chiffonades | inbox for golden peacock

[ continued from here ]

[ It's strange. It's not like Sanji really has that much experience as a pirate– or even knows what kind of Captain Shanks is while out at sea– but as he hears him talk about being saved, he can almost picture what kind of life he must have lived aboard that ship.

It's easy to picture, maybe because there were plenty of days he'd daydreamed of being found by pirates or marines or anyone who'd take him away from Germa. ]

Yeah. I can imagine they were. [ He'd had a good experience finding a father figure in an ex-Pirate Captain himself, after all. ] Must've made for a interesting life, growing up. Can't imagine many pirates'd do that, but that's gotta be how you know the good ones from the bad, you know?

[ He's certain Luffy would do it, although really, the real work come down to the rest of them.

A heartbeat later and he smiles over at Shanks. ] You get into many interesting adventures then, growing up among pirates?

[ If there's one thing Shanks won't deny, it's that he was fortunate to be found by the Roger Pirates. Fortunate he didn't grow up with his biological family. Celestials or Germa 66 - not much difference there. ]

Not all pirates, no, but it's not that uncommon, either. There's a whole pirate crew the captain insists on calling all members of his crew, even his extended fleet, his sons. Some pirates, all they want is more family and free adventure.

[ He chuckles, a low rumble as he recalls the past. ]

It was an interesting life. We got into many adventures, yes, trouble, too.

Now, I have to ask [ his tone gets a bit more curious and hopeful ] this dream you two shared. What is it?

[ Typically, that does feel like a romantic sort of question, asking about one's dream, but in this case, it can sound like a follow up. ]

Huh… I guess there really are all kinds of pirates out there. I, uh, think I might know a pirate like that. Who wants free adventure. [ And maybe also more family, although it's really hard to tell when Luffy's involved. Their little pirate crew already feels more like a family– or, well, what Sanji thinks one ought to be like– than his own ever did. ] Maybe more than one, thinking about it.

[ When he says that, he gives Shanks a slight grin and a quick wink. It's easy to see the similarities between his Captain and Shanks– in their easy-going manners, at least– and that's another one that stands out to him.

A moment later he's laughing quietly at Shanks’ answer before giving his head a little shake. No matter how relaxed he might be, he can somehow very easily see Shanks getting into plenty of trouble.

There's a clever question on the tip of his tongue when that last question comes and Sanji? Sanji lights up, face in a bright grin. ]

You, uh, you ever hear of the All Blue before? [ It doesn't really matter what his answer is. Sanji's happy to ramble about it at anytime. ]

There are. [ Shanks chuckles. ] As I recall, there were a group of pirates that focused on cooking, and another group their motto was about making children laugh. Pirating, for some of us, is more about adventure and freedom than anything else. There are some awful pirates, of course, and the World Government and Marines would have everyone believe we're all the same, but that isn't the case.

[ After all, whatever else Shanks is doing, that was his original intent, and his crew, also, is his family. ]

[ Getting in trouble was just as easy as breathing, even in a pirate crew that believed in freedom, itself. And now, well, he has no intention of doing anything the World Government or Marines want him to do. He's that simple, sometimes. ]

[ When Sanji mentions the All Blue, Shanks leans forward, and his smile can be heard in his voice. ] I have, indeed. [ And, in fact, Shanks might know a few things about where it is, but he isn't going to rip that mystery from Sanji. He can imagine, much like Luffy, Sanji needs the thrill of finding out and discovering it for himself. ]

But why don't you tell me what it means to you.

I know. [ It's said with a soft laugh as he thinks back to Zeff– and everything the old man had done for him– and how unlike a pirate that act of saving a child had been. Or, well, how unlike the pirates everyone had talked about that was. Sanji might be rough around the edges, certainly, but he'd never sign up to board a pirate ship that wasn't lead by someone like Zeff or like Luffy or like Shanks.

And more than that, he knows how crappy those in charge can be. The Vinsmokes were royalty and they never even spared a drop of kindness of him, their blood, let alone anyone else.

His eyes light up a moment later when Shanks leans forward like that, the delight evident in his face. So few people know about the All Blue that it's a pleasant surprise to find that Shanks does. ]

It's my dream, you know? To go out there and find it. Find all those rare spices and seawoods. Be able to cook with any fish from any sea. It’s so legendary that most cooks would swear it doesn't exist, but I'm gonna find it. [ He's grinning the whole time he speaks about it. It was months ago when they were last aboard the Merry– well, probably longer because he evidentally was plucked out of his home at the same time as Nami, even if he can't remember it– but he still remembers their launching ceremony like it was yesterday. ] Luffy's gonna become King of the Pirates, I'm gonna find the All Blue, Nami's gonna draw a map of the world– we're all gonna do it once we get outta here.

[ Shanks smiles, knowing Sanji knows. Luckily, there are even more captains just like Zeff, Luffy and Shanks out there. Of course, the world won't understand that, won't know just what it will lose when they're gone. And that's the real enemy isn't it - those in charge. Perhaps it's the same with them, and not all in power are awful, but Shanks hasn't had good experiences with them. ]

[ He knows of the Vinsmokes, though he doesn't realize who he's speaking with, not yet. ]

[ More than know of the All Blue, Shanks doesn't scoff, or ridicule Sanji for believing it, he listens to every last bit of what Sanji shares of his dream, and grins the whole while. His smile softens when Sanji mentions Luffy becoming King of the Pirates. It feels like he's waited a lifetime for that dream to start coming true. ]

I know you will. Luffy wasn't kidding about finding the best crew, either. You all have your own dreams, and he's exactly the sort of captain that won't just allow you to pursue them, he'll support them and help them become a reality, too.

[ There are days when Sanji wonders if they aren't already fully lost to their home world. It's stuck with him ever since those first few days here– the simple fact that nobody seems to know of anyone who got sent home. Add in the fact that people turn into statues– that he, evidently, was one for several months– and it's easy to wonder if there ever is any going home.

Not that he lets that stop him. He's not Luffy– not by a longshot– but he tries to see things in a positive light. Well, he tries to see women in a positively light, mostly, but maybe some of his Captain's infectious optimism has already caught and spread to him.

Or maybe he simply refuses to give up on their dreams, no matter how dire things should seem.

And whatever he feels about their chances of getting home, Shanks continues to prove more than a little likeable. That gentle encouragement– the praise for Luffy, the way he smiles– makes him laugh quietly, grinning as broadly as he can. The course their lives have taken has changed irrevocably since being swept up into the clutches of the Peacock, but all the same, Sanji wouldn't be surrounded by any other crew. ]

Yeah. [ He laughs again, nodding his head for emphasis, before grinning up at Shanks. ] He seems so easy going, so carefree and relaxed, but– I like that about him, you know? He's a helluva lot better than most of the men Ive met. [ And then he winks at Shanks', more than a little playful. ] Must've had a good role model or something growing up.

[ If Shanks said he didn't have moments he worried about that, he would be lying, but he refuses to give in to that. They will get out, it's just a matter of time. In particular, if Luffy ever returns, and stays, he's pretty sure he will find a way out, if anyone does. His faith in Luffy is pretty sturdy. ]

[ Above all, though, he would insist no one should give up on their dreams, and giving in to the idea they are never leaving is akin to that. He refuses, himself. After all, even if Shanks has other plans, he does have his own dreams, too. ]

[ Shanks and Luffy might have been separated by the Red Line, and miles upon miles of ocean, and ten years, but Shanks hasn't stopped believing in Luffy, and he does have a good understanding of the better parts of Luffy. Meanwhile, he's amused by the more negative ones. They're endearing. They make him a bit nostalgic. ]

[ He chuckles. ] He is carefree, but if you make him mad, you'll see that temper of his flare up real quick, too. And he can be serious about some things. The things he takes serious, it's hard not to get swept up in that, with him.

[ The wink brings a tight smile to his face as Shanks looks down. ] Would you believe [ he looks up ] we only knew each other about a year?

[ Sanji laughs softly as Shanks' continues to talk about his Captain, a fond smile playing over his face as he thinks about him– about how much better his presence makes everything– as he tries not to get swept up in the wave of regret that he's disappeared again.

That's one of the great crimes of this place, in his opinion, seperating people from their family and friends– and their dreams, too. Doubtlessly, he's somewhere with the countless statues that are spread across the hallways of the Peacock, just another decoration to everyone but those that know his face, and while Sanji could go and look for him, he doesn't want to. There is no joy in Luffy's presence if he's silent and still, as statues are, nothing of the warmth and brightness he exudes so easily.

So– yeah, in this case, he'd rather not try to find him. He– and Nami and Zoro– will soothe their hurts in other ways.

None of which is relevant now. These kinds of exchanges are good for the heart, after all. ]

Yeah, I, uh, I know what you mean. [ That fond smile is back, a gentle curve of his lips as he glances down, thinks back to the days they spent on the Konomi Islands, and laughs before looking back up. ] Once saw him destroy a tower with a single kick just 'cause someone hurt a friend and pissed him off. I was right there with him, beating the crap out of some of the pirates.

[ For a moment, he just stares at Shanks, the look on his face considering before he nods once. Yeah, yeah, he can believe that because nobody knows how deeply one man can inspire a child with just one or two simple acts of kindness. ] Yeah. You, uh, must've made a big impression on him during that time.

[ It's true, even for Shanks. Luffy is like a bright light that warms everything around him. It's not the same without him, but Shanks doesn't want anyone he cares for here. Unless they are here, then he's going to enjoy every last second with them. ]

[ Shanks has gone looking for Luffy's statue, and found it. He sat with it, drank with it, talked to it, and left it a cup of juice. He could tell the others, if they asked, but they don't, so he doesn't say. ]

[ Talking about Luffy is one way of keeping his spirit with them, Shanks feels. ]

[ To hear what Luffy did, Shanks laughs, impressed. ]

One should never mess with my friends. [ He chuckles. ] But that level of it reminds me a lot of my former captain.

[ His cheeks feel warm at the realization Sanji's right, he must have. But at least it was mutual. His eyes level with Sanji's. ]

And he made the same impression on me.

[ A part of Sanji is willing to acknowledge the truth— he’s not sure he could handle seeing any of their crew transformed to statues, much less their boisterous, rambunctious Captain. While he’s always suspected the honeyed promise that winning the game will let them leave to be a lie, it’s only just that: a vague thought, a worry that niggles at the back of his mind.

Seeing one of his beloved friends as nothing more than grey stone, though? That’s real, that’s tangible, and he fears that seeing it will only transform suspicion into certainty, even if it’s nothing but conjecture.

Better to nurse the memory through conversation and merriment and hope that the Peacocks' whims will swing back in their favor one day soon. ]

I, uh, doubt there’ve ever been many people like him, you know? [ Really, even back when he just viewed Luffy a poor hapless sucker that got pulled into being their choreboy, there’d been something uncanny and unique about him. To hear Shanks say that Luffy reminded him of someone else is, well, a little curious. ] What was he like— your old captain, I mean.

[ He laughs softly a heartbeat later at the way Shanks’ cheeks flush prettily, grinning at him. ]

I believe that. He’s pretty damn unique, our captain. Never realized pirates could be damn carefree until he showed up one day.

There haven't been, just like there haven't been many men like my former captain.

[ Shanks' mouth opens and stops for a moment. There's a part of him that almost breaks his habit of over two decades, and he almost tells Sanji, but his tongue doesn't say the name of Gol. D Roger. Instead, he leaves the mystery to Sanji, for now. ]

Terrifyingly protective. Fiercely devoted. Determined. Stubborn. He laughed easily, but got angry just as easily. Carefree. He was a good man, no matter what anyone said.

[ There's a fond, nostalgic note to Shanks' voice, a wistful, sad smile on his lips. But, in a way, it feels good to talk about Roger, even vaguely. Just like it feels good to speak of Luffy. ]

inbox for golden peacock

@shanksyourfeels

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject