The Clown's Kiss (Buggy Fanfiction) [One Piece]

In the Spotlight

Buggy's expression shifts from irritation to curiosity. He shifts his weight from one foot to the other and raises an expectant eyebrow, his demeanor implying a willingness to entertain this unexpected twist. He usually doesn't appreciate anyone stealing his spotlight, but for now, he is intrigued just enough by the young teacher's behavior to allow it.

"I would like to assist you," Scarlet finally speaks, her voice clear and strong compared to how she actually feels. One of the perks of being a teacher and having to speak in front of people no matter how nerve-racking this sometimes can be.

The audience watches in silence, awaiting Buggy's response to this unexpected turn of events and so does Scarlet. "Please," she adds, hoping that this will appease the man in charge.

"Well," Buggy finally speaks, his tone dripping with theatrical flair. He leans forward, executing a small, dramatic bow, and places a hand over his chest as if he had just been granted a great honor. "If you insist and ask so politely, madam."

With a swift straightening of his spine, Buggy's demeanor shifts again. He flashes a wide, almost manic grin and waves for Scarlet to join him on the stage. The cheerful circus music plays on, a stark contrast to the mounting tension in the tent. Scarlet doesn't hesitate, her apprehension urging her to make her way to the stage promptly, not wanting to further test Buggy's patience.

Once on the stage, Buggy extends his gloved right hand, and Scarlet intuitively places her smaller hand in his. He guides her to the center of the stage and exaggerates flourish, introducing her to the audience, who responds with polite applause.

As she scans their faces, she realizes that the spectators are not just surprised; they are mortified by this unexpected turn of events. Which makes the teacher glad that this is her standing on stage and not one of her innocent students. Knowing that Buggy would have forced one of the children to play along for his own twisted idea of entertainment, makes her slowly loathe the man.

However, instead of letting her true emotions show, she focuses on maintaining a façade of a happy smile, determined to see this peculiar ordeal through to its conclusion and return to her young charges safely.

Buggy, maintaining his grandiose persona, gestures for one of his performers to roll a sturdy board onto the stage. The board was adorned with several leather straps, its purpose becoming increasingly clear. Scarlet watches with a mix of apprehension and fear as the stage is prepared for the next act.

With her hand still in his gloved one, Buggy unexpectedly gently guides his assistant toward the board, his voice carrying through the tent as he addresses the audience.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Buggy declares, his voice resonating through the tent, "for our last act, I'm delighted to see that I've found a volunteer of utmost courage and trust." He moves closer to Scarlet, his hand resting on her shoulder. He's leaning down so that his face hovers right next to hers. His lips nearly grazed her ear as he posed a question, his hot breath sending a shiver down her spine.

"What's your name, sweet cheeks?" he whispers, his voice dripping with a sinister charm that sets Scarlet's nerves on edge.

"Scarlet Moore," she replies her voice barely above a murmur, struggling to mask her discomfort. The intense chemical smell of his caked makeup, so close to her, threatens to make her wrinkle her nose in disgust, but she holds her composure.

"Miss Scarlet Moore!" Buggy announces her name to the crows and steps away from her, allowing her to calm her nerves while the audience watches in rapt attention as Buggy continues to explain the upcoming spectacle.

"You see," he continues, his voice tinged with excitement, "I will be throwing daggers at this board right over there. But fear not, for Miss Moore and I share an unspoken bond of trust that transcends words." He pauses, allowing the anticipation to build.

"Bullshit," crosses Scarlet's mind as she observes Buggy standing right beside her, delivering his well-rehearsed speech to the crowd. From her vantage point up close, the young woman couldn't help but notice how Buggy's incessant smiling had etched permanent lines into his white makeup, creating the illusion of permanent smile lines.

Similarly, on his forehead and between his eyebrows, small wrinkles serve as a reminder of the anger that had flashed across his face earlier in the performance. "Don't anger the maniac," she silently cautions herself, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves.

Buggy then gestures towards the board with a flourish. "This board, my dear audience, represents the pinnacle of my skill and accuracy. Every dagger that finds its mark will be a testament to the harmony between us." His words are punctuated by a sense of showmanship that holds the audience captive.

As Buggy keeps speaking with theatrical flair, another performer steps forward to guide Scarlet away from the enigmatic clown and toward the prepared board. The young woman is acutely aware of the mounting tension in the tent, her heart racing as she realizes the gravity of her position.

With deliberate care, the performer secures her in place, strapping her to the board so she couldn't move. Scarlet's pulse quickens as she feels the leather straps tighten around her, making her acutely aware of her vulnerability. She casts a fleeting, uneasy glance at the audience, who watches in a mix of fascination and concern.

Meanwhile, Buggy stood poised with four sharp knives held delicately between his gloved fingers. His expression is a curious blend of mischief and confidence as he prepares to execute the daring act. Scarlet's breaths come quicker now, her eyes fixated on Buggy, who seems to be relishing the moment.

Then, with a swift, almost casual motion, the clown releases the first knife, sending it hurtling through the air.

It lands with a sharp thud, mere inches from Scarlet's temple. She finches instinctively, her wide eyes locked onto Buggy, who appears to be thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.

"Don't move too much, or this might end badly," Buggy warns, his tone surprisingly serious as he prepares to throw the next knife. Scarlet's heart races as she braces herself, knowing that any sudden movement could spell disaster.

He releases the next knife with precision, striking the board on the other side of her head. Scarlet can't help but feel tears welling up, but she fights to compose herself, determined not to show weakness in front of her students and the clown.

The third knife landed between her legs, causing her to hold her breath, and the fourth grazed past her right arm, so close that it left her trembling.

"Now, dear audience, there is only one knife left!" Buggy announces, the tension in the tent reaching its peak. "Where should I aim it at?" he asks the crowd, but the spectators remain silent, their fear rendering them mute.

Buggy, undeterred, makes the decision himself. "Well, let's find out together, shall we?"

With one hand covering his eyes and the other poised to throw the last knife, the audience watches in breathless anticipation. Scarlet can't bear to look anymore; she closes her eyes tightly, bracing herself for the inevitable, as the final, heart-stopping moment of the act approaches.