Sanji and Luffy in Wonderland

Trade of Art

Class, Work, Sleep

The usual routine of a University student.

Sanji didn't have much to complain about except for the aching bones from overworking.

Being a barista was a job Sanji adored.

It's the next best thing to being a chef, that he would be working towards once he got his degree.

But damn is it fun to concoct his own drinks and desserts, the owner of the place allowing him to add items to the menu which changed every season.

He was happy being in the kitchen, even though customer service is a drag.

So one day when a bunch of babbling teenagers walked in Sanji wasn't too pleased at first to say the least.

He knows they're probably close to his age but no way he's not gonna complain about meddling kids and what not.

Didn't help that they were fucking LOUD as hell.

They seemed happy and Sanji felt like a bitter grandpa for some reason.

He soon found out their names by their third visit: Luffy, Nami, Zoro, Usopp, Chopper.

Zoro being the closest to him in age. Sanji can't even remember if he's ever heard his voice except for when he begrudgingly had pointed towards the menu for his Irish coffees.

Nami being an absolute sweetheart but women he knew always have been compared to the men. He let her order tangerine drinks and desserts even off season.

She deserved it all.

Chopper being the youngest and the cutest. Always ordering the sugar-iest (is that even a word?) Drinks and desserts on the menu. He always had a lab coat on and looked tired but happy to see his friends.

Usopp just being an all round likeable guy. He asked Sanji about his days and thanked him when he served them.

And then there was Luffy.

People gravitate towards Luffy, not in the way you'd think a black hole would pull at you; consume and destroy you.

But in the way of how every planet in the solar system gravitates towards the sun as it provides them with everything they need in order to sustain themselves.

And Sanji knew that was for everyone. Well he guessed it was, because otherwise he'd feel a little insane.

Luffy treated everyone like he wanted to be treated. With kindness and warm friendship.

It's how Sanji got incorporated in their group too.

Luffy nonchalantly asks him questions about his hobbies what he does, raving about the food; thanking him.

" Are you just nice to me because you like my food? You're not getting it for free! "

" I'd say that's the reason Nami is nice to you, "

Chopper says before eating a mouthful of cream and sighing.

"Nami would get it free regardless, "

Sanji laughs, it's not like he's the only one charmed by Nami, she's been talking to the manager as well who always sends her complimentary desserts on the house.

" Luffy's dad just doesn't give a shit about how much he spends. Maybe he's trying to make up for lost time, who the fuck knows, "

Zoro chimes in.

" Works fine for me, "

Luffy says leaning back on his chair.

And Sanji never got an answer to his question but that's fine. He didn't really expect it to be answered.

One particular busy day the group runs off leaving a messy table and one particular item.

It was a straw hat and Sanji had seen Luffy wear it almost all the time.

So at closing time he picked it up, letting the manager know he'll give it back to them, if any of them come around.

Sanji observes the hat, it's old and tattered. Has 3 marks as if it was sliced by sharp objects and then sewn together later on.

The red ribbon contains a white piece of paper with no writing.

The next morning when Sanji had opened the store Luffy had walked in, his demeanor was as if someone had died.

He searched around the multiple tables, Sanji knowing exactly what he's searching for and going into the staff room to get it out of his bag.

Sanji brings back the hat, still being unnoticed by Luffy who's now searching under the tables on his hands and knees.

Sanji clears his throat to get his attention.

No response.

"I got your hat, "

Luffy tried to get up fast, he hit his head on one of the tables.

He rubbed his head but right after jumped at Sanji, taking the hat, putting it onto his head and pulling him into a hug.

"Oh my god thank you thank you thank you, "

Sanji taps at Luffy's arm so that he let's him go. Taking a deep breath he goes back to the kitchen.

Luffy calls out to get him something to drink.

" The shop isn't open yet, you probably missed the sign, "

"Huh, can't you make me something! I forgot to get breakfast, " Luffy says pouting a little.

Sanji throws him an apron and hair covering and opens the door to the kitchen.

Luffy runs towards it, it's a small kitchen but the pantry is fully stocked and Luffy can smell the sweet fragrance of the shop but to a higher degree.

And it only fuels his hunger.

Sanji is already peeling and chopping up bananas, he adds various kinds of powders and syrups as Luffy curiously watches.

He puts the drink on the table, Luffy starts sipping it and Sanji joins him.

"I've only made a glass, I needed to taste it, "

"Mhmm it's good Sanji! "

"Thanks. I've been wondering if I should add it on the menu, "

Luffy takes another sip,

"Maybe you should. I'd order it! "

" You would, hmm I'm not surprised though you do like everything that's made here, "

"Well you make good drinks Sanji! I wish I could try other foods too. Like meat! You can cook meat too, right?"

Luffy asks in a dreamy voice as if he can already picture the dishes Sanji would make.

"Well, I do specialise in desserts and seafood but I can cook meat dishes too. Yeah, "

Luffy claps at that, he has stars in his eyes as if he'd like to have that right now.

" We usually have movie nights on Sunday. Me, Zoro, Nami, Usopp and Chopper. We usually rotate the place of stay, maybe we could have movie night at your place? "

That's a lot of people to feed. Sanji thinks to himself. But as a chef, nothing is better than watching people appreciate his food.

So he agrees.

He writes down his address and phone number and gives the paper to Luffy who puts it on the ribbon of his hat

A very unconventional place to keep paper, Sanji thinks to himself but Luffy is anything but conventional.