Chapter Text
The well known Dracule Mihawk would’ve never imagined having to go to a public school..He’s been homeschooled for as long as he can remember, and had very very few social interactions.
The last one he remembers is from one of his competitions where he’d have to congratulate his opponent despite their loss, which he found pointless. Why be given praise for loosing? Even in those moments he didn’t speak more than a few meaningless words.
This drastic change happened not only due to Mihawk’s continuous silence, but also due to the fact his “parents” saw this as more of a punishment. Forcing him to be around countless of unimportant beings he couldn’t care less about.
And now, he stood before a tall building. The high school, that looked more like an university, had an intriguing architecture, reminding him of the gothic style his own house had. Well..house was an understatement..but that wasn’t the matter now.
Taking a deep breath and calming his racing heart, he held his head high, his raven locks framing his sharp features perfectly. He walked into the high school with a straight posture, passing through the crowd that formed to greet the new student. He paid them no mind. As if they were nothing but insects in his world.
He had already memorized his schedule and observed the map of the building enough to remember where most of his classes were. Therefore, he refused a student with oddly colored haired and a comical red nose,when he asked him if he’d like a tour.
He headed directly to his upcoming class. Physics. He wasn’t interested much in physics, mathematics or science, as literature was most definitely his specialty. Getting lost in words and in a world he’s not a part of was captivating enough.
He found his class soon enough, not needing any directions from students already familiar with the building, but he had checked one of the maps around the halls just to be cautious. He sighed and looked at the closed door before his pale hand reached for the handle, however, before he opened the door, it got opened from inside the classroom.
The red haired student almost bumped into him as he was exiting, and not paying attention to his surroundings. His deep blue eyes met Mihawk’s crimson red ones. The boy ahead of him tilted his head and looked him up and down, his gaze was observing and lingering, not judging..
Maybe it was due to the fact Mihawk wasn’t wearing the school uniform, since he hadn’t gotten it yet. But a lot of other people aren’t wearing it either, so it can’t be that right? Who knows..maybe the red haired recognized him..he was, after all, quite known across the world as a devoted and talented swordsman, some even calling him the greatest.
The blue eyed man smirked slyly before stepping out of the way allowing Mihawk to step inside, sneaking one more glance at him before closing the door and leaving for his own class.
As Shanks walked towards the class he should've already been in, he couldnt help but think back to the new student he hasnt seen around before. Something about him lured him in like a siren's song.. He couldn't quite put his finger on what it was.. Maybe his stern red gaze..his raven hair..pale porcelain skin..or the fact he knew exactly who he was.
It didn't matter.. What did matter, was getting him to join his friend group.. Just to have a better chance of getting close to him, gain his trust and win him over.
He knew how to start..Get his friends to learn more about him and slowly try to recruit him. The redhead sent a quick text to his group chat, letting them know his plan..
Get the new kid in. That was all he typed and sent before putting his phone away and moving on with his day.
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The class stared at the new student, some whispers were heard amongst the students. A few were intimidated by the man’s stoic and cold expression, some were intrigued by his appearance, and only one or two have seemed to recognize who he really was.
There were no seats empty..Well there was one, but Mihawk was looking for a seat fully alone without anyone beside him. Unfortunately his only option was to get seated next to the long black haired man. He seemed slightly older than others, maybe a year older or so..Being a senior, that would mean he had to repeat a grade, or was held back a year. Not his business, so Mihawk went with it and sat down beside the taller figure, remaining as quiet as he could.
After a while, the class finally started. The teacher was talking and Mihawk was hoping that he wouldn’t have to introduce himself, as he dreaded that more than anything. Luckily, he was so quiet that the teacher hadn’t really noticed him.
But of course he’d have to talk to someone one way or another.
“Say, you’re that new guy, right?” a deep voice spoke from beside him. “Mind giving me a little introduction?” His tone was calm and collected, not as annoying as that blue haired clown was..however he didn’t want to answer.
After noticing his silence, the man sighed and decided to introduce himself first. “I’m Benn Beckman. Nice to meet you, Dracule..” He said quietly, enough for the two of them to hear. That was enough to gain a cold glare from the silent man.
Seems like he just can’t escape that name no matter what.. Not that he minded. It made people fear him and stay away. Just how he liked it.
The class went on, and it felt way longer than it really was. Mihawk’s eyes were on the clock. He knew the lesson the teacher was currently going over, being way more advanced than most. All he was waiting for, was the loud ringing of the bell.
After an agonizing hour finally went by, he stood up, grabbed his things and left, walking to his locker before anyone could speak to him again.
Beckmann watched closely as the new student disappeared behind the now closed door. He sighed and took out a cigarette for a quick smoke, knowing his close friend Shanks, or anyone else from their chaotic friend group, won’t let that man have his peace..
Mihawk had finally allowed himself to take a deep breath in, slightly easing the irritation and tension building up in him. There was a long day ahead of him and he was not excited for it. Not in the slightest.
Next class he had was Economics. Something that didn't quite interest him, but he liked it a tad more than the class he just had..
In less than two minutes, he had reached his locker, that he didn't bother decorating in the way he saw countless other students do. He didn't need it for anything else but storing his books and supplies.
A faint rustle beside him made the student turn his gaze away from the notebooks he was getting for his next class. A rather tall girl, almost as tall as him, was arguing with someone over the phone. Mihawk knew he shouldn't eavesdrop like this, but the subject at hand couldn't be ignored. Not when he knew who it was about.
"I'm not helping you to gain the attention of the new kid, Figerland. There's enough people in our friend group, and I dont want another ugly, braindead man in! There's already enough of you." Her voice was stern, not wanting to hear any complaints from the other side of the call.
The confident student with stunning blue eyes glanced to her side, finally noticing the man's presence. She gave him a judgmental look, sighing before looking at her phone. "Im done with this conversation! Stop bothering me." The man on the other line said something in return but it was cut off as she hung up and groaned annoyed. She shut her locker before turning around and walking away, as if she owned the place. He wouldn't be surprised if she did, she certainly gave off that vibe..
Then he remembered what she said about him. Did she even know who she was talking about? Her attitude annoyed him and he was about to go confront her, before the bell rang once more, signaling the start of his next period.
By the time he reached his next class, all of his classmates were seated. Fortunately, the teacher was no where to be seen, so he had no problem walking in and getting seated, pleased to see that he didn't have to sit next to anyone as the seats were individually divided.
Mihawk chose to sit in a desk next to the window. The other students were very loud, either gossiping, fighting, sleeping, eating and so on. As a few minutes passed, the black haired man thought the teacher might not show up at all, so he took this to his advantage to continue reading a book he tended to carry with him in his bag.
It didn't take him long to get lost in the countless of words scattered across the pages, his sharp hawk-like eyes focusing on every letter. So much so that he hadn't even noticed the larger figure that sat in front of him had turned around to face him.
His red eyes snapped up to glare at the person ahead of him after his book got snatched away from him. Slicked back hair, olive gray skin, a deep scar running across a hooked nose, and a stupid smirk was all he saw. The man was tall, that was certain.. And the cigar he had in his mouth added to his intimidating allure.
"Hand that back." Mihawk spoke calmly, not asking, but ordering the smoker to do as he's told. His posture remained as straight and imposing as ever, even when a deep chuckle cut through the air, and a slam was heard on his table.
The man obeyed, but his deep, brooding eyes easily gave away the fact he didn't like being told what to do. "You always read during class?" He finally spoke, trying to make some sort of conversation...or to test Mihawk's patience.
The other student said nothing, but the slight narrowing of his eyes spoke enough, telling him to back off and leave him alone.
"What happened, birdie? Cat's got ya' tongue?" He smirked amused, pushing the pale man's buttons even more. "Ya' know, its bad manners to ignore someone talking to you.." The man blew some smoke towards him, only managing to irritate Mihawk further. But he wouldn't break. This was nothing he couldn't handle..
"Is disturbing one's peace all you can do?" The red eyed man bit back, before putting his book away as he noticed the Teacher finally made an appearance.
Crocodile let out a small huff, certainly amused before he decided to shut his mouth and go back to his own seat. Of course Shanks picked such a tough one to break as their new addition. But he couldn't blame him..another pretty face would be pleasant to look at.. and his was surely among the top.
Fortunately for Dracule, his next few classes didn't have someone to disturb him. No one was as bold as these odd guys.. He finally had some peace and quiet to ease his mind. A terrible first day was an understatement. He'd never guess a public school would push his buttons this way. Oh, how he missed the serenity of his dark room as he studied under the light of a chandelier and sipped on a glass of wine. Yes, wine...Despite his age, sipping a little alcohol was a soothing way to spend the day, and his parents wouldn't give two shits on what he does as long as it doesn't concern their reputation.
Yet now..it was lunch time, and the chattering of the numerous students was loud enough to rattle the windows in the cafeteria. He already hated every second of this. Too loud. Too many people. Not his thing in the slightest.
However.. A certain group of people caught his attention, already recognizing a few faces from the interactions he unfortunately had to endure this morning.. The blue haired freak, the smoking addict, the observing redhead, the long haired man and the queen bee.. Along side a few other unfamiliar faces he hoped wouldn't bother him like the others already did..
Mihawk got a tray of..what he had to call food.. and walked through the lingering looks other students gave him. Noticing a smaller table in a corner next to a window, the athlete wasted no time to claim it as his own.
Instead of eating, he decided to read, as literature was one of the few things that brought him comfort. And because the food was dogshit.
Shanks' eyes followed the slightly shorter man as he walked through the loud room. His presence alone was catching his attention, as it emitted nothing but confidence, power, balance and elegance. He was so..different than the red-haired, that only made him want to learn everything about him. All his secrets, his fears, his hobbies, how his touch feels like, how silky his hair is..He could go on and on about what he wanted to unravel about the mysterious Dracule..
He noticed how he chose to sit alone, interested in a book rather than social interactions. There were multiple groups of people he could've chosen to sit with, from jocks, to nerds.. from losers to popular kids such as himself..
"I'm going to make him join us one way or another. I want to learn everything about him. Boa, you can get info on anyone, right?" Shanks glanced her way, knowing what she could do.
The confident woman rolled her eyes and sighed, looking at her nails one last time before looking towards the guy Shanks was basically obsessing over.. Her eyebrows basically raised and she scratched the back of her neck as realization settled in.. THAT was who the idiotic red-haired wanted to join them? She trash talked him right before his eyes..but in her defense she didn't know yet..Not that it mattered to her anyway..She surely DIDN'T want him to join them as well, and it 100% was NOT due to the fact she liked his style.. "Uhmm..Yea I can get the information..Count that on me" She finally replied before pulling out her phone to already get to work.
Crocodile was quietly judging Shanks, but his eyes mostly lingered on the student in the corner.. He knew the swordsman had guts..He wouldn't break as easily as Shanks thinks he will.
Doflamingo was being very entertained about the whole thing, especially since he haven't yet interacted with Mihawk. The glasses he was wearing hid his gaze, making it hard to read his emotions and thoughts..
Beckmann wasn't as interested, but he surely knew how far his "Captain" will go to get what he wants.
Buggy was overly loud, not quite giving a fuck of the whole situation, while Rosinante wished he could just get his own table like Mihawk did.
And Shamrock..He seemed as indifferent as ever, but his gaze seemed to linger just like his brother's did.
The other people in the cafeteria were even messier. Someone was stealing food from every table, except the two important tables, as they were too intimidated.. People were spreading rumors' about god knows what.. Someone was about to start a fight, and the chaos was only getting more and more heated.
But then, the loud scraping of a chair was heard in the large room, as Shanks decided to shoot his shot. He stood up from the table, the sound getting most of people's attention, especially those of the other popular kids, who were ready to see what the charismatic student was up to.
His own friend group was all about it too. Doffy was grinning ear to ear, Buggy was chewing loudly on some popcorn he randomly pulled from his bag, Crocodile's gaze intensified as he watched Shanks, Boa was too into her job to give a fuck, Rosinante wanted to hide in his hoodie, Beckman watched with interest, and Shamrock seemed slightly annoyed as his twin brother approached one of the corners of the cafeteria
Mihawk knew who was approaching his desk, but he didn't bother to even look up from his book. If he ignored him, maybe the lingering presence will loose interest and leave him alone.
But that wasn't the case with Shanks..
He set his tray down, leaning over the table to cast a shadow over the black haired man, and to gain his attention. Waiting for a reaction, but getting none, Shanks decided to take a seat across of Mihawk, making the others in the room quiet down a little, curiosity sparkling in their eyes as they watched the interaction. No one dared to ignore Shanks.. hell others would even feel honored to talk with the handsome man. And he was used to it.
The only thing that followed was only the sound of whispers, and a page being turned.
There was no reaction from the red eyed man once again. How addictive.
"Man...Do you always eat like this? Alone.. book open.. back straight as if you're about to get ambushed.." He spoke as he observed the man in front of him and leaned back in his chair.
There was no reply from Mihawk. Not a single unmeasured movement.
"People say you've never lost.." Another page turns, Shanks' smirk intensifies. The quiet man doesn't even blink. As if the presence next to him isn't there at all.
As he rests his chin on his hand, studying Mihawk closer, the redhaired adds.."I heard you've never crossed blades with someone who fights for fun.."
A lingering silence follows, the cafeteria watching closely.
"You only fight to win..."
Not an insult..
Its not teasing..
Its an evaluation.
A test..
Mihawk stops mid-page, just as Shanks whispers: "That sounds lonely." That made Mihawk look up from his beloved literature.
This man had the guts to question his reason.
And yet, he pressed on despite the athlete's sharp glare. "You win everything, right? Championships, medals, trophies..Do they let you keep the applause? Or do they expire once you're home?.." His smirk was everlasting, making Mihawk clench his jaw.
And in the end, Shanks managed to get him to use his words.
"What I fight for should be none of your concern, Figerland." He stood up, putting his book away in his bag. Kogatana laid nicely at his neck, itching to cut something..Which might end up being Shanks' tongue if the man kept talking and disturbing Mihawk.
"Now stop following me around like a lost puppy, and tell your little group to stop trying to get my interest. None of you are near my level, therefore I wont give you any more of my time." His words cut coldly as he turned around to leave.
That made Shanks' smile fade away..He'd never follow someone around..Not even Mihawk..right? Sure, getting to see his reactions once he finally touched a nerve was nothing less than exhilarating, and the eye contact they just held lit something inside Shanks' chest that he hadn't felt before.. He couldn't deny that there was this immense pull he felt towards the swordsman..But he wont allow him to disrespect him in such way.
But, before the redhead could do anything about it, the intercom echoed in the now quiet cafeteria, the principal making an announcement.
'All students are to head to their dorms. The school day ends early as all teachers have to attend an important meeting.'
The news made the room burst in a loud chattering once more. Whispers, gossip, rumors and other things amongst these lines were, of course, the main talking point. People started to leave already, Mihawk included.
All that remained to do now..Is pray that there was an empty dorm room no one has yet claimed. One where Mihawk could spend time alone.
And one where he wouldn't have to share his space with god knows who....