( Luffy has been out exploring, not at all put off by his last experience with a diffusion zone that ended up horrific for some. He wants to understand everything this place has to offer, caught up in the idea of scavenging for treasures that have yet to be found. The idea this world could be an adventure of some sort is compounded by the fact his crew are also in the same place. It's easier said than done though, when missing the sea is something that can't be fixed and Luffy does his best to tame the emotion by wandering instead.
Apparently the sea in this place is a terrible thing from what he's heard. How that works he doesn't understand, and Luffy shakes his head to himself as he wanders in to what looks to be a flower shop. The finer details of things will work out, he's sure of it, and he turns his attention to the fragrant-smelling items around him.
Flowers of all shapes, sizes and colors surround the pirate captain. Even he can't help but appreciate them considering the environment outside, and he reaches out to pick up what looks to be a plant of some sort, with spikes that look like a toothy grin.
Luffy's opinion of the plant only improves as it suddenly thrums into life, snapping jaws inches away from Luffy's face. Luckily he can hold it at arm's length, giving a laugh as he admires the tenacity.
It's only when the rest of the shop suddenly becomes active that Luffy realizes this could be more trouble than it's worth, and he looks over to a nearby person, more concerned for them than himself. )
Hey, hear that? Sure is the sound of gnashing teeth and rustling leaves, and Luffy puts the plant he's holding down on a nearby shelf. I think that's our cue to leave.
( Even as he says it, the sounds of crashing from the next shelves over punctuated by what could be the sound of tippy-tapping plant feet. )
[ anne would not say she is a plant person. she barely thinks about them, outside of knowing a few that are edible. but she'd gone out for a long drive, just to get out of the city, and the shop had appeared on the horizon just as she needed a break to get out and stretch. ]
[ she is not surprised by the bad vibes, as she meanders inside. she swats a few out of her way, but mostly she pulls her hat low and tries to avoid eye contact with the shopkeeper. if there even is one -- it's preemptive avoidance. ]
[ at the end of the aisle, she looks over at the sound of the young man's voice, half-hoping he hadn't been talking to her, but alas. she doesn't get to answer before there's another noise, one that sounds suspiciously like a walking plant. her fingers tap idly on the cutlass at her hip. ]
Wouldn't be surprised if it suddenly went in for the kill.
let me know if anne isn't recogniseable, happy to change!
( Sounds suspicious but looking at the surrounding plants, chomping away as if trying to get their pound of flesh, Luffy can believe it. The sounds of movement in the next aisle over also lend credence to that, though whatever it makes the noises is much larger than the ones sitting on the shelves. )
I kinda want to take one back to the motel. Zoro would love it.
( Zoro may, but the others who live with him would probably not appreciate being bitten by plant life, and right now in Luffy's mind it's too easy to envisage a momma plant coming to rescue the young plant Luffy has whisked away. Thrashing and destroying everything around it as the plant brings the motel down.
Maybe not.
He turns to say something to Anne, pausing as he gets a glance of her attire. Coat. Hat. Cutlass. Enough to get some gears turning in Luffy's head as he puts the danger around them down a notch in priority. )
...Are you a pirate?
totally fine she definitely still dresses like one!
[ why not add murderous plants to the mix. she gives the kid a strange look when he says he wants one, but more power to him, she supposes. she'd sooner shank it for coming near her. ]
[ there's something in the way he watches suddenly her that makes her a little uncomfortable, but in the way that people watching her does by default. she doesn't like attention. it's a comfort to keep dressing like this, though sometimes it stands out. even after he asks his question, there's a long pause before she answers. ]
My answer gonna be a problem?
[ the lack of denial is probably it's own confirmation. ]
[ That would make two people not at all fazed by the body horrors they had been exposed to. That isn't to Alisaie has forgotten of course. If anything she still wakes from time to time in a cold sweat because of it - but she's certainly not letting it weigh her down. Like so many other times before, experiences like that only spur her forward. Drive her to try and ensure that that won't happen again to others.
Exploration of the Fringes, she still believes, is a key to unlocking that. And if there are people who want to tag along? There are safety in numbers as she's learned. Especially someone as enthusiastic as Luffy.
She's seen plenty - a gigantic liminal mall, a farm with glowing alien eggs, an abandoned temple that didn't take kindly to disbelievers - that a flower shop feels pleasant in comparison. But the distinct sound of jaws closing around air draws her attention away from the tiny bunny-shaped succulent. ]
Wha -
[ Unlike Luffy however she doesn't put the succulent back as she quickly tries to make a beeline for the door. Unfortunately vines have begun to grow and reach over any obvious exit points. ]
I suppose they didn't take too kindly to being woken up?
( Luffy huffs his answer out as he looks around, already scanning the room they're in for any other exits. Safety in numbers is a great idea in a world like this, he's learning, but it also means more collateral damage when things go awry. Shouldered with the purpose of keeping his crew, and everyone else safe, there's no way Luffy is going to leave Alisaie to the plants. The same would extend to any and all around him, no matter how competent they are.
That's the job of a pirate captain!
The snapping plant on the shelf gets another look, as if Luffy can't quite believe what he's seeing. Would these plants eat them? From the sounds of crashing around in the next aisle, the chances are high that they're about to become plant food and the young man is already pulling at the vines on the door with his bare hands. )
[ There's a fine line between too many and just enough to come along for adventure. The more there were the more eyes you could rely on watching your back. But of course, the more there were the more potential for danger coming to those that were there.Β
Fortunately, Alisaie didn't see it so much as a burden as she viewed it as a responsibility she would happily take on. ]Β
I believe that would the the case for most people. [ Jaws snap somewhere near the vicinity of her ankles and she leaps over them just in time to avoid disaster. ] Unfortunately I'm afraid that we're dealing with plants.Β
[ She's already drawn her weapon, the crystal flaring to life in her other hand as she slashes at the vines. They immediately fall, causing the plants to screech and writhe back. That they don't grow back is a small blessing but she doesn't chance it, slashing again at the vines β ]Β
( From what Luffy can tell, this place enjoys its events. In a way it's similar to home, and having survived a pumpkin patch patrolled by clowns, Luffy can't help but watch over the course of a few days as paper moons begin showing up in places only to be removed and placed elsewhere. The concept seems simple enough and the pirate captain makes a point of getting involved; these things will look nice at the motel. Small treasures that will light up in the dark through ways even Luffy can't figure out.
Details, the finer ones tend to elude him, but it normally works out in the end.
After a few days Luffy finally finds some paper moons that have recently gone up on to a wall, ones that haven't been touched or dented by other means. He doesn't even think twice before reaching up, arm stretching, stretching far beyond normal means as he strives to reach one nearly twenty feet in the air. Someone had used a ladder, and the idea of it being out of reach in such a way only makes the paper moon all that more desirable. Luffy just has no idea how weird he must be looking to anyone walking on by. )
[ And said someone walking by is one (1) super soldier by the name of Steve Rogers. Having taken it upon himself to do patrols around Panorama after his shift at work, it's not terribly surprising that Steve's lurking around, out and about. Most of his work nowadays only involve short odd job stints anyway. Fleeting three-day contracts at a supermarket for manual labor, those sorts of things. He has managed to build good rapport that the supervisor has seen it fit to renew him every time.
He's on his way back to retrieve his parked bike near the area when he passes by this young man trying to reach one of these paper moons that propped up. Which are twenty feet in the air. Using only his arm. Which is stretching way beyond how it should be.
Look, Steve has seen his fair share of weirdness. He has fought alien armies and did time travel shenanigans. Heck, he even fought his own self during this time travel adventure at one point. Literally. So, this shouldn't even be surprising. And yet, it still is, that for a moment, he's stunned speechless, blue eyes watching this young man reach that high. ]
Guess that beats climbing up a ladder. [ A beat, nodding at this young man's stretched arm. ] How do you do that, kid?
( Fingers curl around the paper moon gently as Luffy squints, tongue sticking out in concentration as he gently prises it from the wall. Stretching is the easy part, being delicate enough to not damage the object is the difficult bit for Monkey D. Luffy, someone who is chaotic enough that any kind of delicate action is almost unheard of.
He just really wants it for the crew, to bring them back something nice that will light up the darkness of the evening, and soon enough the paper moon peels away from the wall, and Luffy gives a small whoop as he pulls his arm back down. )
Huh? ( Oh, someone was talking to him? Luffy can't help the sheepish look as he pockets the paper, idly rubbing his arm as he gives Steve a curious look over. Everyone here, from what he's heard, is in the same situation as he is. Being pulled from a world into this one can't be easy for anyone! )
Oh yeah it does! ( Luffy's grin widens as he looks wholly pleased with himself. ) I'm made of rubber, I can do all kinds of things. Wanna see?
[ Made of rubber, huh? Yeah, that sure is... something. How can that even be possible? Is this kid's organs also made of rubber somehow? You know what, Steve's not going to go there and Math Lady his way into trying to figure out what this young man's deal is. Not that he has any room to talk when he suddenly acquired muscles and enhanced abilities due to a serum.
He has to remind himself that he's in a world battered by cosmic storms with people who came from different universes. Anything's free game. At least, this kid seems to be chipper enough. That's a good spirit to have. ]
Sure, why not? [ Might as well humor the kid. And this is the first time he's seeing an ability like this anyway. ]
Mind also telling me how you're made of rubber? [ Did he come from a rubber tree or something? ]
[Jinu watches him accomplish his goals from the sidelines, hand on his chin.
That's... pretty crazy looking, actually. But also a pretty useful skillset to have? Luffy is too busy to notice him approach and stare up at his very, very long arm. Without asking politely, he reaches over, pinches some of the skin on Luffy's arm, and then gives it a experimental tug.
( The paper moon is so close to being pulled down that even if Luffy had sensed someone walking up to him, he wouldn't have paid any heed. Not when he's almost about to achieve a goal and snag a treasure! The paper moon is grasps just as fingers pinch at his skin, and he glances over, making sure to curl his fingers around the object as he considers the newcomer. )
At least the skin on his arm stretches, as Jinu expected it too.
Yeah! I'm all stretchy.
( Anyone else would potentially be annoyed at being pinched, but Luffy just takes it all in his stride, pulling his arm back down and swiftly pocketing the piece of paper. )
Does it bother you? ( And without another word, Luffy grabs the side of his mouth and pulls, showing off his abilities without an inkling of shame. )
[it only takes a day or two for Edamura to solve the puzzle of the mysteriously appearing paper moons. someone slaps one up on a lamppost, someone else takes it down, and a few hours later-- bam. the same moon is being prominently displayed in the window of a nearby cozy cafe! he doesn't know who is initiating this celestial exchange, but. . . it's nice, he thinks]
[it's something else subtly soft and cozy in a city full of sharp edges]
[so! this means he isn't surprised when he sees others carefully popping those paper moons off of a wall and tucking it into their pocket. what does surprise him is. . . well]
[do I even need to say it?]
[he almost passes by without saying anything. takes a few strides past Luffy before he stops. turns around. tilts his head back to stare up, up and up]
( In a way, grabbing the paper moons that appear around the city soothes the pirate in Luffy. Sure some people could consider it stealing, but it isn't when that's the purpose, and finding the small treasures with a plan to share them with crew is enough for now. That is until the larger treasure hunts begin.
A familiar voice reaches Luffy's ears and he turns, blinking at Edamura before giving a smile. It's good to know the other guy hasn't been caught by clowns, even now. )
What this? ( The paper moon is fixed with a determined look. ) No, I don't normally sneak bits of paper but these ones are too neat to pass up.
( The obvious has been missed by a country mile and Luffy is oblivious to the fact. ) Want me to grab you one?
( Incidents aside, Luffy can often be found looking around places in Panorama with a curiosity that can't be tamed. The idea of finding something useful sticks in his mind with a burning passion he can't put out, though as to what something useful would look like he doesn't know.
Which is why if anyone comes across Luffy as he scavenges, there's usually something useless in his pockets or arms he's determined to take back to the others. And should he come across anyone eating, there's zero shame in wandering on over to start up conversation.
Occasionally Luffy can be found at the side of the road, waving away the steam from the engine of his car, the Going Strawberry. One day he'll learn to stop pushing it so hard.
His TDM post is also here, and any prompts from that I'm happy to tag into as well! )
( it's rare for their motel room(s) to be empty; there's usually one or two people in it, either napping or indulging in some hobby or cooking. today, it's wanda's turn to show up when sanji is out at work, when nami and usopp are off doing their own intel gathering, and when zoro is likely lost somewhere. she doesn't so much hear as she feels luffy's energy within. the plates on the table and kitchenette sink indicate to her that he must just have eaten some leftovers.
soβ
wanda crosses from her shared room into the bathroom, to nami and zoro's, and then makes it to the door to the third room that they found some time ago. it's ajar, so wanda bumps it open with her shoulder, and it is soon revealed that she has a cardboard box in her hands. )
( Luffy is often out of the motel, roaming around and exploring as much as he can in an attempt to find treasure. Occasionally he comes back with batteries, not really understanding what they do and handing them over to the group knowing someone there will. Collaboration, with such a team it works wonderfully.
Luckily for Wanda, it's a time of day when the pirate captain is in, moving around his room as he looks for something. Whatever it is, he's not having much luck and when Wanda speaks up Luffy gives a smile, happy to be distracted.
Ghosts, why are they so hard to find?? )
Sure, what's up? ( Brown eyes immediately zero in on the box as Luffy's curiosity already begins to kick in. )
( The smell of food is always a draw, but the smell of amazing food is always unmistakeable as the scent of cooking reaches Luffy's nose. Whatever mission he had been on immediately evaporates as he turns on his heel and heads in the direction of where the delicious smells are coming from. He's always had that kind of ability, to discern separate ingredients and where they're being cooked, and today is no exception.
It doesn't take Luffy long to find the restaurant, brown eyes wide and full of joy as he takes in the sight. Xiao Xue Dumpling House. His stomach growls in anticipation and without a single thought in his head the pirate captain beelines for a seat and sits down, mouth almost watering as his stomach gives another audible groan.
Sophie, it seems, is busy with another customer for the moment and Luffy can barely contain himself, turning to the person in the seat next to him ( personal space, what is that?), hoping that conversation will make the wait time that bit more bearable. )
What have you got? The food here smells amazing, do you think they'll set up a tab?
( Luffy can be an idiot at times, but he doesn't feel like washing dishes today....Not again. )
( empathic telepathy warning! Let me know if thereβs ever an issue. )
[ Although her voracity for food likely paled in comparison to Luffyβs, she had as much insatiable curiosity about the incredible smell that wafted from the dumpling house the first time she passed it. What a hypnotizing and unfamiliar smell... it captured her heart immediately. By now, itβs already her third time here.
She doesnβt expect immediately that Luffy would approach her so eagerly, especially given his empty-mindedness as he rakes the chair over the floor to sit by her. Itβs fine, she can mind her own business over a meal, if thatβs his favourite spot or something. And if she senses any annoyance, she can always find another spot. --Although, that doesn't seem like it will be a concern, as he quickly strikes her up for conversation.
Algaea does not turn as he leans in, seemingly unperturbed by the closeness. ] Hmm... I believe Miss Sophia called it Spicy Dumpling Soup. It is rather good.
I'm sure if you ask nicely, she could provide a tab for you.
( The smell of the dumplings truly is a work of art. Luffy is blessed with one of the best chefs in the East Blue being a member of his crew, and he's already planning to bring Sanji to this place to see if the other can figure out the recipe. Luffy doesn't need to eat any of it to know it's going to taste incredible, and his stomach gives another low grumble.
There's nothing from Luffy except a friendly eagerness as he gasps at the mention of soup, immediately looking back over at the counter with barely contained happiness. Spicy dumpling soup! He just has to try it and he's almost vibrating in excitement over the idea. Will Sanji have a rival? Luffy can't wait to see. )
Miss Sophia? Huh, okay! I'll have to ask them. Do they sell other things? Which one's your favorite?
( Sophia is still busy and so Algaea will get the questions until then, and Luffy sees no issues in talking to someone he doesn't know. How else will he get to know someone? )
[ Lucky this place isn't far from the Dome. Vi is often starving after a fight, and when that type of hunger strikes, nothing hits the spot quite like an absurdly high stack of bamboo steamers chock full of dumplings. It feels illegal how cheap they are.
Chopsticks have been provided, but she eats all of them with her hands whether she's 'supposed' to or not, occasionally remembering to dunk a few in the sauce, though they're just as delicious without.
The item in her hand when another customer pipes up next to her happens to be a fluffy meat bun. She pauses, peering at it thoughtfully for a moment before shoving the rest in her mouth. ]
Dunno. I just pointed to random things on the menu. [ Vi admits, mouth still full, with a shrug. ]
But everything here is fucking awesome.
[ She looks over fully now, giving him a once-over. No one she's seen around before. ]
If you set up a tab, you'd better pay it off quick and not cause Sophie any trouble. Or you're gonna make a lot of enemies.
( Luffy isn't at all bothered by the idea of someone using their hands to eat, having done the same himself and will most likely do it again in the very near future. He does watch the meat bun in Vi's hand carefully, almost wistfully as if said meat bun will suddenly be handed over. His mouth even opens a little in readiness. And then the moment ends at Vi eats it and Luffy leans back a little in his seat. )
Just pointed to things... yeah, yeah, that's a great idea! You might find a new favourite doing that!
( There's zero hesitation as Luffy makes hand motions at Sophie, his earnest look shining through as he gives an overjoyed smile. )
I'll have what this person ordered, please! ( No ask about price, or tabs, or anything of the kind. Luffy is a deal-with-it-when-it-happens kind, completely gung-ho when it comes to food. If push comes to shove, he has a small bit of money in his pocket he received for trading batteries earlier. Whatever they are. )
I won't, I know better than to upset anyone who feeds us. I only did that once and ended up doing dishes for the whole night! But it worked out cause his chef joined my crew, so in a way, I kinda won that one.
[ Ardbert's become a regular at the dumpling house.
He and Aria found it shortly after arriving here and had decided to simply go down the menu and try a new item each time they came until they'd sampled everything on offer. They accomplished that goal a few weeks back, yet it hasn't done anything to deter Ardbert's desire to come here.
Sophie knows him by now; the fact that he, Aria, and G'raha once had a shocking reunion here probably means that he's stuck in her mind. That, and he tries to be friendly to her every time he visits, whether it's to pick up or dine in.
He's got some time today, so it's dine in. He's expecting to eat alone, which is why when a young man slides in next to him, striking up conversation as if they're old friends, Ardbert has to take a moment to mentally adjust. ]
... Ah, this is— [ With a glance down at his plate, piled with steaming hot food. But the question is quickly replaced with another, and Ardbert raises an eyebrow. ] A tab? You mean you don't have the means to pay?
( Returning custom is always a great sign of good food, and Luffy will undoubtedly be returning in future to this place. He has a cook on his crew of pirates, someone who can turn the smallest amount of food into something five star. It's just that Luffy is:
a) aware that there's not a lot for the group of them right now. b) scoping out the competition to give Sanji ideas on what to make next.
Not to mention caught out hungry during his exploring. Such is the way of things.
Luffy peers at Ardbert, still unconcerned about striking up random conversation and stealing someone's space. Brown eyes flick down almost expectantly to the plate of food before back up. )
I have some. Joobies. ( Words are difficult sometimes for one (1) pirate captain. ) But doesn't everyone just open a tab in this world?
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Apparently the sea in this place is a terrible thing from what he's heard. How that works he doesn't understand, and Luffy shakes his head to himself as he wanders in to what looks to be a flower shop. The finer details of things will work out, he's sure of it, and he turns his attention to the fragrant-smelling items around him.
Flowers of all shapes, sizes and colors surround the pirate captain. Even he can't help but appreciate them considering the environment outside, and he reaches out to pick up what looks to be a plant of some sort, with spikes that look like a toothy grin.
Luffy's opinion of the plant only improves as it suddenly thrums into life, snapping jaws inches away from Luffy's face. Luckily he can hold it at arm's length, giving a laugh as he admires the tenacity.
It's only when the rest of the shop suddenly becomes active that Luffy realizes this could be more trouble than it's worth, and he looks over to a nearby person, more concerned for them than himself. )
Hey, hear that? Sure is the sound of gnashing teeth and rustling leaves, and Luffy puts the plant he's holding down on a nearby shelf. I think that's our cue to leave.
( Even as he says it, the sounds of crashing from the next shelves over punctuated by what could be the sound of tippy-tapping plant feet. )
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[ she is not surprised by the bad vibes, as she meanders inside. she swats a few out of her way, but mostly she pulls her hat low and tries to avoid eye contact with the shopkeeper. if there even is one -- it's preemptive avoidance. ]
[ at the end of the aisle, she looks over at the sound of the young man's voice, half-hoping he hadn't been talking to her, but alas. she doesn't get to answer before there's another noise, one that sounds suspiciously like a walking plant. her fingers tap idly on the cutlass at her hip. ]
Wouldn't be surprised if it suddenly went in for the kill.
let me know if anne isn't recogniseable, happy to change!
( Sounds suspicious but looking at the surrounding plants, chomping away as if trying to get their pound of flesh, Luffy can believe it. The sounds of movement in the next aisle over also lend credence to that, though whatever it makes the noises is much larger than the ones sitting on the shelves. )
I kinda want to take one back to the motel. Zoro would love it.
( Zoro may, but the others who live with him would probably not appreciate being bitten by plant life, and right now in Luffy's mind it's too easy to envisage a momma plant coming to rescue the young plant Luffy has whisked away. Thrashing and destroying everything around it as the plant brings the motel down.
Maybe not.
He turns to say something to Anne, pausing as he gets a glance of her attire. Coat. Hat. Cutlass. Enough to get some gears turning in Luffy's head as he puts the danger around them down a notch in priority. )
...Are you a pirate?
totally fine she definitely still dresses like one!
[ why not add murderous plants to the mix. she gives the kid a strange look when he says he wants one, but more power to him, she supposes. she'd sooner shank it for coming near her. ]
[ there's something in the way he watches suddenly her that makes her a little uncomfortable, but in the way that people watching her does by default. she doesn't like attention. it's a comfort to keep dressing like this, though sometimes it stands out. even after he asks his question, there's a long pause before she answers. ]
My answer gonna be a problem?
[ the lack of denial is probably it's own confirmation. ]
β₯
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Exploration of the Fringes, she still believes, is a key to unlocking that. And if there are people who want to tag along? There are safety in numbers as she's learned. Especially someone as enthusiastic as Luffy.
She's seen plenty - a gigantic liminal mall, a farm with glowing alien eggs, an abandoned temple that didn't take kindly to disbelievers - that a flower shop feels pleasant in comparison. But the distinct sound of jaws closing around air draws her attention away from the tiny bunny-shaped succulent. ]
Wha -
[ Unlike Luffy however she doesn't put the succulent back as she quickly tries to make a beeline for the door. Unfortunately vines have begun to grow and reach over any obvious exit points. ]
I suppose they didn't take too kindly to being woken up?
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( Luffy huffs his answer out as he looks around, already scanning the room they're in for any other exits. Safety in numbers is a great idea in a world like this, he's learning, but it also means more collateral damage when things go awry. Shouldered with the purpose of keeping his crew, and everyone else safe, there's no way Luffy is going to leave Alisaie to the plants. The same would extend to any and all around him, no matter how competent they are.
That's the job of a pirate captain!
The snapping plant on the shelf gets another look, as if Luffy can't quite believe what he's seeing. Would these plants eat them? From the sounds of crashing around in the next aisle, the chances are high that they're about to become plant food and the young man is already pulling at the vines on the door with his bare hands. )
I didn't think they would eat meat.....
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Fortunately, Alisaie didn't see it so much as a burden as she viewed it as a responsibility she would happily take on. ]Β
I believe that would the the case for most people. [ Jaws snap somewhere near the vicinity of her ankles and she leaps over them just in time to avoid disaster. ] Unfortunately I'm afraid that we're dealing with plants.Β
[ She's already drawn her weapon, the crystal flaring to life in her other hand as she slashes at the vines. They immediately fall, causing the plants to screech and writhe back. That they don't grow back is a small blessing but she doesn't chance it, slashing again at the vines β ]Β
Go! Or we'll be trapped at this rate.Β
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sorry this is late, if you need to handwave that's okay β₯
it's okay!! if you want to continue i'm game β₯
!! β₯
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( From what Luffy can tell, this place enjoys its events. In a way it's similar to home, and having survived a pumpkin patch patrolled by clowns, Luffy can't help but watch over the course of a few days as paper moons begin showing up in places only to be removed and placed elsewhere. The concept seems simple enough and the pirate captain makes a point of getting involved; these things will look nice at the motel. Small treasures that will light up in the dark through ways even Luffy can't figure out.
Details, the finer ones tend to elude him, but it normally works out in the end.
After a few days Luffy finally finds some paper moons that have recently gone up on to a wall, ones that haven't been touched or dented by other means. He doesn't even think twice before reaching up, arm stretching, stretching far beyond normal means as he strives to reach one nearly twenty feet in the air. Someone had used a ladder, and the idea of it being out of reach in such a way only makes the paper moon all that more desirable. Luffy just has no idea how weird he must be looking to anyone walking on by. )
Nearly got it....
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He's on his way back to retrieve his parked bike near the area when he passes by this young man trying to reach one of these paper moons that propped up. Which are twenty feet in the air. Using only his arm. Which is stretching way beyond how it should be.
Look, Steve has seen his fair share of weirdness. He has fought alien armies and did time travel shenanigans. Heck, he even fought his own self during this time travel adventure at one point. Literally. So, this shouldn't even be surprising. And yet, it still is, that for a moment, he's stunned speechless, blue eyes watching this young man reach that high. ]
Guess that beats climbing up a ladder. [ A beat, nodding at this young man's stretched arm. ] How do you do that, kid?
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He just really wants it for the crew, to bring them back something nice that will light up the darkness of the evening, and soon enough the paper moon peels away from the wall, and Luffy gives a small whoop as he pulls his arm back down. )
Huh? ( Oh, someone was talking to him? Luffy can't help the sheepish look as he pockets the paper, idly rubbing his arm as he gives Steve a curious look over. Everyone here, from what he's heard, is in the same situation as he is. Being pulled from a world into this one can't be easy for anyone! )
Oh yeah it does! ( Luffy's grin widens as he looks wholly pleased with himself. ) I'm made of rubber, I can do all kinds of things. Wanna see?
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He has to remind himself that he's in a world battered by cosmic storms with people who came from different universes. Anything's free game. At least, this kid seems to be chipper enough. That's a good spirit to have. ]
Sure, why not? [ Might as well humor the kid. And this is the first time he's seeing an ability like this anyway. ]
Mind also telling me how you're made of rubber? [ Did he come from a rubber tree or something? ]
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That's... pretty crazy looking, actually. But also a pretty useful skillset to have? Luffy is too busy to notice him approach and stare up at his very, very long arm. Without asking politely, he reaches over, pinches some of the skin on Luffy's arm, and then gives it a experimental tug.
Sorry, the impulsive voices in his head won out.]
Are you made of rubber?
[WHOA, CLOSE. KINDA!!!]
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At least the skin on his arm stretches, as Jinu expected it too.
Yeah! I'm all stretchy.
( Anyone else would potentially be annoyed at being pinched, but Luffy just takes it all in his stride, pulling his arm back down and swiftly pocketing the piece of paper. )
Does it bother you? ( And without another word, Luffy grabs the side of his mouth and pulls, showing off his abilities without an inkling of shame. )
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[it's something else subtly soft and cozy in a city full of sharp edges]
[so! this means he isn't surprised when he sees others carefully popping those paper moons off of a wall and tucking it into their pocket. what does surprise him is. . . well]
[do I even need to say it?]
[he almost passes by without saying anything. takes a few strides past Luffy before he stops. turns around. tilts his head back to stare up, up and up]
[a quiet whisper]
What in the. . .
[and then a bit louder, clearly addressing Luffy]
Is this. . . normal for you?
[RUDE?]
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A familiar voice reaches Luffy's ears and he turns, blinking at Edamura before giving a smile. It's good to know the other guy hasn't been caught by clowns, even now. )
What this? ( The paper moon is fixed with a determined look. ) No, I don't normally sneak bits of paper but these ones are too neat to pass up.
( The obvious has been missed by a country mile and Luffy is oblivious to the fact. ) Want me to grab you one?
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1/2
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πππ π½πΌπΊππ½ πππΏπ
Which is why if anyone comes across Luffy as he scavenges, there's usually something useless in his pockets or arms he's determined to take back to the others. And should he come across anyone eating, there's zero shame in wandering on over to start up conversation.
Occasionally Luffy can be found at the side of the road, waving away the steam from the engine of his car, the Going Strawberry. One day he'll learn to stop pushing it so hard.
His TDM post is also here, and any prompts from that I'm happy to tag into as well! )
a little treat β‘ lmk if it's good!
soβ
wanda crosses from her shared room into the bathroom, to nami and zoro's, and then makes it to the door to the third room that they found some time ago. it's ajar, so wanda bumps it open with her shoulder, and it is soon revealed that she has a cardboard box in her hands. )
Hey, Luffy, do you have a minute?
it's perf β₯
Luckily for Wanda, it's a time of day when the pirate captain is in, moving around his room as he looks for something. Whatever it is, he's not having much luck and when Wanda speaks up Luffy gives a smile, happy to be distracted.
Ghosts, why are they so hard to find?? )
Sure, what's up? ( Brown eyes immediately zero in on the box as Luffy's curiosity already begins to kick in. )
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πππΊπ πππΎ π½ππππ πππ πππππΎ
It doesn't take Luffy long to find the restaurant, brown eyes wide and full of joy as he takes in the sight. Xiao Xue Dumpling House. His stomach growls in anticipation and without a single thought in his head the pirate captain beelines for a seat and sits down, mouth almost watering as his stomach gives another audible groan.
Sophie, it seems, is busy with another customer for the moment and Luffy can barely contain himself, turning to the person in the seat next to him ( personal space, what is that?), hoping that conversation will make the wait time that bit more bearable. )
What have you got? The food here smells amazing, do you think they'll set up a tab?
( Luffy can be an idiot at times, but he doesn't feel like washing dishes today....Not again. )
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[ Although her voracity for food likely paled in comparison to Luffyβs, she had as much insatiable curiosity about the incredible smell that wafted from the dumpling house the first time she passed it. What a hypnotizing and unfamiliar smell... it captured her heart immediately. By now, itβs already her third time here.
She doesnβt expect immediately that Luffy would approach her so eagerly, especially given his empty-mindedness as he rakes the chair over the floor to sit by her. Itβs fine, she can mind her own business over a meal, if thatβs his favourite spot or something. And if she senses any annoyance, she can always find another spot. --Although, that doesn't seem like it will be a concern, as he quickly strikes her up for conversation.
Algaea does not turn as he leans in, seemingly unperturbed by the closeness. ] Hmm... I believe Miss Sophia called it Spicy Dumpling Soup. It is rather good.
I'm sure if you ask nicely, she could provide a tab for you.
all good on the empathy! go for it β₯
There's nothing from Luffy except a friendly eagerness as he gasps at the mention of soup, immediately looking back over at the counter with barely contained happiness. Spicy dumpling soup! He just has to try it and he's almost vibrating in excitement over the idea. Will Sanji have a rival? Luffy can't wait to see. )
Miss Sophia? Huh, okay! I'll have to ask them. Do they sell other things? Which one's your favorite?
( Sophia is still busy and so Algaea will get the questions until then, and Luffy sees no issues in talking to someone he doesn't know. How else will he get to know someone? )
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Chopsticks have been provided, but she eats all of them with her hands whether she's 'supposed' to or not, occasionally remembering to dunk a few in the sauce, though they're just as delicious without.
The item in her hand when another customer pipes up next to her happens to be a fluffy meat bun. She pauses, peering at it thoughtfully for a moment before shoving the rest in her mouth. ]
Dunno. I just pointed to random things on the menu. [ Vi admits, mouth still full, with a shrug. ]
But everything here is fucking awesome.
[ She looks over fully now, giving him a once-over. No one she's seen around before. ]
If you set up a tab, you'd better pay it off quick and not cause Sophie any trouble. Or you're gonna make a lot of enemies.
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Just pointed to things... yeah, yeah, that's a great idea! You might find a new favourite doing that!
( There's zero hesitation as Luffy makes hand motions at Sophie, his earnest look shining through as he gives an overjoyed smile. )
I'll have what this person ordered, please! ( No ask about price, or tabs, or anything of the kind. Luffy is a deal-with-it-when-it-happens kind, completely gung-ho when it comes to food. If push comes to shove, he has a small bit of money in his pocket he received for trading batteries earlier. Whatever they are. )
I won't, I know better than to upset anyone who feeds us. I only did that once and ended up doing dishes for the whole night! But it worked out cause his chef joined my crew, so in a way, I kinda won that one.
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He and Aria found it shortly after arriving here and had decided to simply go down the menu and try a new item each time they came until they'd sampled everything on offer. They accomplished that goal a few weeks back, yet it hasn't done anything to deter Ardbert's desire to come here.
Sophie knows him by now; the fact that he, Aria, and G'raha once had a shocking reunion here probably means that he's stuck in her mind. That, and he tries to be friendly to her every time he visits, whether it's to pick up or dine in.
He's got some time today, so it's dine in. He's expecting to eat alone, which is why when a young man slides in next to him, striking up conversation as if they're old friends, Ardbert has to take a moment to mentally adjust. ]
... Ah, this is— [ With a glance down at his plate, piled with steaming hot food. But the question is quickly replaced with another, and Ardbert raises an eyebrow. ] A tab? You mean you don't have the means to pay?
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a) aware that there's not a lot for the group of them right now.
b) scoping out the competition to give Sanji ideas on what to make next.
Not to mention caught out hungry during his exploring. Such is the way of things.
Luffy peers at Ardbert, still unconcerned about striking up random conversation and stealing someone's space. Brown eyes flick down almost expectantly to the plate of food before back up. )
I have some. Joobies. ( Words are difficult sometimes for one (1) pirate captain. ) But doesn't everyone just open a tab in this world?
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