Chapter 9: The Captain and his Chef
The large Marine ship arrived and docked in one of the many ports that extended out from the deck of the Chateau Blue. Once the anchor went down and the draw bridge was set up, Robin, Koby and Hibari descended down the bridge.
"You don't think he's causing trouble, do you?" Hibari asked either of them.
"~Hehehe, I'm sure everything is fine. I can pretty much guess what is happening right now." She smiled at the younger girl. "Shall we go?"
"Yes." Koby nodded and the three walked to the front door. They opened it and were immediately welcomed to many waiters running back and forth between the kitchen and a certain table, delivering food and empty dishes back and forth. Robin giggled at the sight as her guess was right.
"See." She smiled as she looked at the customer they were feeding. Luffy was devouring each and every dish that made its way towards him. He swallowed food whole, poured a lot of liquid into his mouth and grabbed all the food he could with his rubber powers.
Koby could only chuckle at the sight. He knew Luffy could eat a lot, but it still always amazed him just exactly how much he could eat. Hibari was just completely stunned at all the food that not only surrounded him, but the empty dishes that were piling up in the corner of his table. The staff were moving as fast as they could to get them back in the kitchen to get even more food.
"H-How can someone eat so much?" Hibari questioned.
"~Hehehehe, my guess is his stomach is also made of rubber so it can expand a lot." She deduced after all the times she saw him eat as much food as possible.
"Does he even have a limit?" She asked curiously.
"He does, but it takes a while, hehehehe~" She giggled.
"Oh, Robin! Koby! Hibby! Over here! This food is delicious!" Luffy noticed the trio and called out to them.
"WHO ARE YOU CALLING HIBBY!?" Hibari shouted, embarrassed at the name he gave her.
"Shi shishishi! More food!" He called out as if on cue, more food came out from the kitchen.
"H-How are they making so much food..." Hibari wondered.
"Well, there's only one man who can do it. After all, he's the only one who can satisfy the black hole of a stomach Luffy has. He must be extremely happy with my gift." Robin giggled.
"Ah, Robin-san!" The trio turned their head to see Pudding approach them as she wiped some sweat from her forehead. "Good to see you again."
"Like wise, Pudding-chan." The older woman smiled at her. Pudding smiled back before turning to the other two and lowered her head.
"Welcome to the Chateau Blue. We received your message and have prepared the supplies you required." Koby smiled and nodded.
"Thank you." He then noticed the destruction caused, by he assumed Luffy, and lowered his own head. "Ah, I want to apologize for what Luffy-san did. I wasn't expecting him to send himself flying to your restaurant." Pudding waved her hands.
"No, no need to apologize. After all..." She looked over to Luffy continuously devouring all the food he was receiving. "...you helped bring Luffy-san here, correct?"
"Ah, yes." Pudding's smile widened and brightened.
"Then you are more than welcome to order anything you wish. Think of it as my gratitude." Koby and Hibari tilted their heads slightly.
"Huh?"
"It's thanks to you and Robin-san that Sanji-san is feeling incredibly happy. Seeing his old Captain alive brought the old Sanji-san out that I love." Hearing the word love made Hibari blush red.
"L-L-L-Love!?" Pudding giggled.
"Yes!" She beamed brightly.
"~Hehehehe, how cute. You really have grown since the last time I saw you, Pudding-chan. You aren't embarrassed as much." Pudding giggled.
"I guess so. Seeing Sanji-san so happy, I guess I'm too happy myself to be embarrassed." Pudding replied as Robin nodded her head in understanding. "Then let's get you seated by Luffy-san. Like I said, you can order anything you want. I'll let our staff know to start boarding the supplies onto your ship."
"Thank you very much." Koby thanked her and the trio were led by Pudding to sit near the table Luffy was on.
"Robwin! Swanji's food is so gooooood! I missed his fooood so much!" Luffy exclaimed happily while stuffing his mouth with constant food.
"~Hehehe! I'm glad you are enjoying it! How was your reunion with Sanji?" She asked excitedly.
"Oh!" He swallowed his food before responding. "It was great, Shi shishishi! He kicked him a few times but it felt like the good old days when I tried stealing food. He thought I was a marine...though I guess with what I'm wearing that makes sense., but then I hugged him when he realized it was me. Shi shishishi!" He grinned widely. Robin laughed as she wished she could witnessed it herself.
"I'm glad!" She smiled happily. "I'm guessing he's the one who is preparing all the food?"
"Yep!" Luffy grinned and returned to eating.
"Not only that, but Zeff-san is also helping out. Seeing Luffy-san got him excited to cook so both of them are preparing the food." Pudding added.
"Oh, right, the Ossan too!" Luffy laughed remembering seeing Sanji's mentor too.
"I see." Robin smiled as she was given some food.
"Let me know if you want anything else. I'll go tell Sanji-san that you are also here now." Pudding informed them.
"Thank you."
Pudding excused herself and headed to the kitchen. Inside, she watched in awe and was mesmerized at Sanji cooking at such a high speed and enthusiasm she hadn't seen in such a long time. She felt her cheeks get warm and a blush show up on her face. It was a sight she longed for. It was him again and she never felt so happy for him. Her heart raced seeing him lively again. She snapped herself out of her gaze and walked closer to him.
"Oi, Eggplant, are you finished with the-"
"Shut up! Here!" Sanji handed Zeff a sauce he finished preparing and then went back to slicing another cut of meat.
"Sanji-san?" Sanji finished cutting before looking over to Pudding.
"Ah, Pudding-chan, sorry for making you do all of this work." She shook her head.
"Don't be, Sanji-san! I haven't seen you so happy in such a long time. I'm so relieved." Sanji gasped softly at her words and then smiled.
"i see...I made you worry a little, sorry. I guess Luffy's death hit me harder than I thought...but now he's...I still don't know why or how but it gave me the energy that I used to have and I can't stop being happy about it." He confessed as Pudding nodded in understanding.
"I know and I'm really happy for you. Ah, Robin-san arrived as well." She mentioned.
"Really? I see, now I see what she meant by gift." he smiled and chuckled at the letter. "I'll be out there shortly. Seems we have a lot to catch up on." Sanji gave her a warm smile and she nodded her head. Her face blushing with the warmth of seeing her beloved so happy.
"Okay!"
~OP~
Luffy belched and rubbed his enlarged stomach as he finished off the last dish. "So stuffed..." He groaned. "Sanji's food is the best!"
"I-I can't believe he ate all that food..." Hibari felt her eyebrow twitched as she stared at Luffy.
"~Hehehe, so nostalgic to see him like this." Robin giggled with pure happiness. Being around her Captain has made her feel so much joy that she hadn't felt since his supposed death seven years ago. It truly was great to have him back in her life. She was sure this new adventure was going to bring so many feel good moments as she watches him come back to this brand new world he help created. As well as meeting all of his old friends and especially their fellow crew mates.
"Sanji-san's food truly is amazing." Koby commented, wiping his mouth with a napkin.
"It really is." Hibari nodded in agreement as she never tasted such delicious food before.
"Thank you for the lovely compliment, Hibari-chan." The group turned to see Sanji approach them with Pudding right next to him, both smiling sincerely at everyone.
"Sanji!" Luffy grinned widely.
"Still have that appetite, huh, Captain." He smirked at him.
"Shi shishishi! Your food really is the best." Sanji's smiled softened.
"I'm glad your still doing well, Sanji." Robin smiled at him.
"Thank you, Robin-chwan!" He exclaimed excitedly with heart eyes. However, he soon corrected himself and cleared his throat, knowing he shouldn't act like so especially with Pudding around.
Luffy stared at him with slightly widened eyes. "Sanji..."
"Hmm?" The cook looked over at his Captain.
"Are you sick?" Luffy suddenly asked as Robin giggled.
"Huh? Why would you say that?" Sanji questioned him, raising his curly eyebrow. Luffy stared at him before simply replying.
"Nothing. Anyway, this is your restaurant, right Sanji!?" He asked enthusiastically, changing the subject. Sanji was still curious about his previous question, but answered his new one with a big grin.
"Yep. My own restaurant! Had it built around 5 years ago with help from Franky." He excitedly told him.
"Shi shishishi! That's awesome! How is Franky?" He asked about his former shipwright.
"Haven't heard from him in a while, but last I heard from him, he's still doing well with his new construction company." Sanji explained.
"Eh, that's what I heard as well. Franky Family Construction. They not only build ships, but other things as well. Homes, stores and even whole towns." Robin added.
"Really? That's awesome! I'm glad you are all doing well! Oh right! Sanji, I'm glad you were able to find the All Blue, Shi shishishi!" Luffy was incredibly ecstatic at the success of his crew. Even after his supposed death, he was glad his crew were busy with new ventures that they enjoy and are incredibly passionate about.
Sanji smiled warmly at him. "Aa...thanks to you, Luffy."
"Shi shishishi! I'm glad I was able to help." Sanji gave him a soft nod.
"Though, enough about me for now. Luffy, what happened? How are you alive? I mean, I'm truly happy, but we searched for you for so long after what happened." Sanji asked curiously.
"I don't know."
"What do you mean you don't know?" Sanji felt bewildered by his quick response.
"I really don't know." He responded again.
"He doesn't seem to remember, Sanji." Robin backed Luffy. "From what he told me, he doesn't remember what happened after his last attack."
"Right. I just remember wanting to beat the crap out of that Imu guy and we both crashed into the mountain and that's the last thing I remember." Sanji lit a cigarette and blew some smoke. He continued to listen to Luffy's story about how he was found and the events that occurred afterwards.
"Memory loss, saved by a doctor, found by Koby, saved Robin and now your here. That's all?" Sanji reviewed all the information he was told by Luffy, Robin and Koby. He was now sitting across from them with Pudding by his side. Luffy's body returned to normal and began chewing on some leftover meat on a bone.
"That's about it, yes." Robin nodded.
"Hmm...so you only met Robin and I so far?" Sanji asked.
"Yep! Can't wait to see everyone else!" Luffy grinned excitedly at the several reunions he will have.
"I see...so you haven't met Zoro yet?" He asked.
"Nope, we were actually going to Sabaody. Tashigi said Zoro was seen around there." Robin told him.
"Yeah! I can't wait to see Zoro, Shi shishishi!" Luffy chuckled.
"I see...hehehehe..." Everyone looked at him questionably at his weird chuckle.
"Sanji?" Luffy called his name.
"...that means Zoro is gonna see you after me... take that baka marimo..." He smirked at his victory causing Luffy to laugh out loud.
"...same old Sanji!" Luffy laughed as Robin joined him with giggles.
"Huh? I don't get it." Hibari muttered feeling left out.
"Sanji-san and Zoro-san have a friendly competition..." Pudding answered the young marine.
"It's not a friendly competition...it's a war..." Sanji muttered clenching his fist.
"That sounds so childish..." Hibari sweat dropped.
"In any case, I'm glad you're back Luffy. You are always welcome back to my restaurant whenever you want." Sanji told him.
"Really!? Alright!" Luffy exclaimed with his arms raised.
"Aa. You too, of course, Robin-chan." Robin giggled and nodded, accepting his offer as well. "Tell that to the others when you see them too...except Marimo, he has to pay." Luffy twitched at his words and lowered his arms. He stared at Sanji with a serious expression. "Hm? What's wrong?"
"Sanji...you don't want to come with?" Robin frowned as she looked between Luffy and Sanji. Sanji didn't react to his question and just calmly stared back at Luffy. Pudding frowned and did the same as Robin. Both Koby and Hibari could feel the mood suddenly change and kept silent as they didn't have a say in this matter.
Sanji sighed. "Luffy...I wish I could...I really want to...seeing you alive made me think about the old days and want to relive those days as well. I want to see the others too, see you reunite with them...but..." He looked over at Pudding and then up to the ceiling of his restaurant. "...I can't leave...I own this restaurant so I have to be here, not just for myself, but for everyone who works here, the customers who want to eat here or anyone who stumbles here with no food in their belly. I have an obligation to feed them. As much as I want to...it would be irresponsible for me to leave them."
Luffy listened. Just like with Robin, he knew his crew might not be able to go with him. He had no right to tell them to leave their new lives to go on new adventures like the old days. He didn't like it, but he understood why it was hard for them to just leave. "I see..." He responded, but he pouted and contorted his face to show how much he was struggling to accept it.
Sanji chuckled at him sadly. "You know...I half expected you to reject my refusal again..."
"Would it work?"
"No."
"I see...then there's no point...I get it..." Luffy told him. "I can't make you leave and wouldn't want to force you."
"Ehhhh...you almost sound mature..." Sanji smiled at him. Deep down, Sanji did want to travel with him again. He wanted to spend time and make up for the last seven years he was gone from their lives. However, he had responsibilities and he couldn't just drop everything. He really did wish he could.
"I am mature..." He pouted.
Pudding stared at Sanji with a frown and fidgeted with her fingers. She could tell how much he was hurting inside. She knew he wanted to go out and adventure with his former Captain. Her lips twitched, trying to find the right words to say to him.
She heard Luffy ask Robin to try and see if she could convince him, but she giggled. "Sorry, Luffy. However, I don't think that can work with Sanji anymore...well...not as much as before...after all.." She turned to Pudding to which Luffy followed her gaze.
"Hm?" Luffy asked curiously.
"Oh right, I guess I forgot to mention this..." Sanji turned to her with a smile before looking back at Luffy. "...Pudding and I have been together for the last 5 years." Pudding blushed at this and placed her hands on her cheeks. Hibari also blushed as she looked between the two and placed her own hands on her cheeks.
"Huh?" Luffy asked, tilting his head to the side. "Together? Oh right, I was wondering why Pudding was here. What do you mean you two are together?"
Sanji sighed, realizing quickly who he was talking to. "Yeah. Like being married without the marriage part." Luffy blinked a few times before speaking his thoughts.
"Oh, then that means you guys are mates now? Does that mean you guys have been mating?" Everyone let out different responses to his statement. Sanji choked on his cigarette, Pudding blushed so profusely that she immediately fainted. Hibari also blushed madly, but didn't faint. She did however place her hands on her cheeks at the embarrassment of the situation. While it didn't involve her, the idea of someone saying so bluntly made her feel embarrassment especially with Koby sitting right next to her. He had a slight blush on his cheeks and felt flustered, but tried his best to remain calm, but it was easy to tell even if he felt shaken a bit at what Luffy said. Robin was surprised for a moment before letting out a heartfelt laugh at the blunt response from Luffy and everyone's reactions. Luffy stared blankly and looked at everyone, confused by their sudden reaction.
"D-DAMN IT, LUFFY!" Sanji coughed a bit as he yelled at him.
"Huh? What? Did I say something wrong?" Luffy turned and asked Robin. Her chuckles calmed down to give him a smile.
"You're not necessarily wrong, but the words you used were a bit shocking, I would say, hehehe~" Luffy tilted his head.
"Eh? Really?" He then turned back to Sanji. "Ooops."
Sanji let out a long sigh. "Don't give me that ooops..." He knelt down in front of Pudding to lift her up so she laid on his thigh that he had lifted. "Well, like Robin-chan said, you aren't wrong, but you could use some more tact. Also, where did you even learn about that word?"
"Ace told me a long time ago. He tried explaining it, but gave up when I couldn't get it. I didn't really know until later what he meant. It's how babies are made, right?" Sanji almost coughed again at his blunt words.
"Please stop it already!" Hibari screamed feeling incredibly embarrassed by this entire conversation.
"Well, it's very interesting to hear that Luffy knows somewhat about it." Robin giggled, amused by the conversation.
"Let's just please move on..." Sanji started feeling embarrassed by the conversation himself and definitely didn't want to have this type of conversation with others present. "Pudding-chan...?" He lightly tapped her on the cheek to rouse her from unconsciousness. She began opening her eyes and looked up at Sanji, who Was smiling down at her in relief.
"Sanji...san..." She muttered his name. "W-What happened?" She asked, forgetting what made her faint.
"D-Don't worry about it...you just passed out for a bit, probably from overwork." He told her and helped her stand up and then let her sit down. Everyone marveled at the gentleman Sanji was through the whole situation, which included Luffy himself.
He thought there was something weird about Sanji and he realized at that moment what it was. He wasn't being that weird version of him when he was with woman. He acted more cool. He never found that version of him weird, just funny and would laugh at times he acted that way. He liked Sanji for who he was and that was part of his character. Now, it felt a little weird that he wasn't acting that way and he changed. He looked over at Pudding and stared at her thinking, was it because of her? Was it because of them being together? He didn't understand clearly what it was, but he wasn't oblivious to the change.
Robin peeked over at Luffy to gauge his expression. He had a blank expression on his face, but she could tell he was probably deep in some kind of thought. He was always so interesting and unpredictable. You would never really know what he was thinking or what he would do next. It felt nostalgic. She always observed him. He was by far the most fascinating person she had ever met and part of it was because she could never really figure him out. Not that that was a bad thing, it peaked her interest time and time again and made life more enjoyable watching him become who he is now.
"Oh yeah, by the way Luffy...what's with the long hair?" Sanji asked when he finished lighting his cigarette.
"I don't know. When I was found I had long hair. Same goes for this beard..." He brushed his hand through his facial hair. "It feels weird, but I don't hate it. It's kind of cool actually, Shi shishishishi!" Sanji softly smiled.
"I see...well, you look like shit..." He chuckled teasingly and Luffy could only laugh.
"Would you like me to cut it?" Pudding offered.
"Actually, I think it would be best for Luffy to keep his hair like this for a while." Robin answered. "Makes it more interesting when we see the others." She giggled at the imagination of the reactions of the other crew members.
"I could only imagine the look on Chopper's face..." Sanji chuckled reminiscing about the cute reindeer former member of the crew.
"Shi shishishi! I can't wait to see Chopper!" Luffy chuckled, also missing his former doctor. "Oh, right! Sanji, do you know who has my hat?"
"Your hat?" Sanji repeated as he looked up to think about it. "I'm not too sure who has it now...it's been a while since I last saw it anyway."
"Hmm...I see. Well, as long as it's with one of you guys, I know it's safe." Luffy happily grinned.
"Yeah, I'm sure you'll find it at some point. Let me know when you are swinging by again. I'll prepare an entire feast for the whole crew before then." Luffy sad at that. Not that he wasn't going to be happy about a giant party with everyone again, but he wished Sanji would travel with him and the others again.
"S-S-Sanji-san!" Pudding suddenly raised her voice and everyone turned their attention to her. "Y-Y-You should go...no, I want you to go with Luffy-san!" Sanji's visible eye widened.
"Huh? Pudding-chan..." Sanji was a bit surprised by her. She clenched her fists and looked at him with fierce commitment to her words. "...Pudding-chan...I want to...but I can't leave...I need to be here...I'm the Head Chef...I have an entire restaurant to be responsible for and so many customers to-"
"What kind of sorry excuses are you making Eggplant!?" Sanji felt a tick form at the voice. Luffy looked up and grinned, seeing the old Chef that Sanji considered a father figure.
"Yooo! Chef-Ossan! Good to see ya!" Luffy told him as Zeff gave the young Pirate King a smirk.
"Good to see you too chore boy...ah maybe I should call you Pirate King now?" Luffy grinned and chuckled. "I see this idiot here is as difficult as always." He motioned a finger towards Sanji. "He really still isn't being honest with himself and has been nothing but a pain in everyone's ass."
"Would you shut it, Old man!?" Sanji growled.
"Don't give me that! You haven't changed one bit! You still so stubborn and indecisive about things. What? After all you've been through, your journey, the All Blue, this restaurant and you are still the same Eggplant you've always been." Zeff scolded the younger Chef as he lowered his head to hide the anger showcasing in his eyes.
"Shut up...you don't get it..." He muttered.
"Of course I don't. You have been moping this whole time for the last seven years, kept this poor girl waiting for you and-"
"SHUT UP!" Sanji yelled before slamming his foot on the table, destroying it. Hibari and Koby were stunned by the sudden action, while Luffy and Robin stayed put, unfazed by the outburst. "I had enough of your constant nagging. What do you even know what I've been through and what I've been feeling! Stop talking like you know anything!"
"Sanji-san..." Pudding frowned and felt some tears form in her eyes at the anger Sanji was displaying. She knew Sanji enough that he was frustrated about everything and was not really angry at Zeff. She just hated seeing him like this.
"You're right...I don't know..." Zeff calmly spoke as he crossed his arms. "...but there is one thing I do know..."
"And what's that?" Sanji growled.
"...your Captain is alive, isn't he?" Sanji made a noise.
"...I...I..."
"He's here...breathing...alive. This isn't a dream...he is alive and you have a chance to travel with him again. You have been riddled with guilt the entire time because you couldn't find him. You missed him, your friends and when you finally have a chance to travel with them again, you run away because you're afraid of losing him again." Sanji hated how easy Zeff was able to understand him. It was like this even back then, when he first joined the crew. "This restaurant will be here...it won't go away...but having your Captain come back from the dead, to be able to travel again with your friends like you used to...those opportunities are much more rare...stop hiding behind this place, stop hiding your feelings again...be yourself again...Sanji."
Sanji's eyes widened at Zeff calling him by his name. It was a rare occurrence, one he hadn't heard from a long time. He looked up and stared at Luffy. Luffy simply smiled at him, with Robin smiling right next to him as well. He was right, the restaurant would be here, but being able to travel with his friends again...it might never come again. He finally looked over at Pudding.
"Sanji-san..." She whispered his name and gave him a nod of encouragement.
Sanji took a deep sigh. "Damn it...I can never have my way, can I?" Sanji took a drag of his cigarette. "This isn't me admitting your right, Old man. However..." He looked back at Luffy and made eye contact with him. "Luffy...I'm sorry we couldn't find you...I'm sorry we couldn't find you...this whole time I...I felt guilty about not being able to find you...but I'm so glad you're back..." Sanji spoke his heart out as he stared at his Captain and friend. "...That's why...If I can...can I go on more adventures with you?"
"Shi shishishi! Of course, Sanji!" Luffy exclaimed happily. Robin happily giggled and Pudding cried tears of joy at Sanji. She looked at his face and saw the old Sanji. The one she fell in love with. The Sanji that had an thirst for adventure. It was so good to see him back.
"Damn it..." Sanji muttered, using a hand to wipe some tears forming in his eyes. He knew everything Zeff said was right on the money. He never admitted it, but deep down he felt guilty for not being strong enough to help Luffy when he needed it. Sure, people told him there was nothing he should have felt guilty for. After all, what happened was what Luffy wanted. However, the guilt still was there. He was a wing of the Pirate King. Him dying was like he failed. He took responsibility for it and kept that burden within him, never telling anyone or talking to anyone about what he was feeling. He hated keeping something like bottled up.
As time went by, the guilt lessened a bit, but it was always there. Reminding him constantly like a scar that he should have been stronger, faster, searched more to help his Captain. It was such a terrible feeling. It affected his passion in cooking. It affected his relationship with Pudding. It made him feel like complete shit and on days when it hit harder, he felt completely weak.
However, Luffy was back. The happiness he felt to see the man who changed his life and returning relieved so much of that guilt he had. Yet, he still held back. That guilt he felt was still slightly there. Yes, he was relieved Luffy was alive, but he still couldn't forgive himself nor did he think Luffy would ever forgive him. Yet, he knew Luffy would have never blamed him. He knew it, but he needed to forgive himself. Turned out, all he needed was a little push from the old man to make him realize the truth.
""I'm glad you finally came to your senses." Zeff spoke with a smirk. "Oh, and don't worry about your restaurant...I'll take over while your gone."
"What?" Sanji was shocked by that. He stood up to face him. "Why would you...?"
"Knowing you, you'd probably be worried about this place too much unless you had someone who knows what it's like to run a sea restaurant, no?" Sanji really did hate how well the old man knew him.
"But your health..." Zeff scoffed.
"What? Now you care about that? Don't worry about it, your girlfriend here will make sure I don't die." He pointed toward Pudding who blushed at him calling her Sanji's girlfriend.
"H-He's right, Sanji-san! Don't worry, I'll make sure he doesn't stress himself too much and make sure the restaurant is doing well. You go and journey with your friends. All I want is you to be happy, Sanji-san!" Sanji felt like he didn't deserve her. He approached her and gave her a strong and warm hug that made her fluster.
Hibari blushed and looked away at the affectionate hug, but when she turned she accidentally made eye contact with Koby. He looked back at her and both looked away from each other bashfully.
Robin giggled at the affection and innocence of the four and couldn't help feel a little jealous about it. She looked over at Luffy and saw the smile on his face. She giggled.
"Must be nice." She said.
"Hm? What?" Luffy asked her.
"Having someone like that." She looked over at Sanji. Luffy followed her gaze and stared at Sanji and Pudding.
"A mate?" He asked.
Robin giggled. "Not exactly the right term, but for you I guess close enough."
"Do you have one?" He asked her.
"No. Though, who knows if I will." She replied with a bit of sadness.
"Hmmm...well I don't quite get it, but I hope you do find someone, Robin." Luffy told her with a smile.
"Thank you, Captain." There was a brief silence before she asked him the big questions he wanted to.
"What about you, Luffy?"
"Me what?"
"Having someone like that."
"No, I don't want to get married."
"Hehehe~ I know, but you don't need to get married to have that special someone." Robin told him. "You can still have someone like that without getting married."
"Really?" Luffy asked and she nodded. "Hmmm...then maybe...but I don't know...I do want to go on more adventures...and I can't wait to see everyone again...so that's what I want to do first." She expected that answer.
"Then after?"
"Sure...but I wouldn't know how to start." Luffy crossed his arms and tilted his head.
"I can understand that, hehehehe~" Robin giggled. "Though, I wouldn't worry too much about that, Luffy."
"Hmm? Why?"
"Because in the end, something like that can just happen. When it does, don't fight it and just embrace it." She offered her advice.
"Hmmm..." He hummed and went back to observing the couple who know broke the hug and were staring at each other.
"If you're done being all lovey dovey..." Zeff interrupted the pair as they both blushed out of embarrassment. "...shouldn't you start packing, Eggplant?"
Sanji growled at him before sighing. "Yeah...yeah..." He turned to Luffy. "When we setting sail, Captain?" Luffy grinned.
"Right away! Let's go on a new adventure, Sanji!" Luffy grinned widely.
"Heh...aye, aye, Captain."
END
A/N: Sorry for the long wait time for this chapter. Life has been kicking my butt, but don't worry, this story isn't abandoned. Hopefully everyone is doing well. Also, sorry if it seems like Sanji's guilt stuff is a little OC, but I enjoyed writing it for Sanji who always hid his feelings a bit too much for his own good sometimes like in WCI, so having him feel guilt I thought was the best Strawhat to do so. Hopefully you still enjoyed it as we set sail with Sanji aboard once again.