impel Down, maybe they heard about her?"

Madelyn took a moment to respond, gripping the basket handle a little tighter. Buggy noticed a large, clear, pearl-like ring on Madelyn' s left hand move from the pressure.

"No, she was hanged a few days after. She got caught because she saved a little boy from drowning as they were leaving."

"She was retired and they killed her for saving a child. That's just…"

"The mother of the boy was very grateful, so grateful she tried to do all she could to get my mother free. When that failed, she came to help and comfort us. You've met her, she checked you in, her name is Deb."

"Oh." Buggy was regretting his somewhat harsh treatment of the woman. He swallowed and decided to be sympathetic. Surprisingly it wasn't as hard as he thought.

"I'm glad you had someone to help, that must have been hard. I can kind of sympathize. Roger turned himself in, you know? I was there… when he was executed. Balled my eyes out. Didn't wear makeup then so it wasn't so much of a disaster." he finished awkwardly.

"Thank you…I know it goes with your whole clown motif, but you looked nice this morning without makeup." She then focused on facing forward and said. "That's interesting about Roger, do you know the reason why?"

Wait, did she just…?

"Oh look, here we are." Madelyn walked a little faster than Buggy. "I did tell Miss Ingary that I have you coming with me. Just so the children are not surprised, it can be hard for them…you alright there, captain?" Madelyn felt him grab her arm and turned back to face him.

" Call me Buggy."

"Very well, Buggy, you may call me Madelyn."

"Not Maddy?"

"Need to get to know me better." Madelyn knocked on the door and rang a bell. Buggy stepped closer to her.

"Ok, Madelyn."

"Careful or you only get to call me Miss Juvat." She smirked.

The door opened abruptly to reveal a woman. Her face was round with bright blue eyes and hair up in a loose bun. As she smiled her eyes seemed to become brighter.

"Well hello and welcome. Please come in, the children are in the playroom. You must be Captain Buggy, my name is Miss Delaney Ingray, call me Laney or Miss Laney." She stepped aside to let them into an entryway that had hooks for coats and little cubbies for shoes.

Buggy gave her a nod and a smile as he walked in behind Madelyn. While the women chatted about things, Buggy looked further down the wide hallway past the entryway. It was painted a warm yellow and had children's drawings hung up on the walls. As they exited the entryway there were two spiral staircases immediately on both sides. Murals of animals from both land and sea spiraled the stairs walls on either side up to the next floor. There were other yellow hallways that began at the foot of each of the stairs. The welcome smell of food cooking wafted about them.

"— I really enjoyed that book you lent me, The Pirate's Kiss, especially the main character oh my, he was—" Laney gushed.

"Yes, he really was something." Madelyn laughed awkwardly. Buggy smiled at Madelyn, giving her a knowing glance. "I'll introduce you to the children Buggy." Don't you say anything, Madelyn's gaze conveyed. Buggy's smile broadened.

They continued down the hall and to the right there were some open double doors. Children's voices could be heard from within, some very enthusiastic. As soon as Madelyn entered there were shouts of "Miss Madelyn!" and children clamored around her. There were about fifteen children, all of varying ages, some simply looked up from their reading or playing and smiled over at Madelyn. Then a little girl, with doe eyes and brown hair who had come up to Madelyn and gave her a hug, noticed Buggy.

"Who's he? Miss Laney told us someone else was coming."

"I'm glad you asked Mila," Madelyn patted Mila on the head and then said in a louder voice. "Children, this is Captain Buggy, he's a pirate and a warlord of the sea." There was a lot of staring and, thankfully, no crying from the children. One little boy was picking his nose. Some brave ones asked questions.

"How many people have you killed?"

"Well…" Buggy started.

"Does the one piece really exist?"

"Yes! Of course it does!"

"Have you seen it?"

"Not yet."

"Why is your nose so big and red?" There was a pause and Madelyn spoke first.

"I know, isn't it fantastic! I brought cake for dessert you guys!"

There were shouts of excitement as Buggy stood back a bit and watched Madelyn and Laney walk forward with the kids following in their wake. He forgot how unfiltered children could be. Fantastic huh? Madelyn brought the basket down on the counter near a sink on the other side of the room and started taking the cakes out with Laney's assistance. They were single layered chocolate cakes from what he could observe. He could smell them from across the room

The room itself was painted in warm bright colors. It had a comfy looking reading corner with cushions and a sofa and a nice sized bookcase. Nearby were some tables where it looked like some drawing and various crafts were done. A pretend kitchen and workbench were against the opposite wall of the tables. There were also all sorts of toys about the room. Two little boys were fighting with foam swords near Buggy.

"I'm going to check on the food, thanks for coming captain." Laney patted Buggy's arm as she went out the doors and turned right.

"Not fair you keep getting me!" one of the little boys whined

"You need to parry." Buggy addressed him.

"What?"

"I'll show you." Buggy got on his knees and motioned for the sword and took it. He faced the other boy.

"Okay, attack me." The little boy slashed down at Buggy and Buggy deflected the little boy's sword to the right.

"That's a simple parry." Both boys nodded.

"Now if you're quick enough after your parry, you can get in for a sneak attack to his stomach, like so, or something similar. Give it a try boys." He had just handed back the sword to the one little boy when the other striked Buggy on the shoulder.

"Sneak attack." the little boy giggled.

"So it was." Buggy kept himself from swatting the little boy and instead poked him on the nose. The other one jumped on Buggy's back and exclaimed "Sneak attack!"

"Leo! I don't know if Captain Buggy's okay with you jumping on his back like that." Madelyn came over after asking an older girl to patrol the cakes.

Buggy leaned back and lay on the boy who was giggling.

"I seem to have found a nice spot for lying down, very wiggly though." the little boy got out from under the Buggy and then looked down at him and said.

"Show us more sword fighting!"

"Maybe." Madelyn helped Buggy up and she asked if he was ok. He now partially understood how Rayleigh felt having to look after and teach him and Shanks when they were young.

"I'm fine, but my pride is shattered. I may have to recruit these two sneaks to my crew. You're Leo and you are?"

"Charlie!"

"Well Charlie and Leo, I may teach you more. I was taught by one of the greatest swordsmen in the world, Silvers Rayleigh, right hand man of the King of the Pirates." Both boys gave gasps of awe.

"Dinner is ready children, let's go and eat." Miss Laney called to the room.

"Care to show me the way Miss Madelyn?"

" Of course Captain Buggy." She linked her arm through his. As they walked down the hall, Buggy got close to Madelyn and whispered,

"So how did the pirate kiss?"

"Ha, of course you'd," Madelyn looked up at the ceiling, as if pleading with it, to take her up into it. "Good enough for the heroine to wait for him for two years before they finally were reunited."

"That one's hel–heck of a kiss." Leo grabbed Buggy's other hand.

"Oh yes."

Another set of double doors was open and Madelyn led Buggy and Leo in. There was a long table with benches on either side, plants around the edges of the room and on one side ceiling to floor windows and a door that, from what Buggy could tell, went out to a green area. On the wall across from the windows, was a door and a window that opened into the kitchen allowing food to be served through it. Cook staff were setting up an additional table with heating elements. Soup was for dinner, many different types of soup, as well as rolls and breads. Buggy grabbed some without really checking what it was, it smelled good, that's all he knew. Leo wanted some of the same too and Buggy helped the little boy get some and found himself continuing to be followed by said little boy. He was trying to sit by Madelyn, however she had not sat down yet and so he just sat with Leo by some kids.

Madelyn walked around and visited with the children. She helped the younger ones with messy faces and asked the older ones about what they were doing, excited about, and having trouble with. Leo and the kids across from and next to Buggy smiled at him and began asking more questions between mouthfuls of soup and bread. Buggy tried to smile back and answer as many of the questions as he could. It was hard at first, he had to check himself from swearing a couple of times, but then he found himself laughing with them as time went on. A memory flitted into Buggy's mind, from his time with Roger.

"Come on Buggy, it's not that hard." a young Shanks laughed, he was playing with a little toddler boy named Momonosuke.

"That's right Buggyjiro, you hold her like that." Toki Kozuki said gently as Buggy held her 11 month daughter, Hiyori, for the first time. Buggy ignored the" jiro" as it meant second son in the language of Wano. It was in reference to Roger being his father figure. Shanks, of course, was called first son. Hiyori was a very happy baby and tired to grab Buggy's nose.

"Ha, yeah I know it's a big target."

"Hiyori you be nice, this is Buggyjiro, can you say Buggyjiro?

"Bu" Hiyori tried.

"Good enough for me" the young Buggy said, tearing up.

Toki had always been nice to Buggy, true she was nice to everyone on the Oro Jackson, but Buggy appreciated her listening to him and offering advice to him when she could. She didn't have to be so kind to him; she already had Hiyori and her older son Momonosuke to look after. He considered the samurai, Oden, lucky to be married to her. Maybe someday he would find someone as kind, his younger self had thought. Maybe.

"Why are you staring at Miss Madelyn?" a bespectacled girl with pigtails sitting across from Buggy asked. The other children were in conversations of their own and Leo was stuffing his face with a roll.

"Was I?"

"I think you were."

"You know you should have your eyes checked kid. I was obviously looking at…that planter behind Miss Madelyn. Such interesting foliage I have never seen anything like in my travels."

" It's fake"

"Ah."

The girl gave him a look as if to say "Like you."

Buggy slurped his soup loudly. He was later told that it was a ham, potato, and leek soup. It was creamy, earthy, salty and what you'd imagine eating a hug would be like. The roll he chose was warm, fluffy, and wonderful with the butter that was placed on the table.

"Hey Yazmin, how's the chemistry class going?" Madelyn sat next to Yazmin with a bowl of soup and a roll.

"Oh wonderful Miss Madelyn! We were learning about endothermic and exothermic reactions today."

" Did you talk about the explosive type of exothermic reactions? I happen to specialize in those." Buggy commented.

"What, you fire cannons?" Yazmin asked. Madelyn murmured Yazmin's name.

"You fire cannons!" Leo commented loudly.

Buggy winced. "Yes sometimes Leo, but to be more specific Yazmin, I develop my own explosives." Madelyn's eyebrows rose in interest as she was taking a bite of roll.

"Really!? What are the base chemical compounds for your explosives?" Yazmin was enthusiastic now.

"Uh ha ha probably not the time to discuss that, plus it's a trade secret of mine. I develop regular explosives and some that release gasses that knock people out. Helps me do my job. I developed one that's as small as a marble, but is able to pack quite a punch. May I ask what type of chemistry you're interested in Yazmin?"

As he let the girl talk, Buggy's gaze flicked to Madelyn, she was smiling softly at him. Good, hopefully he was winning some points. He listened and talked to Yazmin, Leo, and Madelyn. They sat and ate until most of the children seemed to be done eating. Miss Laney then announced it was time for dessert in the playroom.

While walking back to the playroom, Charlie rejoined Leo and Buggy. Leo told Charlie about Buggy's ability to make explosions, which further cemented Buggy being cool in their eyes. Madelyn had walked ahead to help cut the cakes.

When they finally arrived Charlie and Leo insisted on more sword fight lessons which Buggy obliged, but regretted as it turned more into a game of gang up on Buggy. Leo socked Buggy in the arm which Buggy, starting to get bored of the roughhousing, popped it off from under his coat to the otherside of the room and where it waved at Leo. Leo shouted "What!"

The children paused in their activities. Madelyn and Laney looked up from cake cutting to look over at what was going on. Buggy's arm returned to him. It struggled to get inside the arm of the coat , so he took off his coat in frustration, revealing his slim muscular frame as the arm finally reattached itself.

"What's on your arm?" The nose picking boy asked.

"Oh that's something I found. It used to belong to the pirate named Captain John."

"What happened to your arm?" Asked a red headed girl concernedly.

"I ate a devil fruit called the chop chop fruit. That's how my arm was able to fly off like that, it doesn't hurt me."

"How does it work?" a black curly haired girl asked.

"You can slice me,you can dice me, but I always put myself back together again." He demonstrated his chop chop powers by splitting his head and limbs apart from his torso. He also had his hands flying around the room poking kids, tapping on their shoulders and teasing them.

" Can we try it?"piped up one of the older boys.

"Uh I don't think Miss Madelyn or Miss Laney would want you to." Buggy said carefully.

"Oh I don't know, depends on how nice you are." Madelyn winked at him. Laney brayed a laugh.

"Hey!" Exclaimed Buggy, smiling despite himself. Many of the kids giggled and some of the littler ones began chasing one of Buggy's hands across the room. When they caught it wriggled away, getting out of their hands and flying away again with them trailing behind squealing gleefully.

Cake was distributed around the room and was met with general satisfaction. Buggy made his way over to the couch and sat down, a little later, Madelyn came over with two plates and forks and sat next to Buggy.

"Oh I do get a piece."

"Yes."

"You made this yourself?" Buggy's hands came back to him.

"I did."

"Should I be afraid?"

"Just eat it. Look." She took a bite.

"I'm just observing for ill effects." Buggy looked her up and down for a moment and took a bite of cake.

"I think I may need this cake more in my life."

"Glad you like it."

"Possibly need the baker too." He said softly. Madelyn immediately put another bite of cake in her mouth. Buggy likewise had another bite and smirked to himself. The kids who were chasing his hand started to come up to him, but Laney intercepted them.

"Now children go eat your cake. I put some on the tables for you, give Captain Buggy a break." There was some disapproval, but they relented.

"Laney did you give the cook staff some cake?"

"Indeed I did," she sat down beside Madelyn, making Madelyn scoot closer to Buggy. She didn't seem fazed by the closeness, Buggy had wondered if his flirty tease was too much. She had teased him earlier though and he found he liked their back and forth. At least it made the con fun while working toward a future profit.

"Tell me Captain Buggy, how did you become a warlord of the sea?" Miss Laney asked.

"I believe my escape from Impel Down, my association with Gold D. Roger, and my participation in the war at Marineford led to me being asked to join."

"Yes we were able to watch it live here thanks to the visual and audio transponder snails. I thought you sounded familiar when Madelyn told me about you coming tonight."

"I did make an appearance or two on the live feeds." They don't need to know I took over a transponder snail.

"So modest, it seemed like you were right in the thick of things."

" At times."

"Laney it looks like the kids are mostly done, should we start cleaning and then get ready for storytime and bed?"

"Right!" Laney shot up and began to gather plates and helped the kids clean up the playroom.

"I'll take your plate." Madelyn placed her hand out to Buggy.

"Thanks but, how 'bout I help you take the plates?" Buggy got up and grabbed a black tub that had been placed next to the sink. Children had been putting their plates and forks in it. Buggy and Madelyn went around the room getting all the dirty dishes and then walked back to the kitchens.

"Thank you, I hope being around the children is not a bother to you. Leo and Charlie were very…enthusiastic with you."

"I was a child too once, and compared to dealing with people who actually want to kill me, I'd still take those who'd want to kill me."

"Oh you're horrible." Madelyn gave his arm a push.

"Hey are you trying to break these plates?"

Madelyn giggled into her hand.

They entered the kitchen which had people finishing their meals and cleaning. Madelyn asked Buggy to put the tub on a counter as she walked over and hugged an old lady who could be described as a gray square. Her eyes were blue gray and her hair gray, even her dress was gray.

"This should be the last of it. Thanks Marta, how's the back?"

"Fine, fine, who's this bloke?"

"This is Captain Buggy." Buggy tipped his hat.

"Nice to meet ye. Them clothes be mighty colorful. I like it."

"Thanks."

"Me old man was a first mate on a pirate ship and would wear colors like that himself. Good friends with this girl's mother he was and then me. Her picture be over the doors when ye leave. See how our dear Maddy is just as beautiful as her."

"Oh Marta."

"Tis true. Although she is one that works herself too much, maybe ye can help her with that Cap'n " She nudged Buggy closer to Madelyn.

"I will try." He smiled.

As they walked back to the playroom Buggy looked at the picture down the hallway above the front door.

" I can't be exactly sure, I need a closer look, but I'd say Marta's right about you being as beautiful as your mother."

"I'd say you're flattering me or trying to get something from me."

"Flattery no, get something yes."

"And that would be?"

"More chocolate cake."

"That can be done, you will need to ask nicely though."

"I'll show you how nice I can be." Buggy waggled his eyebrows at her and went first into the playroom.

"E-everyone ready for storytime?" Madelyn looked over to Laney.

"I believe so." Laney nodded.

Buggy sat at one of the tables in the playroom and watched as the children gathered around Madelyn. Mila sat next to her on the couch. Laney also had children about her on the floor, one sitting on her lap.

"Well children should I read tonight or tell a story?"

"Miss Madelyn, could Captain Buggy tell us a story tonight instead of you?" An older boy with blonde hair asked.

"Oh well I…'' Madelyn looked over to Buggy who hesitated, but then came to sit next to her on the sofa.

"All right kids, what do I read to you?"

"No, "the boy continued "tell us a story about being a pirate"

"Yeah!" Came a chorus with lots of jumping and twirling that Madelyn, Laney, and the older kids motioned for them to sit down and be calm. Leo took his cushion and got closer to the couch, eyes looking adoringly at Buggy.

"Ah well um...Ah ha! I have it! Have you kids ever heard of a samurai? No? Well let me tell you about how Gold D Roger got a samurai to join his pirate crew. I was not much older than you, yes you, when I first met Oden Kosuki. We had landed on an island, fighting marines, when I, being on look out, sighted the Whitebeard pirate's ship and then…"

After Buggy's story the children were sent upstairs to get to bed. Buggy watched as they all went up the stairs. Some of the small ones, including Leo and Charlie, were carried up, having fallen asleep.

"Leo was just stuck to me the whole night." he observed to Madelyn.

"Well he's been here since he was a baby and thinks pirates are cool. Of course, he's going to latch on to you."

"A baby..."Thank you Roger for finding me.

"For some of these kids this is their family, at least until they find their forever family. Unfortunately, some age out and never get adopted, but we have programs to help them get jobs, take care of themselves, and just learn life skills. They may not have had the best start in life, but we can help them live their best life."

Buggy didn't know what to say he just looked at Madelyn. Toki and she would have probably been good friends. Wano had not yet opened to the world yet, he wondered how the Kozuki family was doing.

"What about that young chemist…Yazmin, is she going to age out?"

"No, she still had some time, but she actually is going to be adopted soon. A scientist couple living in the next town over, geologists who are conducting research on our local rocks. She wants to work with Dr Vegapunk someday. She doesn't think highly of pirates."

"I could tell. She should, we need more spitfire scientists in the world."

"True. I'll be back. I'm just going to help with putting kids to bed. Then could you escort me back to the hotel?"

"Well I happen to be going that way…"

Madelyn breathed a "Ha" in response and before she could interfere Mila came down the stairs past her and came up to Buggy.

She took his hand and said "Can you come back and tell us more stories?"

"I…well I…" Damn those eyes pierce the soul. Buggy felt his eyes begin to get teary. "That is, if you want me to."

"Yes." she said and hugged his leg before going back up the stairs. Buggy wiped his eyes.

"I hope you will…come back, that is." Madelyn said gently. "See you in a moment." Madelyn went up the stairs. It was nice to be wanted, Buggy thought as he watched her retreating figure. Children were exhausting, Buggy mused, but then there were moments like that. It made it easy to imagine…he grit his teeth and shook his thoughts away.

"It was so fun to see how you used your powers to entertain the kids." Madelyn enthused to Buggy as they walked back to the hotel. "Oh I forgot the basket, oh well, I'll just go get it in the morning. Thanks for your coat, I thought I'd be fine, but it was colder than I thought it was going to be. You sure you're ok?"

He nodded. Buggy used one of his hands to pick a flower from one of the house's balconies they passed and presented it to Madelyn. She took it and gave him a little curtsy. Madelyn then smelled it and looked up to his eyes.

"Wanna see what else I can do?" He asked.

Buggy noticed a change in her facial coloring as she looked away and said quietly "Y— I don't know how to take that."

"Anyway you want, baby." He whispered in her ear. Am I starting to get somewhere with her? She looked back up at him, her eyes shining with mischief.

"I'll keep that in mind." A smirk played on her lips which made Buggy the one to turn away for a moment.

"I" he cleared his throat, " I used to have a genuine circus, you know?" Don't need to tell her about the literal captive audience.

"Oh, did you sell cotton candy?"

He let out a sigh and grumbled, "No."

"Did I say something wrong?"

"No, no," he took her free hand and patted it, "you just reminded me of an annoying person." Strawhat!

"Has this person bothered you many times?

"Enough for me to loathe him, except he did," he struggled to say the word, "heh, hel, helllp me get out of prison."

"Well that doesn't sound so bad I—"

"And then he put me smack dab in the middle of a shitastic war over his brother, ugh, the nerve. And don't get me started on before the damn war when I wanted to exact my revenge. I was so damn close to killing him it was sheer dumb luck of a random lightning bolt that saved him from my blade. Getting electrocuted was not fun."

She looked at him incredulously, "How did you survive?"

"I don't know! It seems whatever being in charge of our world has deemed me its biggest running joke though." Why the hell did I say that? That's not showing me in a good light. Stupid!

"Well I guess it's a good thing you weren't bombed. You know, cause the joke bombed?"

He gave her a look.

"Sorry, you seemed upset."

"The effort is appreciated, but the execution needs work."

"Hey now, it wasn't that bad."

He pointed to himself, "Clown baby, clearly I know a thing or two."

"True," Madelyn turned away this time in thought, "you weren't a joke tonight though. The kids really seemed to like you. Definitely helped that you were an actual pirate, but still." She turned back to him and smiled. "Thank you for coming to dinner with me."

He was really starting to like that smile. He had thought perhaps it was one that she reserved for customer service, but perhaps it was just her. Just genuinely her.

"Of course."

When they got back to the hotel Madelyn handed him back his coat and asked,

"Would you like to come in and have some coffee or tea with me?"

"Do you have something stronger?"

"I think I can accommodate."

She led him into her office where there were bookcases filled with books, a large desk with comfortable chairs, a mini bar, and a small cabinet with an electric kettle on top. Buggy noticed the door at the back of the room was slightly open. He saw a wanted poster of someone he couldn't quite make out, Madelyn gently closed that door.

"Please sit down."

She placed the flower next to a sleeping transponder snail on the desk. After checking the kettle and turning it on, she prepped a cup of tea, grabbing what she needed from the cabinet beneath it.

"What's your pleasure?"

"Whiskey, neat, two fingers will do."

"I don't really drink myself, except for the local elderberry wine occasionally. My father was fond of it and I have become fond of it myself. That said, I do know something about bartending." She handed him his glass. He took a sip. It was a nice, playful whiskey.

"Probably wise you don't drink much, since I imagine you deal with a lot of drunken customers." The kettle sang after a moment and Madelyn turned it off and put the water in the cup.

"It does help that I can just put most of them to bed."

"So do you want to keep running the hotel or do you have something else in mind?"

"It's not a bad life, sure I'm continuing my family's legacy here and it can be stifling at times, but I feel like I've found my place in it."

"Why don't you try living for yourself a little?"

"Huh?"

"The hotel practically can run itself, you just oversee a lot of things and while the orphanage is a great cause, I mean, coming from an orphan, that place was great, but what exactly do you want to do with your life? You said you wanted to be a pirate? Well you're lucky because I happen to be recruiting." He gave her a wink and finished his glass. "Could always use a musician, helps boost the morale of the crew."

"Oh you are tempting me Buggy. I would in a heartbeat, if I didn't have to set certain things in order."

"There's always a spot open for you, when you're ready." He said smoothly. Gah! Was that an oversell? Need to go for interested, not desperate.

"I'll keep that in mind, too." Madelyn said slyly. Buggy felt warm all the sudden and stood up using the desk to push himself up.

"Well I probably should head back to my room." Leave her wanting more, yeah that's what I'm doing. Good plan me.

"Oh wait." Madelyn walked around this desk and touched one of Buggy's hands. He wondered how her hand actually felt, maybe tomorrow he wouldn't wear his gloves.

"We never discussed where we should go to dinner, after all I owe you. It would only be fair that you choose."

"I will tomorrow. Meet at the same place, same time?"

"Oh ok, well good night Buggy." She followed him to the office door and opened it. He turned back to her.

"Good night Madelyn."

"See you tomorrow."

"Yeah." Buggy walked quickly back up the stairs and went to his room. He didn't sleep well that night.