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Luffy rocked back and forth on his heels while he watched Sanji talk about food with the person in charge of the food-stand. He was tasked with being Sanji’s pack mule since Nami and Robin claimed Zoro as theirs for the day. The small island was instantly attractive to those three. The large spans of vineyards and shopping centers had those three running off fast, though Zoro was much less enthusiastic about the assigned groups this time.
Luffy had wanted to find adventure on the small island. He got a cool dark feeling when they docked and wanted to check it out. However, he got sentenced to grocery shopping with a grumpy Sanji who had sworn to keep him on a tight leash. But Luffy didn't mind helping Sanji, even if Sanji had been grouchier about it. Luffy knew he wasn’t the cook’s ideal grocery run partner. That would have been Zoro. Luffy wanted to apologize for splitting the couple up, since these runs were some of the few alone times Sanji and Zoro got together. Luffy knew that they enjoyed and needed that time. But Sanji had scolded him before they started shopping and Luffy couldn't find the right string of words. They were already halfway through the market and Luffy wasn’t holding anything yet. Sanji was holding everything. Probably waiting for something bigger or for Luffy’s apology to let him hold something. Even though Luffy promised not to eat any of the food until they got back to the ship.
Luffy tried to stay out of Sanji’s way while following him through the street. He wanted to check out the vineyards they had seen from the port. Vineyards had grapes, right? And there were a lot of fields.
But Nami promised they would meet up at the big restaurant/bar-like structure in the middle of town when everyone was done. That was the plan for the end of the day. He knew he was being bribed, but the smell that came from the restaurant when he and Sanji passed by it occupied his mind the whole time. The bribe worked.
Luffy was pulled out of his mind when Sanji held out a bag to him. Sanji’s quick glare over his shoulder immediately told Luffy not to touch anything inside it. So, he just sighed and pulled the bag over his shoulder, upset that he didn’t even get to see what Sani bought.
Looking over Sanji’s shoulder, Luffy realized that they had been at this particular stand longer than the others. A tall woman in charge of the stand was laughing at whatever Sanji had said. Luffy hadn’t been listening, so he didn't get the joke. But based on Sanji’s weird heart eyes, he suspected that Sanji was flirting with her.
Luffy grimaced, because Sanji was always nice to women, but he didn't think he should be flirting with someone else when he had Zoro. Especially since Zoro wasn’t here right now.
“I’m flattered really.” The woman said, making Luffy look at her. She looked really strong. “You are kind, but I have a girlfriend.”
“Well, that makes sense.” Luffy spoke for the first time since he’d been dragged along shopping. Sanji and this lady were just flirting for fun, since they were both in relationships. He didn't actually get it, because what fun was flirting anyway. But Luffy didn't really get relationships in general.
He got the attention of both the lady and Sanji, who looked like they just realized he was here. Which couldn’t have been true since Sanji literally just handed him a bag. They didn't say anything, so he didn't either. They just stared at him for a moment. Luffy smiled, not sure why they were looking at him still.
“Anway.” Sanji glared at Luffy before turning back to the lady. “You and your lady have a magnificent day. And thank you so much for providing me with food and a beautiful chat.”
“Have a wonderful day!”
As Sanji and Luffy walked away, Luffy looked at the woman. Sanji was just being nice; he respects women like that, but Luffy was still confused.
Said lady waved at Luffy and he realized he had been staring. He waved and turned to catch up to Sanji who was at the next stand, where another young woman was in charge.
“When I look in your eyes, I see a very kind soul.” Sanji said to the woman, who smiled in response. He was just being nice again, but Luffy wondered why he said that. There was a weird quip in his voice, making Sanji sound squeaky. Luffy titled his head in confusion.
“Thank you, sir.” The woman gestured to the food set up around them. “Let me know if you need any help with the vegetables or have questions. I grow them all in my yard.”
“If you were a vegetable, you’d be a ‘cute-cumber.’”
That one made her blush.
Luffy was sure that was a pickup line. Sanji was flirting with another woman, and she was responding in a good way, maybe. Luffy wasn't sure but she was being nice.
He didn't get why Sanji was flirting with another woman. He didn't even know if this lady was dating someone already. So, it wasn't like flirting with the other lady that had a girlfriend.
Luffy rubbed his chin, wondering why Sanji was doing that while he was dating Zoro. unless…
“Oh.”
Unless Sanji was flirting with these women because Sanji and Zoro had broken up. Would they break up and not tell anyone?? Maybe? Luffy wouldn't know. That would explain why Sanji was flirting with other people. Maybe he was heartbroken or just trying to move on. Luffy still didn't get it, relationships were hard. He thought Zoro and Sanji really loved each other and would be together forever.
“Luffy?” Sanji asked, looking at him while handing the woman the money. Luffy didn't notice that he had bought vegetables already.
“Did you and Zoro break up?” Luffy asked. He didn't want to assume. If they did break up, then he wanted to know. Because they were all nakama and Luffy wanted to be there for them if they were heartbroken. He knew he wouldn't be much help, but he could do his best to help.
Sanji’s face erupted in red. It looked like steam would start blowing out of his ears. Sanji was staring at him with horror on his face. He was also frozen. Did this mean that had they broke up? Based on the way he reacted?
“Wha– Luffy! Why would– You—” Sanji stuttered over his words as he turned back and forth between the woman and Luffy. Luffy just watched Sanji freak out. The woman laughed at them, which just confused Luffy more. Sanji was always weird though, so this really wasn't new. He also didn't answer the question.
“Sorry about him. Thank you so much.” Sanji then grabbed Luffy by the ear and dragged him to the next stall, ignoring Luffy’s whining. “Not another word from you. I want you to be quiet while we finish this. And do NOT eat anything.”
Luffy pouted and rubbed his ear. It didn't hurt since he was made of rubber, but he was still confused. Luffy had been supportive of Sanji and Zoro's relationship since the beginning. Sanji and Zoro were equals. They were on the same level. It made sense that they would end up dating. He didn't like that Sanji was pushing him away and not telling him what was going on. They were nakama and he was their captain. If anything, he could help. But Luffy stayed quiet for the rest of the shopping trip. He was always bad at reading the room, but he figured he should listen to Sanji for once. And he wouldn't push it right now. But later was free reign.
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Luffy watched Zoro. Zoro was sitting on the opposite side of the rounded couch-booth that had been reserved for the Strawhats. Zoro was looking at Sanji, who was laying sprawled out asleep on the couch after two drinks. Zoro looked like he was making sure Sanji was safe and comfortable. Luffy was happy that they made up, if that was what happened.
Sanji and Zoro were back to acting normal after they all saved the island from the man that took the island’s mayor hostage.
Even if Luffy didn't remember Zoro and Sanji telling him that they were together, it was obvious. The way they looked at each was enough, though those were looks Luffy barely understood himself. The way their eyes gleamed while they looked at each other was enough proof. He knew they were dating. And he was just so glad that everything worked out today. They saved the island, got offered free food for doing so, and Zoro and Sanji made up.
“Hey Luffy.”
Luffy turned and saw Stone. The small nonbinary person was the owner of the restaurant. When the Strawhats had met back here after everyone finished shopping, they were greeted with Stone’s kindness and friendship. Luffy thought they were really cool, especially since they made the desserts served in the restaurant. After he had complimented the food, Stone had given him a free dessert. Then discussion of the guy who had taken their mayor hostage came up when Stone explained why there were only three people working the restaurant.
Nami and Robin had gotten Stone to talk about the history of the island. They explained that many people worked in the vineyard as well as their main job, since wine was the main export of the island. And how that man took control of the whole economy and forced every adult to work the vineyard at night with no rest. Which was an issue the people tried solving five years ago when creating their new system of government and said guy took advantage of that vulnerability.
Luffy had defeated the guy to pay Stone back for the dessert they gave him, and the island had praised the Strawhats as heroes. Though they repeatedly refused the title, none of them turned down the free food and drinks Stone offered form their restaurant.
“Stone!!!” Luffy shouted whole still shoving food into his mouth. He ignored Nami’s quiet plea for him to be quieter. “The food is soooo good! You’re amazing!”
“Thank you Luffy. It's the least I could do.” They smiled and gestured with the tray in their hands. “I brought some more wine.”
“Are you sure you want to keep bringing us stuff?” Nami asked, taking a glass from them. “You've been working nonstop here and at the vineyard. You can rest now.”
“I can rest tomorrow.” They smiled. “I am tired. But I can do one more day. I feel better knowing I can rest at all.”
“Do you have anything stronger?” Zoro asked. Luffy snorted at the glare Nami sent at Zoro, like Luffy didn’t get the same glare the second they docked at Uva Uba Island.
“You asked that last time I was out here. But…” Stone handed Zoro the bottle they were balancing on their tray. “This is our strongest wine here. Any other alcohol is rare since we mainly produce wine. I hope this is okay.”
“It's perfect.” Zoro took it, uncorked it with his mouth and took a huge swig. Nami’s glare turned into a disgusted look, and both Luffy and Robin had to hold in laughter. “Stone, you just might be the love of my life, besides booze of course.”
Nami laughed, but Luffy stopped eating.
“What about Sanji?”
The area went quiet. Everyone, including Stone who was now standing awkwardly beside Zoro, was looking at Luffy. That was excluding Sanji asleep next to Zoro and Usopp passed out on the floor. He didn't know why everyone was looking at him. Zoro was the one that said something weird when his boyfriend was laying right next to him.
Maybe he was joking. Similar to what Sanji was doing earlier. But it wasn't a funny joke. Zoro could be in love with booze, but he wouldn’t be in love with Stone. He was in love with Sanji.
Luffy watched Zoro looked down at Sanji. He had a weird look on his face, but that familiar gleam ran through his eyes. No one else was looking at them. Nami, Robin, and Chopper started talking to Stone again, but he wasn't paying attention to what they were saying.
Luffy watched Zoro push a strand of Sanji's hair away from his face. Zoro sighed. He didn't answer Luffy’s question. If he was joking, he should have just said so. They all knew that Luffy didn't get jokes sometimes. But he didn't even say that.
Luffy caught the end of the others’ conversation with Stone saying they were willing to bring out anything else the Strawhats needed. Then they left. Everyone went back to eating from the array of desserts on the table and drinking the wine.
Then Nami grabbed Luffy’s cheek, pulling really hard.
“What was that Luffy?” She sneered at him, forcing him to look away from the couple.
“I don't know what you mean!! Let go of me so I can eat!!”
Nami sighed and let him go, which slingshot him back slightly. Then Luffy went back to eating. He kept Zoro in the corner of his vision. Zoro was drinking but was also watching Sanji. He wasn't even eating, not that he really had a sweet tooth. Stone was probably bringing them more food, so Luffy didn't have to worry about Zoro's portion. Luffy just kept eating and celebrating. Sanji was still asleep and Zoro had a weird look on his face. He decided to leave Sanji and Zoro alone for now.
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Sitting on Sunny's figurehead in HIS spot after not being able to do so for two years felt right. Luffy felt content in being able to feel the breeze, the sun, and the splash from the ocean on his face. He missed this.
The sea was calm– it was smooth sailing. It all felt right. Everyone was relaxing as they traveled. The cool weather allowed everyone to feel content in being back together and not have some adventure to attend to. Not that Luffy was opposed to adventure, but he was tired and just happy to sit in his spot. The horizon was there for him to watch.
Until his stomach growled.
“UUUuuuugghhhhhh!” Luffy groaned while he rocked back and forth. Now that he was thinking about his stomach, he was hungry.
Luffy turned to jump onto the deck but paused at the sound of mumbling. When he looked down, he saw Zoro and Sanji with their sides pressed together while standing at the railing near the helm. Luffy couldn't hear what they were whispering about but he was interested in what they were doing. They could be eating something without him.
Luffy was about to jump down to confront them when Zoro kiss Sanji’s cheek. That open display of affection made him pause. The couple laughed, no longer whispering. Meanwhile, Luffy was only mildly confused, because Sanji and Zoro barely showed affection like that. At least, they didn’t kiss each other when everyone was around. Luffy assumed that they didn't like public displays of affection. Zoro wrapped himself around Sanji, his chin hooked over Sanji’s shoulder.
They were laughing loudly. Luffy thought about how they must have missed each other too. He had missed everyone, but it might have been different for those two. He was happy to see them together after all the rushing around and separations.
When they stopped laughing, they also stopped whispering. Luffy could hear their conversation now. So, he listened.
“Luffy thought we were dating back on Uva Uba Island, where we met Stone.” Sanji had said.
Luffy froze. Ignoring the hunger pains in his tummy, Luffy’s mind suddenly felt overwhelmed. He remembered Stone and the food they made, but what was Sanji talking about? Sanji made it sound like they weren’t dating yet. Luffy just rocked back and forth in his spot again while he listened to them talk.
“I know.” Zoro said.
“Really?!” Sanji shouted.
Luffy leaned back a bit. Sanji was loud but was also laughing. He didn’t get it.
“Because he asked me if we’d broken up when I was flirting with multiple girls.” Sanji said. Luffy had a memory of asking Sanji that. He more so remembered worrying about their relationship.
“He asked me the same thing when I said that booze was the love of my life.”
They were both laughing, but Luffy felt a pang of guilt in the confusion. It sounded like they weren’t dating back then. Even though it was so obvious that they loved each other since they started traveling together. Luffy thought they figured it out. Turns out he just read the situation wrong again.
“Of course you said that.” Luffy watched Sanji raise his hand to Zoro’s hair. “What did you tell him?”
“I didn't respond.” Zoro looked like a cat while Sanji ran a hand through his hair. “I knew I liked you then… but really didn't want to put a name to it. Then Luffy said something, and I had to accept it. Since it was that obvious.”
“When was this?”
“At the restaurant. After Luffy beat the shit out of the grape guy.”
“WHAT?” Sanji pulled away from Zoro. His stance was accusatory, like he was going to start something.
“You were asleep.” Zoro pressed his forehead against Sanji’s. “Ya damn lightweight.”
“At least I'm not an alcoholic!” Sanji pressed back.
Luffy leaned away as Sanji and Zoro started their normal bickering and shouting. It wouldn't be long before they started fighting either. As funny as it was, Luffy was more confused than enthralled in their fight.
Luffy thought Sanji and Zoro had been dating since they saved Nami’s village. He’s never been good at reading people, but he really thought they were dating and had been forever. Luffy only felt a little bit of guilt for all the times he pointed it out. They probably thought he was making fun of them or something, but he wasn’t. At least now, while they were discussing it, they didn’t seem to think of him as doing it on purpose.
They eventually figured it out. That was good. Luffy was happy for them, even though he was the first to know that they were in love with each other.
Luffy settled back into his spot, looking back at the horizon. He could wait for food. He didn't know how long he could wait though. It had been a whole two hours since he last ate and needed more food. But he would do his best to wait for a bit. Zoro and Sanji looked happy, so he could let them have their moment for a little bit.