tfln

[gutties]

That's not really a thing that happens, is it?

Comments

[theflashyfool]

Oh, I have no doubt that you are.

Why did you decide to align yourself with the kid?

[notawaiter]

He's...good. Genuinelly good. It's rare. You only run into someone like that once in a lifetime.

And together, as a crew, I think we can help each other accomplish our goals. Things we've been dreaming aboutfor a long, long time.

How about you? Did you always want to be a pirate?

[theflashyfool]

Genuinely good doesn't last in this profession, you know. That good nature of his will likely get him killed land before the Grand Line...

Mm, sounds like you're just as annoyingly optimistic though.

I've been involved in this sort of life since... nine. I suppose you could say so.

[notawaiter]

Maybe. Or maybe he will one day becone the King of the Pirates. Time will tell. In the meantime, I'm here for the ride.

It never hurts. You could give it a try, as a change. Maybe you could end enjoying it too.

That's pretty young, it must not have been easy. I started cooking around that age as well, maybe a little sooner.

[ It was the only thing that brought him some joy as a kid. ]

[theflashyfool]

Who says I don't get plenty of enjoyment in other ways?

[Hmm...]

No, not always easy. What makes a kid take up interest in cooking of all things?

[notawaiter]

Oh. Well, that's healthy. Good for you.

And yet here you are still. Resilience counts for something.

People are happy when they eat. My...mom was happy when I did it for her. So I learned how to cook properly, and it turned out that I was damn good at it. I don't think there was ever a time when I didn't want to be a cook. I might as well keep improving and make others happy with my food.

And if you are going to call me sappy, save it. I've heard it all before.

[theflashyfool]

Your mom, huh? Isn't that sweet. So your thing is-- you just want to make people happy?

[It is sappy, but he doesn't say it. This time.]

I wasn't going to. We're all in it for our own reasons.

[notawaiter]

I also want to be the best possible cook I can be, but...yeah. I like taking care of people.

[ He always did,  so there's little point in denying it. Some see it as a weakness, but others appreciate it. Sanji will keep doing it no matter what people say. ]

Thanks. [ He appreciates Buggy not mocking him about it. He hadn't expected that much consideration. ] I should have let you try my cooking back then. Maybe next time.

[theflashyfool]

[Oh, don't be too grateful. He'll probably bring out the mocking and jabs when he thinks it'll hurt the worse.]

Do you think we'll really be on the same team next time we meet up?

[notawaiter]

[ But of course... ]

I'll be satisfied enough if you are not actively trying to make things worse.

[ Listen, Sanji has realistic expectations. ]

[theflashyfool]

[hmmm...]

What will you make me to eat?

[notawaiter]

I can cook just about anything.

What's your favorite food?

[theflashyfool]

I think it's cheating if I tell you my favorite.

I want a steak.

[notawaiter]

It's not cheating, it's asking to make sure I make something you'd really enjoy.

[ And now he regrets it because, of course, it's a steak. Sanji pinches the bridge of his nose for a second. What's with pirates and boring steaks??? There are so many more creative dishes. But okay, he's here to give people what they want. ]

All...right. Sous vide medium-rare steak it is, but I am making you a side dish to complement it, for my peace of mind. Maybe garlic-mashed potatoes with sour cream or sauteed mushrooms with herbs.

[theflashyfool]

And dessert.

[Well, he would actually probably eat anything if it was cooked well enough. He likes food in general.

Just maybe not as much as the straw hat kid. Then again, does anyone like food that much?]

I won't kill you or your crew if I get a nice enough dinner. It'll be... a truce. For the night.

[notawaiter]

Now we're getting demanding. Lucky for you, I really like making those.

[ Probably no one can love food as much as Luffy does, no. It's unparalleled. But everyone deserves to try good food, of course.

He's not sure how much he can trust Buggy because the guy has bailed on them before, but he will take it. Sanji would rather keep the peace if possible, even if they all can fight just fine. ]

Fine. Truce, then. Get ready to be amazed by my food when that happens.

[theflashyfool]

[To his credit, Sanji has been the least frustrating out of his crew. And the least likely to toss his head overboard.

Buggy can tolerate a night, and consider if he wants to collect on Luffy's bounty in the morning.]

Oh, I'm looking forward to it.

[notawaiter]

[ That's because he was raised with good manners and also because he wasn't there when Buggy tried to kill them all. 

Yeah, good luck with that, buddy. ]

Until next time, then. I know it's difficult, but try to behave.

[theflashyfool]

No promises.

[C'mon, what's a little murder between pirates? It happens.]

[notawaiter]

I don't know what I expected.

[ Sanji would like it if it happened a little less often. ]