You have? (It's not overly surprising to hear though it is a small, warm feeling to know that Koby occasionally wonders. Luffy wonders too but he understands all too well that some people did better as pirates as others did as marines. The pair of them know it and Luffy rubs the back of his neck, expression wry. Koby most likely would not have enjoyed the list of enemies the crew have already encountered.)
You are missed, can't lie about that, but I also like who you are now. You're stronger. (The pirate captain gives a cheeky wink.) Best I can do is a two week kidnapping, on the house.
Yeah. I wonder if it would've fit better or...been easier. [Then Koby laughs, embarrassed, shoving his hands in his pockets.] Then again, I've seen the sort of people you tend to get in fights with, so "easier" probably isn't the right word.
[He looks up, expression hard to read behind his glasses, with the sun glinting off the lenses.] If I hadn't told you what my dream was...would you have asked me to come with you? [He knows Luffy wouldn't have, knowing what Koby wanted, but if he hadn't...]
(Koby would have found his niche in the crew just like the others had. Even Usopp has his own place and Luffy doesn't doubt for a second Koby would have too. Though the killer clown going to pieces may have tipped him over the edge, that would had been a rough time. It had been for everyone involved.)
Why wouldn't I? (Luffy tilts his head, expression curious at that question. If Koby hadn't mentioned his dream then he would absolutely have made the offer until the other was comfortable sharing that wish.) Koby, you were my first crew mate and we sailed to Shells Town together. I'll never forget that and no matter what happens there's always space for you on the Going Merry if you ever need it. Some people can find their dreams change and if the marines isn't working out, then try and find us.
[The seven-foot-tall pirate vampire with the enormous sword was enough, thanks. And the shark people. And everything else.
Still, Koby pauses, shoulders scrunched up to his ears, hesitating for a long moment before replying.] If you'd asked me, I would've said yes. Even...even with the marines. [Then he shakes his head, hard, continuing to walk.] But that's -- over and done with. No use dwelling, right?
(Yeah, even Kuro had been a real pain and Koby would know that from experience. But now it's just the ocean and the Grand Line, what's the worst that could happen?
Luffy pauses at those words, moving to stand in front of Koby with an almost concerned expression in his eyes.)
It wouldn't be my place to ask you not to chase your dream, Koby. If you had joined you probably would have been wondering about why you didn't join the marines instead. But...if it's not working, or you're unhappy, then you can still join us. Anytime. You don't have to dwell on anything as long as you know you have options.
[Koby can very easily imagine the worst that could happen. He has a fantastic imagination.
But now he's preoccupied with their conversation, looking up and meeting Luffy's eyes for a long moment. Then he exhales, pushing his glasses back up his nose.] You're right. You usually are. I guess it's...
...I miss you. I wish it were easier to see you. That's all.
Maybe, but it's not about being right it's about making sure you're okay.
(The reality of it is though is a little trickier to solve and Luffy can't deny that small pang of sorrow in his chest at Koby's comment. They'd only been together a short time and even Luffy misses his friend, taking solace in the fact the other is out there chasing his dream and making it a reality. Luffy supposes that will have to do, who is he to take someone's dream away in a selfish moment?)
I miss you too. I don't know, maybe we can get some of those little transponder snails? Nami used to have one.
I am. I'm so much better than I have been in...ever, I think.
[Koby offers a smile, stepping forward, instinctively reaching out to touch Luffy's arm. The last thing he wants is to make this sad, not when this could be one of the last times they're able to hang out like this. Luffy's headed for the Grand Line, after all. People go there and they don't come back.
Pushing the thoughts away, Koby adds:] I'm happier than I've ever been, and it's because of you. I don't want you to think I'm not, okay?
I just...wonder sometimes. That's all. [Then, blinking:] Nami did? Why?
( Luffy gives a nod, not at all feeling any sort of misery, just a small sense of pride in a friend who's surpassed themselves. )
You look better too. ( Confidence perhaps? Luffy's not sure, but Koby is definitely nowhere near as nervous as they had been upon first meeting. Who knows where Koby will be in a few years? Running some part of the marines no doubt, Luffy would bet on it. )
Not sure, I think she had people to call. Wait, do you smell that? ( Whatever hot gossip Luffy had been about to drop is lost as he clutches at the hand on his arm, sniffing the air appreciatively. ) Smells like meat. Cooked meat!
Do I? [Koby needs about ten solid minutes to process that, turning pink-cheeked and pleased. He's got better posture for sure -- less hunching, less trying to disappear in his own skin. It's shockingly nice to hear that someone -- that Luffy has noticed.
But the siren call of meat must take priority, as per usual. Koby blinks a few times, already shaking his head.] I don't smell anything but ocean. But if you smell it, I believe you. [Luffy's powers somehow extend to preternatural meat-smelling.]
(It's definitely the smell of something roasting, spiced meat of some kind that's being cooked on an open flame. That, coupled with how Koby is reddening at the compliment, is an almost intoxicating mix and Luffy is already plotting. This can be a last adventure before they cross paths again, obviously it's fate that someone nearby is cooking something so mouth-wateringly fragrant and the pirate captain keeps hold of Koby's hand before tugging the young marine in a specific direction.
Luffy may not be falling over drunk, but he's definitely more physically affectionate.)
Yeah! We should find it and treat ourselves. You up for it?
[Of course Koby's already nodding, smiling, holding tight to Luffy's hand. Luffy could tell him they're about to leap into an active volcano, and Koby would probably go along with it -- not just because this is probably goodbye for a while, not just because he's flustered and pleased by the compliment. It could be two, five, ten years between them meeting, and if Luffy suddenly appeared and asked Koby to run into the unknown with him, he would in an instant.
So of course he nods.] Yeah, why not? As long as you're leading the way.
(Luffy can hear his stomach rumbling already, feeling as if he hasn't eaten for a week and yet it's an alcohol cake that has gotten him here in the first place. Such is the way of things and Luffy keeps a firm hold of Koby's hand as he starts walking again, noting how warm the other's hand feels in his.
Thankfully there are no volcanoes for either of them to jump into, though Luffy does stumble a little as he trips on some discarded fishing rope.)
( The arm at his waist is a good steadying presence, Luffy enjoying the feel immensely as he wraps his own around Koby's shoulders. There's no escape for the marine and the pirate gives Koby a mischievous look, eyebrows raised. )
Careful, don't fall over.
( Luffy ignores the fact it's him that staggered, instead keeping hold of Koby as he starts to look around. His nose usually is on point but his direction is skewed for once and it takes the young man a moment to get his bearings. )
Good, food is important. Everyone's gotta eat. It shouldn't be far, you feel up to walking?
[Koby makes a softly exasperated sound, because he is completely steady here, Luffy, don't be silly. Still, who is he to argue? There's something sort of charming about a slightly tipsy Luffy, anyways. And the weight of the pirate's arm around his shoulders is also nice.
So he just nods, hiding his smile ineffectively.] You got it. No falling over. I can walk, yeah. In a straight line, even.
( Though in this case it's probably going to be useful and Luffy taps his chin with a free hand, looking thoughtfully around them before nodding to himself. )
We want to go that way. ( Luffy points in the direction of the town where a littering of stalls can be seen not too far away, making sure to keep his other arm around Koby's shoulders, feeling too comfortable and warm to remove it. ) And when we get there we'll have to eat until we cant even move.
It...gets us there faster? [Fun and efficiency are the same things for Koby.
But it's still nice, walking with Luffy. More specifically, with Luffy's arm around his shoulders. He -- will just unpack that thought later. Much later. For now, he's too busy nodding along seriously to the plan.]
You mean you don't eat good food until you can't move?
(That's strange but then Luffy's normal is everyone else's mystery. But then he doesn't talk much about a time when food was not so easy to come across and as such Luffy is not only selfish but will treat each meal like it's his last for some time.)
There's not much better than feeling full of delicious things, or not that I can think of.
Not that I can remember. [Maybe he's missing out? But maybe it's just a Luffy thing. Koby's pretty sure he can get away with eating a normal amount, but if his friend insists on being unable to move, he'll try his best.
So, smiling:] Maybe I'll just try to keep up with you, to start.
( Seeing that smile makes everything worth it in the end; it's reward enough and Luffy grins in return. )
That's the spirit. Right, this way.
( It isn't going to take them long to get to the food stall now that Luffy has spotted it in the distance and he makes certain to keep his arm at Koby's shoulders until the other shrugs it off, or until Luffy needs both hands to eat whatever it is he buys from the stall. )
[Koby is...definitely not shrugging the arm off. In fact, he might actually give himself a shoulder strain from trying to hold still, trying to make sure Luffy doesn't move away. Though, of course, he'll (reluctantly) surrender that when there's actual food to eat. Food he can see now, and smell -- not that he ever doubted Luffy, of course. His ability to detect food is superhuman.
The question gets a nod, thoughtful and not a bit weary.] It's the hardest thing I've ever done in my whole life. But it's...a different kind of hard from anything else? If that makes sense? It's not a bad hard.
Good, good. If it was easy it wouldn't be the right thing to be doing.
( Luffy knows he's technically asked this before but he just can't help himself. Koby has done so well and it just blows Luffy's mind that the young man has gone from captive of the Alvida pirates to marine being trained by Monkey D. Garp. It's fantastically unreal in every way and Luffy's smile widens, eyes crinkling.
Koby the marine. )
And you said that other guy was with you too right? What's his deal? Didn't seem very friendly in Shells Town.
[The full force of that smile is something that should definitely count as one of Luffy's powers, because how is anyone supposed to do anything when faced with it? Gum Gum Believe in Yourself, maybe...
Face red, Koby sort of shrugs, pleased and shy and flattered all at once.] I wouldn't have done any of it without you, so. Thank you.
Helmeppo, yeah. I think he's just...lonely and bad at showing it? Really...really bad at it. He's gotten a lot friendlier, though.
( Luffy mouths the word as if committing it to memory. He'll do his best but there's no doubt that the name will be butchered in some format when the time comes. The comment about being lonely makes sense as something Koby would pick up on, some people just weren't fortunate enough to have people in their lives to help them get through things. Luffy isn't sure where he'd be without Makino, Shanks and the red-haired pirate crew. )
I don't think he'll forgive me for the last time we met, but in my defense I wasn't very well. ( Luffy pauses, head tilting as he peers at Koby. ) He's lucky to have you as a friend, I don't doubt he'll feel all the better for it.
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You are missed, can't lie about that, but I also like who you are now. You're stronger. (The pirate captain gives a cheeky wink.) Best I can do is a two week kidnapping, on the house.
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[He looks up, expression hard to read behind his glasses, with the sun glinting off the lenses.] If I hadn't told you what my dream was...would you have asked me to come with you? [He knows Luffy wouldn't have, knowing what Koby wanted, but if he hadn't...]
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Why wouldn't I? (Luffy tilts his head, expression curious at that question. If Koby hadn't mentioned his dream then he would absolutely have made the offer until the other was comfortable sharing that wish.) Koby, you were my first crew mate and we sailed to Shells Town together. I'll never forget that and no matter what happens there's always space for you on the Going Merry if you ever need it. Some people can find their dreams change and if the marines isn't working out, then try and find us.
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Still, Koby pauses, shoulders scrunched up to his ears, hesitating for a long moment before replying.] If you'd asked me, I would've said yes. Even...even with the marines. [Then he shakes his head, hard, continuing to walk.] But that's -- over and done with. No use dwelling, right?
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Luffy pauses at those words, moving to stand in front of Koby with an almost concerned expression in his eyes.)
It wouldn't be my place to ask you not to chase your dream, Koby. If you had joined you probably would have been wondering about why you didn't join the marines instead. But...if it's not working, or you're unhappy, then you can still join us. Anytime. You don't have to dwell on anything as long as you know you have options.
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But now he's preoccupied with their conversation, looking up and meeting Luffy's eyes for a long moment. Then he exhales, pushing his glasses back up his nose.] You're right. You usually are. I guess it's...
...I miss you. I wish it were easier to see you. That's all.
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(The reality of it is though is a little trickier to solve and Luffy can't deny that small pang of sorrow in his chest at Koby's comment. They'd only been together a short time and even Luffy misses his friend, taking solace in the fact the other is out there chasing his dream and making it a reality. Luffy supposes that will have to do, who is he to take someone's dream away in a selfish moment?)
I miss you too. I don't know, maybe we can get some of those little transponder snails? Nami used to have one.
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[Koby offers a smile, stepping forward, instinctively reaching out to touch Luffy's arm. The last thing he wants is to make this sad, not when this could be one of the last times they're able to hang out like this. Luffy's headed for the Grand Line, after all. People go there and they don't come back.
Pushing the thoughts away, Koby adds:] I'm happier than I've ever been, and it's because of you. I don't want you to think I'm not, okay?
I just...wonder sometimes. That's all. [Then, blinking:] Nami did? Why?
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You look better too. ( Confidence perhaps? Luffy's not sure, but Koby is definitely nowhere near as nervous as they had been upon first meeting. Who knows where Koby will be in a few years? Running some part of the marines no doubt, Luffy would bet on it. )
Not sure, I think she had people to call. Wait, do you smell that? ( Whatever hot gossip Luffy had been about to drop is lost as he clutches at the hand on his arm, sniffing the air appreciatively. ) Smells like meat. Cooked meat!
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But the siren call of meat must take priority, as per usual. Koby blinks a few times, already shaking his head.] I don't smell anything but ocean. But if you smell it, I believe you. [Luffy's powers somehow extend to preternatural meat-smelling.]
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Luffy may not be falling over drunk, but he's definitely more physically affectionate.)
Yeah! We should find it and treat ourselves. You up for it?
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So of course he nods.] Yeah, why not? As long as you're leading the way.
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(Luffy can hear his stomach rumbling already, feeling as if he hasn't eaten for a week and yet it's an alcohol cake that has gotten him here in the first place. Such is the way of things and Luffy keeps a firm hold of Koby's hand as he starts walking again, noting how warm the other's hand feels in his.
Thankfully there are no volcanoes for either of them to jump into, though Luffy does stumble a little as he trips on some discarded fishing rope.)
Ooops. You're hungry right?
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Clearing his throat, reddening, he finishes:] Um. Yeah. I could eat.
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Careful, don't fall over.
( Luffy ignores the fact it's him that staggered, instead keeping hold of Koby as he starts to look around. His nose usually is on point but his direction is skewed for once and it takes the young man a moment to get his bearings. )
Good, food is important. Everyone's gotta eat. It shouldn't be far, you feel up to walking?
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So he just nods, hiding his smile ineffectively.] You got it. No falling over. I can walk, yeah. In a straight line, even.
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( Though in this case it's probably going to be useful and Luffy taps his chin with a free hand, looking thoughtfully around them before nodding to himself. )
We want to go that way. ( Luffy points in the direction of the town where a littering of stalls can be seen not too far away, making sure to keep his other arm around Koby's shoulders, feeling too comfortable and warm to remove it. ) And when we get there we'll have to eat until we cant even move.
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But it's still nice, walking with Luffy. More specifically, with Luffy's arm around his shoulders. He -- will just unpack that thought later. Much later. For now, he's too busy nodding along seriously to the plan.]
We have to? Is this a requirement?
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(That's strange but then Luffy's normal is everyone else's mystery. But then he doesn't talk much about a time when food was not so easy to come across and as such Luffy is not only selfish but will treat each meal like it's his last for some time.)
There's not much better than feeling full of delicious things, or not that I can think of.
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So, smiling:] Maybe I'll just try to keep up with you, to start.
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That's the spirit. Right, this way.
( It isn't going to take them long to get to the food stall now that Luffy has spotted it in the distance and he makes certain to keep his arm at Koby's shoulders until the other shrugs it off, or until Luffy needs both hands to eat whatever it is he buys from the stall. )
Are they treating you alright in the marines?
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The question gets a nod, thoughtful and not a bit weary.] It's the hardest thing I've ever done in my whole life. But it's...a different kind of hard from anything else? If that makes sense? It's not a bad hard.
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( Luffy knows he's technically asked this before but he just can't help himself. Koby has done so well and it just blows Luffy's mind that the young man has gone from captive of the Alvida pirates to marine being trained by Monkey D. Garp. It's fantastically unreal in every way and Luffy's smile widens, eyes crinkling.
Koby the marine. )
And you said that other guy was with you too right? What's his deal? Didn't seem very friendly in Shells Town.
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Face red, Koby sort of shrugs, pleased and shy and flattered all at once.] I wouldn't have done any of it without you, so. Thank you.
Helmeppo, yeah. I think he's just...lonely and bad at showing it? Really...really bad at it. He's gotten a lot friendlier, though.
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( Luffy mouths the word as if committing it to memory. He'll do his best but there's no doubt that the name will be butchered in some format when the time comes. The comment about being lonely makes sense as something Koby would pick up on, some people just weren't fortunate enough to have people in their lives to help them get through things. Luffy isn't sure where he'd be without Makino, Shanks and the red-haired pirate crew. )
I don't think he'll forgive me for the last time we met, but in my defense I wasn't very well. ( Luffy pauses, head tilting as he peers at Koby. ) He's lucky to have you as a friend, I don't doubt he'll feel all the better for it.
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