It was already hard enough to keep every one of his records, maps, diary entries, accounts, and logs in order. Now he was going to be up your ass about more shit that you didn’t get paid enough to do. Groaning, you threw your hands up in defeat. The news had been released only a few hours ago, but already the cheering and jarring from above you was sign enough everyone knew of the development. There was no way you could keep up with even more of his bizarre requests. 

Though you may complain and grumble about the man frequently, Captain Buggy was a wonder. He was kind, saving the freaks from whatever failed them in their past life, giving them a new place to thrive after doing so. He had saved you from an ass of a boss, constantly on you about whatever you had failed to do in his eyes. 

Buggy had gone through your work, all the organization and records you kept tidy. He had been impressed, thrilled even while watching you work. 

After freeing you from your dick of a boss, he had opened his arms wide. And who were you to refuse such a grand gesture?

–

It had been weeks since the reveal, and it was just now starting to return to normal on the Big Top. 

You had gone up to the Captain’s office, needing to ask a question. Knocking softly, you announced your presence. 

“Captain Buggy? I have a quick question, sir.”

Leaning in to try to hear a response, you heard none. Figuring he wasn’t in at the moment, you had stepped away. 

Only to hear soft curses echo from the other side. Fearing that something had gone wrong as you had never heard your captain in such low spirits, you had rushed to the door. Fumbling around in your pockets, you tried to scavenge for the master key the Captain had provided for you. He had trusted you as one of the more responsible on the ship, so if you ever needed to ask or do something, he had given you access to every room available on the ship. Finding the small thing, you deftly unlocked the door and bursted in the room. 

In front of your wide eyes, there was a beast of a man looming over top of your boss. 

Buggy was in tears, bleeding from all the scrapes and cuts littering his skin. His left eye was busted, already darkening in a rather large bruise. His detached head was held firmly in the larger man’s hand. 

Face turning to see his identity, you stiffened before snarling. 

Sir Crocodile, former Warlord that had only just recently escaped from Impel Down. Turning his head, he saw your face. 

“And what are you doing with a face like that, little one.”

He was angry, eyebrows furrowed and annoyed at the interruption. 

You were not faring much better, rage building up in your chest. 

“And what the fuck do you think your doing to my Captain, sir?”

Teeth bared, you moved so that your back not once faced him. You went to your captain’s side, cradling his body there. 

“Surely you know better than to simply attack a newly named Emperor of the Sea, I thought you smarter than that.”

“Your mouth will get you in trouble.”

Buggy laughed, elbowing you hard in the side. Grunting, you just ignored the warning.

“And so will your arrogance, Sir.”

“Clown, get your little whore in line before I put their mouth to use myself.”

Buggy’s eyes flashed. It was fine if others attacked and mocked him, but not the crew he cared for so much. The ones he thought of as family and cared for as such. 

“Watch what you say, Croccy, that’s my Archivist your speaking to. They are not some measly whore.”

Eyebrow raised in thought, the large man dropped Buggy’s head. Confused, the clown swiftly reattached it before watching in horror as he directed his sights on you. 

His hook pointed at your chest, pushing you lightly. 

“So you're the one in charge of the clown’s accounts?”

Nodding, you confirmed the fact. Eyes narrowed, the reptile leaned in further. 

“Then you're the reason the clown is in trouble now.”

“I beg your pardon? I have every loan, purchase, payment logged in that room up there-”

Pointing up, you continued.

“There is nothing that I have missed. It is literally impossible for me to miss any tidbit of information or unpaid debt. My eyes are enhanced by my Devil Fruit, the Read-Read Frit, and you will do well to remember that.”

Hatred colored your voice, not at all phased by the mounting rage in his eyes. Nor were you aware of a sweating Buggy lingering behind you.

“I, uh…”

Both heads whipped to the stuttering clown, Crocodile annoyed and you just as much. Here you were trying to save his ass and he was stuttering in front of a rival. You tried to shut him up, but despite the fearful facade, he was determined to do right by you. 

“I hide the records of my loan from Croccy.”

Mouth dropping, you tried to see if the man was lying. Silent, you rose to your feet and turned your whole body to the man.

“You mean to tell me.”

Pausing, you tried to calm yourself by taking a deep breath. Pointing to yourself, you reiterated the importance of you being here. 

“You hid one of the records concerning a large amount of money you owed a former warlord and just…..DIDN’T TELL ME!?”

Growling, you launched yourself at your beloved captain. Hands covering his neck, you tried to choke the ever loving shit of him. 

Crocodile pinched the bridge of his nose, not at all pleased with what he was hearing. 

“Not only that, dear Archivist, but this crew of yours has someone named him the Chairman of the Cross Guild. The Guild including Buggy, Mihawk, and I that is going to be used to palace bounties on Marines.”

Freezing, you glanced back at the imposing figure lingering behind you. Coking a brow you leaned in further to the blue haired one under you.

“First you were named an Emperor, now you're the Chairman of an organization that will inevitably bring the entirety of the Navy down upon us?”

Deflating, you released the Captain. Leaning back on your hands, you stared at the ceiling, trying to comprehend the situation you found yourself in. Hand laying over your eyes, you spoke to the man you adored like a brother. 

“When were you going to inform me of this, Captain? I would have loved to help you or assist if you allowed me to do so.”

Shifting, the clown had the decency to look flustered. 

“I didn’t think it would get this unruly, Star, apologies.”

“Apology accepted.”

Standing, you brushed off your knees and faced the other man in the room who had waited so patiently. 

“Apologies. I’m the Archivist of the Buggy Pirates and I will extend my services to both you and Mihawk as I know you two have none. Leave a list of tasks for me to accomplish once we land on Karai Bari and I will have them done in ample time.”

Crocodile looked at you strangely for a moment before huffing. Reaching into his breast pocket, he plucked a cigar and tucked it into his mouth. Breathing in, he retrieved his lighter and lit it. Puffing slightly, he withdrew the stick from his mouth before offering you a puff. Seeing no reason to deny, you accepted. Huffing a few times, you gave him back his cigar. Holding in the smoke for a minute, you tried to steady your thinking before releasing the breath. 

Reaching a hand out, you offered to shake his hand. An offer he accepted. 

“It’ll be a pleasure to work with you, Archivist.”

Nodding, you reciprocated.

“And you, Sir.”

Smug, the reptile smirked at Buggy before dissipating into sand and leaving the office. 

Still, you tried to make sense of what had just happened. Buggy approached from behind, hand gently holding your shoulder before he laid his head on your other. 

“I truly hoped not to get you involved, Star. I know how easily you get stressed, I’m sure this was the last thing you wanted to happen.”

He was so quiet, voice bordering on silence as he whispered his sincere apology to you. You deflated, any ounce of anger or irritation leaving. YOu only nodded, leaning your head on top of his, seeking his comfort even if only for a second. 

“I trust you, Captain. I will follow you until the end of the GrandLine.”

He smiled, soft. 

“I know.”

–

There was once a time where you would have been appalled at the situation you now found yourself in. 

Posture perfect, outfit coordinating with your captain, you stood proud beside him as the rest of the crew scrambled to anchor down the Big Top. The two of you were elbow to elbow, seeking out the other’s presence to ground each other. As the ship was finally bound to the Island, the two of you watched as the Strongest Swordsman appeared with Crocodile on the shore. Nodding to the other two men, Buggy took your arm and assisted you down and onto solid land.

Turning, you bowed to the two and introduced yourself, Crocodile was going to have to sit through it again even if he didn’t want to, you wanted to make a good impression on the raven haired man in front of you. 

“Greetings, I am the Big Top’s Archivist. I am offering the two of you my services seeing as neither of you have archivists of your own. My work is done perfectly as I have the Read Read Fruit. Nothing escapes me and it takes me nearly no time at all to read through documents. If you wish for my assistance, simply ask or hand a list off to my Captain. He will ensure it reaches me.”

Crocodile nodded, already hearing the spiel once before. Granted, you had been pissed at the time. Now, you were calm and collected, already knowing what you were to say in front of them. 

The reptile chuckled quietly. 

“Odd to have you so cool, the last time I heard that you were trying to rip my head off with your eyes.”

Coughing, you blushed.

“Yes, that was a poor choice on my part. I sincerely apologie for that entire situation. Had I known the truth I assure you I would not have reacted as such.”

He waved you off, answering swiftly. 

“Nonsense. It was refreshing to see someone stand up for their captain, regardless of who was in the wrong. Your loyalty was proven to me, and I intend on keeping you to that standard.”

Nodding,you tried to ignore the praise freely given by the man. You thanked him before returning to the Swordsman. Raising an eyebrow, you wondered what he would say to you, if he would even need an archivist at his disposal. 

The stoic man locked eyes on your own. Stifling a shiver, you tried to ignore being undressed by the man’s intense gaze. You wanted to bare everything to him, no secret left unsaid or rock unturned. 

“I accept your proposal. I have a few logs I need organized.”

It was simple, straight to the point. 

God, was he attractive. 

Clearing his throat, Buggy stepped in front of you, trying to hide you away from the opposing men. 

Gesturing proudly, the clown announced his presence and revelled in the attention he received. Glancing back at you, he was glad to find that you relaxed even a little bit, now no longer the intense eyes of either man. 

Walking along the path, Buggy attached himself to your side, leading the three of you down to the main tent he had established years ago. 

“Welcome to Karai Bari, boys! This is the home island of yours truly! I will have your tents erected in a few days max, if you would like anything specifically feel free to request away, my workers are the best this side of the GrandLine!”

You had been to the island a few times in the past. Buggy was fond of the place, taking the freaks he had saved here when they did not desire to become pirates. They established themselves here, safe from prying eyes and other pirate crews. No one really bothered with the place, not aware that they were under the protection of a, now, Emperor of the Sea. 

Buggy provided for them in any way he could, assisting them with their livelihood whenever asked. It was another one of the reasons you respected him so much. 

The former Warlords simply observed the sight around them, taking note of everything occurring. They had walked through the markets, everyone in a stall and street stopping to wave or greet the clown enthusiastically. The blue haired man smiled back, not once refusing a hug or handshake from any of the villagers. 

“It seems you are well liked here, Clown.”

Hawkeye observed casually. 

“Captain himself takes care of those who live here under his protection. He knows everyone here and what they do on the island, their role in society. Their names, parents, and children, or even pets are known to him. He is a kind man.”

You responded, not once shying away from their prying eyes. You wanted to prove that Buggy was a good man, a reliable one. If all it took was hyping him up with genuine compliments, then you would do so gladly. 

“How long have you sailed with him, Archiver?”

The reptile asked this time, though it looked as if the Swordsman was curious as well. 

“Hmm.”

Humming, you thought on your answer. 

“I have sailed with Captain since I was 16, he saved me from a former Boss of mine.”

“How old are you now then?”

You raised a finger to your lips, winking at the duo.

“I’ll keep that a secret for now. It is not wise to divulge too much information on myself, now is it?”

Crocodile looked to want to pry, but a look from Buggy had him keeping quiet. Normally, it would not deter him, but…

To be fair, you were his Archivist first. You had only offered your services to the two of them in response to your captain’s poor decisions. 

Crocodile was curious of you, of how a man such as the Clown could acquire such a level headed person on his crew. Let alone one that wanted to work on his crew and stand proudly by his side. 

Dracule Mihawk was puzzled by you. Someone so put together was willingly standing beside Buggy the Clown without a hint of regret or unease radiating off of you. Not to mention you were a sight for sore eyes, not that he would admit that out loud, of course.