(It's unusual for Buggy to not be full of confidence, even in Orange Town Buggy had simply kept on going until he literally couldn't. Even then the clown still made a lot of noise. This? This is weird enough to have Luffy's stomach sinking still as he turns a corner into Crane's Respite a few minutes later without responding.
Who could take down Shanks and Buggy? Did they know salt water was a problem or had they merely gotten lucky? Luffy has no idea and he absently grabs a large towel as he heads through the door, the warmth and moisture in the air instantly oppressive for once.)
Buggy? I brought you a towel.
(Thankfully Luffy can talk and walk at the same time, keeping his tone calm as he begins searching for the clown, making sure to keep his attention on the surroundings should the assailant still be there.)
[It isn't like him to be subdued, no. He's loud and usually full of life, even if his moods seem to change at the drop of a hat. He rubs over his neck, sure there are bruises left behind that will stand out dark and angry for at least a few days.
He's at least managed to crawl his way to where his clothes are to grab something and cover himself for a little bit of dignity when Luffy rushes in.
He clears his throat when Luffy comes in, tries to sit up a bit straighter.]
(Luffy can't hold the words back despite how stunned he is. Beating Buggy in Orange Town had taken a devil fruit eater and other members of his crew, all for the one guy, yet right now it looks like someone did just. Buggy's neck looks sore, the marks blatant and angry enough to have Luffy wincing inwardly before giving himself a shake.
Shanks told him to get here and find Buggy. Overthinking can come later and Luffy already steps in to kneel next to the other, offering an arm to help him sit up properly. Despite the resort and all its trickery the only emotions Luffy can discern are concern intermingled with confusion.
[Even if it stings his pride, he takes the arm offered to him to sit up a little more properly. He isn't-- actually sure what to say right now. That's not something that happens often at all, but he eyes Luffy warily for a moment before he shrugs his shoulders.]
Trust me, I've had worse than this. [That's not entirely a lie? Buggy would say Arlong threatening him or separating him from his body, or falling in the sea right after he ate his Devil Fruit and realized it wasn't all a dumb story people told, would all be worse relatively speaking.
The thing is, it wasn't Shanks doing any of that maliciously. It feels worse, simply because he never thought that idiot would actually do that. Childish fights are one thing -- nearly killing him? Wholly unexpected. He isn't sure he can say any of that though. Not with Shanks' biggest fan right there and no idea he's talked with the idiot.]
... I think there's something wrong with Red Hair though.
Yeah like the time I launched you out of Orange Town. One day you can tell me where you landed.
(Luffy gives a small laugh at that as he watches Buggy sitting properly, not commenting on the fact he's helping at all. It's not even that the young man understands pride all that much, just that assisting others is so ingrained in his own nature that it never occurs to him it would rankle others.
Still, Buggy's neck looks painful despite what the clown says and it takes a moment before the mention of Shanks properly sinks in. Luffy glances around as if looking for someone, raising an eyebrow at Buggy with the question on his face clear as day.)
[That was an asshole move, Luffy. Do you know how long it takes to walk when you're nothing but feet and hands?? But. Impromptu drownings in salt water did remind him of his Tank of Doom. Buggy knows he's an asshole. He's not a good guy -- and no one should trust him to be otherwise.
And yet, here's this dumb Straw Hat, giving him a hand regardless.]
... I shouldn't have crammed you in that tank.
[Of course Luffy could have avoided that if he'd handed over the damn map, but hey.
He shifts a little, his hand moving to his own throat absently.]
I don't think so, but-- I didn't put a hand on him if that's what you're asking.
(Luffy slowly blinks at that sort of apology, concern growing all the more upon hearing it. How hard has Buggy's pride been hit to say such a thing? Is he dying?)
Yeah well, you believed in what you were doing even if it was wrong. You did what you felt you had to do, so don't start regretting it now.
(It had been horrible, a traumatic throwback to another time he'd found himself in salt water, but just like the first time Luffy's friends had been there to help him out. Had the roles been reversed, would someone have stopped Buggy from drowning? Luffy doesn't know, but he's here now and he puts a hand on the other's shoulder giving the smallest of playful shoves.
A hand that instantly freezes when he hears what Buggy has to say in regards to Shanks.
Shanks...did this...? The denial almost bubbles up and out of him instantly and Luffy has to bite it back as the reality of the message from Shanks crashes in to him. Shanks had literally spelled it out and Luffy had still put it to the back of his mind, the idea of the redhead being brutal and almost savage such a foreign concept to the young pirate captain. But the state of Buggy says otherwise, the bruises at his neck a glaring and obvious point that even Luffy can't miss it.
The realisation is such Luffy can almost feel his world tilting at his feet. Shanks, the most kind hearted captain, the one who wouldn't even get into a bar fight, strangling someone he considered a friend? Okay, fights could happen and they could escalate, but dunking a devil fruit eater in salt water? Shanks knew the impact that would have, the intent couldn't be anything else but purposeful and Luffy's brows draw together as he feels his chest constrict.
It couldn't be and yet it was.
Luffy looks around before snagging another towel, putting it around Buggy's shoulders as he tries to figure out just what it is he's even meant to be doing right now. )
[Why had he called? It isn't like there's much to be done besides dry out and get on with his life, same as usual. There's a wry smile when Luffy dismisses him, shaking his head.]
Fine. Won't take it back, then.
[But he still knew what a dick move it was when he did it. But he's not a good guy, so who can really be surprised?
... Maybe Nami or somebody might have been a better option to call? He's not sure. Maybe for a moment, Buggy realized how thoroughly alone he was here, without his crew, and now-- without Shanks apparently. Maybe the company of another devil fruit user felt safer, or maybe it's just that he knows for how annoying the rubber boy is, he's also not dickish enough to kick him while he's down.
Hopefully, anyway.
He didn't think Shanks would drown him either.]
What's there to talk about? I'm apparently just a worthless coward and a disgrace to our old captain. [He moves to try to push himself up, testing his legs a little bit.]
(Luffy can't really put into words why he'd rather Buggy stand by what he did. In a weird way diminishing it would make it seem all the weirder, and considering what else is currently being talked about it's not something the pirate captain is going to be dwelling on.
The reality of Shanks doing something so brutal is still struggling to sink in as Luffy gets to his feet, hovering nearby for support should Buggy need it standing up. He wrestles internally with something before throwing caution to the wind, offering a hand for Buggy to use.)
I mean I don't know your old captain, but I do know your crew like you. You're not worthless to them. Shanks said that?
(Does. Not. Compute. The guy who would rather mop a floor than deal with someone being villainous?)
[And none of them sounded like the Shanks he knew at all. Maybe time really did change them both, but... he doesn't think so? It doesn't feel like it, at least. It hadn't, anyway.]
I hope so. Otherwise, something's really gone off with him.
[He takes the hand offered to him, scowling slightly before nodding towards a pile of clothes.]
Hand me those, will ya? Not walking back to mine with barely anything on.
[He does have some dignity at least.]
... Maybe-- don't go around Shanks yet. But you could send a message, maybe.
[He's not gonna send Luffy into the lion's den if he can help it.]
(Had it been a spat between friends that this place had taken and twisted into something more? Or something that hadn't existed and been placed? Luffy doesn't know, he never understands how the resort works and has given up trying in that regard. Sometimes it felt like trying to catch a flowing river with his fingertips.)
I'll find out.
(There's not even a sassy remark as Luffy picks up the pile of clothes, offering them to Buggy with nothing more than a thoughtful, albeit concerned, look on his face. Shanks had to give half a damn, the redhead had messaged him the same time Buggy had and Luffy nods to himself. If Shanks really wanted to take Buggy out, there wouldn't have been the ask to help. Right?
Luffy's opinion of the resort sinks just that bit lower. Messing with his friends is always the quickest route to earning his ire.)
What if he's in trouble too? If this place is doing something to him...
Yeah, well... He's also tossing Devil Fruit users into salt water.
[And Luffy's tough, but Shanks is-- Shanks. A weak spot for the little idiot. Maybe he shouldn't give a damn if the idiot goes off and gets in over his head, but--
Luffy's giving him a hand here. That means something at least.
He slips on his shirt, frowning slightly.]
Just be careful at least, whatever you decide to do. You know as well as I do that red headed idiot isn't exactly a joke.
( Luffy can't deny that fact, between Buggy and Shanks the truth is irrefutable and he shakes his head, just as perplexed as the clown is. He's heard of this place being able to make people do things, but the thought it could be that strong against someone so willed like Shanks is hard to grasp.
Well, devil fruit users got to stick together and all, and Luffy gives a nod. He has no idea how strong Shanks really is, but the young man still likes to think he could manage something if the worst happened.
Which it wouldn't. This is Shanks. He would never.
Kind of. )
I just don't understand why. Look, you can be a jerk, but not that much of one. I'll talk to him, see if we can figure it out together.
[There's a laugh, actually, at that. Not that much of a jerk, huh? Clearly he's been failing. Or is it a win? He's not sure at the moment. But he does at least manage to get back into the clothes he'd discarded earlier.]
... It's complicated, you know. The stuff between us. [He shrugs his shoulders, idly.]
This place hasn't quite helped in that regard, I suppose. [But even if he was being pissy over Shanks avoiding him for a week, he really -- doesn't think he deserved to be dunked in salt water for it, nearly strangled.]
Think I'm gonna try to get back to my room, Straw Hat.
( For once Luffy is almost mature about it, a rare glimpse of the adult he can act when the need arises. There's knowledge that Buggy and Shanks have history, both from Buggy's outburst in Orange Town and from a one off conversation with the redhead a while back, but the sheer details are unknown and Luffy suspects it'll remain that way for some time.
Sometimes things are just. Complicated. Just as Buggy says. )
This place. It's really starting to annoy me. Messing with people, with my friends. ( Luffy momentarily grits his teeth, biting back the urge to rant before he simply shrugs it off. He'll bring his concerns up another time, for now it's all about Buggy and he nods at the comment about going back to his room. )
[Does that mean it's that unimportant? Or Shanks is just... Shanks about it? Hard to tell and right now? He doesn't care about it so much as getting somewhere where Shanks won't be able to get to him.]
It's done that since day one, hasn't it? Just maybe not as severe as it did with your old buddy Shanks this time. [He really doesn't figure Luffy is angry on his behalf, and he suspects the dumb Straw Hat will be running off to Shanks soon enough. Hopefully he won't be as apt to give anyone a salt water bath when he finds him...]
Buggy. Buggy the Clown. [Come on, Luffy!] Guess if you wanna walk with me, you can.
( It had been more than it was some of Buggy's story to tell, when Shanks had briefly mentioned it, out of respect to not potentially gossip about another. And Luffy had respected it enough not to dig too hard either, understanding on some level that the truth would out one day.
Which makes Shanks' actions all the stranger.
Luffy gives a small nod at talk of day one. From the get go this place had done it's thing, but there had been the confusion of being in a weird place that had softened the blow. Now it's been months and Luffy can feel his own patience wearing thin. )
Come on then let's go. Maybe if we're lucky we can pick you up something to drink on the way.
[He gives a small, stiff smile before he starts out of the bath. Good riddance to this place, honestly. He's not sure he'll be taking a bath again any time soon -- showers for him only going forward.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
oh my god why did I not get a notif for this?
Who could take down Shanks and Buggy? Did they know salt water was a problem or had they merely gotten lucky? Luffy has no idea and he absently grabs a large towel as he heads through the door, the warmth and moisture in the air instantly oppressive for once.)
Buggy? I brought you a towel.
(Thankfully Luffy can talk and walk at the same time, keeping his tone calm as he begins searching for the clown, making sure to keep his attention on the surroundings should the assailant still be there.)
DW likes to do that!!
He's at least managed to crawl his way to where his clothes are to grab something and cover himself for a little bit of dignity when Luffy rushes in.
He clears his throat when Luffy comes in, tries to sit up a bit straighter.]
Yeah? Thanks, kid. I need that, I think.
baffling
(Luffy can't hold the words back despite how stunned he is. Beating Buggy in Orange Town had taken a devil fruit eater and other members of his crew, all for the one guy, yet right now it looks like someone did just. Buggy's neck looks sore, the marks blatant and angry enough to have Luffy wincing inwardly before giving himself a shake.
Shanks told him to get here and find Buggy. Overthinking can come later and Luffy already steps in to kneel next to the other, offering an arm to help him sit up properly. Despite the resort and all its trickery the only emotions Luffy can discern are concern intermingled with confusion.
Both of which are blatant in his expressions.)
Guess salt water's still a thing here. You ok?
DW likes to be like that 😔
Trust me, I've had worse than this. [That's not entirely a lie? Buggy would say Arlong threatening him or separating him from his body, or falling in the sea right after he ate his Devil Fruit and realized it wasn't all a dumb story people told, would all be worse relatively speaking.
The thing is, it wasn't Shanks doing any of that maliciously. It feels worse, simply because he never thought that idiot would actually do that. Childish fights are one thing -- nearly killing him? Wholly unexpected. He isn't sure he can say any of that though. Not with Shanks' biggest fan right there and no idea he's talked with the idiot.]
... I think there's something wrong with Red Hair though.
no subject
(Luffy gives a small laugh at that as he watches Buggy sitting properly, not commenting on the fact he's helping at all. It's not even that the young man understands pride all that much, just that assisting others is so ingrained in his own nature that it never occurs to him it would rankle others.
Still, Buggy's neck looks painful despite what the clown says and it takes a moment before the mention of Shanks properly sinks in. Luffy glances around as if looking for someone, raising an eyebrow at Buggy with the question on his face clear as day.)
Is he okay?
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[That was an asshole move, Luffy. Do you know how long it takes to walk when you're nothing but feet and hands?? But. Impromptu drownings in salt water did remind him of his Tank of Doom. Buggy knows he's an asshole. He's not a good guy -- and no one should trust him to be otherwise.
And yet, here's this dumb Straw Hat, giving him a hand regardless.]
... I shouldn't have crammed you in that tank.
[Of course Luffy could have avoided that if he'd handed over the damn map, but hey.
He shifts a little, his hand moving to his own throat absently.]
I don't think so, but-- I didn't put a hand on him if that's what you're asking.
[He huffs out a chuckle.]
Guess he had a lot of aggression to get out.
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Yeah well, you believed in what you were doing even if it was wrong. You did what you felt you had to do, so don't start regretting it now.
(It had been horrible, a traumatic throwback to another time he'd found himself in salt water, but just like the first time Luffy's friends had been there to help him out. Had the roles been reversed, would someone have stopped Buggy from drowning? Luffy doesn't know, but he's here now and he puts a hand on the other's shoulder giving the smallest of playful shoves.
A hand that instantly freezes when he hears what Buggy has to say in regards to Shanks.
Shanks...did this...? The denial almost bubbles up and out of him instantly and Luffy has to bite it back as the reality of the message from Shanks crashes in to him. Shanks had literally spelled it out and Luffy had still put it to the back of his mind, the idea of the redhead being brutal and almost savage such a foreign concept to the young pirate captain. But the state of Buggy says otherwise, the bruises at his neck a glaring and obvious point that even Luffy can't miss it.
The realisation is such Luffy can almost feel his world tilting at his feet. Shanks, the most kind hearted captain, the one who wouldn't even get into a bar fight, strangling someone he considered a friend? Okay, fights could happen and they could escalate, but dunking a devil fruit eater in salt water? Shanks knew the impact that would have, the intent couldn't be anything else but purposeful and Luffy's brows draw together as he feels his chest constrict.
It couldn't be and yet it was.
Luffy looks around before snagging another towel, putting it around Buggy's shoulders as he tries to figure out just what it is he's even meant to be doing right now. )
Wanna talk about it?
no subject
Fine. Won't take it back, then.
[But he still knew what a dick move it was when he did it. But he's not a good guy, so who can really be surprised?
... Maybe Nami or somebody might have been a better option to call? He's not sure. Maybe for a moment, Buggy realized how thoroughly alone he was here, without his crew, and now-- without Shanks apparently. Maybe the company of another devil fruit user felt safer, or maybe it's just that he knows for how annoying the rubber boy is, he's also not dickish enough to kick him while he's down.
Hopefully, anyway.
He didn't think Shanks would drown him either.]
What's there to talk about? I'm apparently just a worthless coward and a disgrace to our old captain. [He moves to try to push himself up, testing his legs a little bit.]
no subject
The reality of Shanks doing something so brutal is still struggling to sink in as Luffy gets to his feet, hovering nearby for support should Buggy need it standing up. He wrestles internally with something before throwing caution to the wind, offering a hand for Buggy to use.)
I mean I don't know your old captain, but I do know your crew like you. You're not worthless to them. Shanks said that?
(Does. Not. Compute. The guy who would rather mop a floor than deal with someone being villainous?)
Was it this place?
no subject
[And none of them sounded like the Shanks he knew at all. Maybe time really did change them both, but... he doesn't think so? It doesn't feel like it, at least. It hadn't, anyway.]
I hope so. Otherwise, something's really gone off with him.
[He takes the hand offered to him, scowling slightly before nodding towards a pile of clothes.]
Hand me those, will ya? Not walking back to mine with barely anything on.
[He does have some dignity at least.]
... Maybe-- don't go around Shanks yet. But you could send a message, maybe.
[He's not gonna send Luffy into the lion's den if he can help it.]
no subject
I'll find out.
(There's not even a sassy remark as Luffy picks up the pile of clothes, offering them to Buggy with nothing more than a thoughtful, albeit concerned, look on his face. Shanks had to give half a damn, the redhead had messaged him the same time Buggy had and Luffy nods to himself. If Shanks really wanted to take Buggy out, there wouldn't have been the ask to help. Right?
Luffy's opinion of the resort sinks just that bit lower. Messing with his friends is always the quickest route to earning his ire.)
What if he's in trouble too? If this place is doing something to him...
no subject
[And Luffy's tough, but Shanks is-- Shanks. A weak spot for the little idiot. Maybe he shouldn't give a damn if the idiot goes off and gets in over his head, but--
Luffy's giving him a hand here. That means something at least.
He slips on his shirt, frowning slightly.]
Just be careful at least, whatever you decide to do. You know as well as I do that red headed idiot isn't exactly a joke.
no subject
Well, devil fruit users got to stick together and all, and Luffy gives a nod. He has no idea how strong Shanks really is, but the young man still likes to think he could manage something if the worst happened.
Which it wouldn't. This is Shanks. He would never.
Kind of. )
I just don't understand why. Look, you can be a jerk, but not that much of one. I'll talk to him, see if we can figure it out together.
no subject
... It's complicated, you know. The stuff between us. [He shrugs his shoulders, idly.]
This place hasn't quite helped in that regard, I suppose. [But even if he was being pissy over Shanks avoiding him for a week, he really -- doesn't think he deserved to be dunked in salt water for it, nearly strangled.]
Think I'm gonna try to get back to my room, Straw Hat.
no subject
( For once Luffy is almost mature about it, a rare glimpse of the adult he can act when the need arises. There's knowledge that Buggy and Shanks have history, both from Buggy's outburst in Orange Town and from a one off conversation with the redhead a while back, but the sheer details are unknown and Luffy suspects it'll remain that way for some time.
Sometimes things are just. Complicated. Just as Buggy says. )
This place. It's really starting to annoy me. Messing with people, with my friends. ( Luffy momentarily grits his teeth, biting back the urge to rant before he simply shrugs it off. He'll bring his concerns up another time, for now it's all about Buggy and he nods at the comment about going back to his room. )
Need help with that Boogie?
no subject
[Does that mean it's that unimportant? Or Shanks is just... Shanks about it? Hard to tell and right now? He doesn't care about it so much as getting somewhere where Shanks won't be able to get to him.]
It's done that since day one, hasn't it? Just maybe not as severe as it did with your old buddy Shanks this time. [He really doesn't figure Luffy is angry on his behalf, and he suspects the dumb Straw Hat will be running off to Shanks soon enough. Hopefully he won't be as apt to give anyone a salt water bath when he finds him...]
Buggy. Buggy the Clown. [Come on, Luffy!] Guess if you wanna walk with me, you can.
no subject
Which makes Shanks' actions all the stranger.
Luffy gives a small nod at talk of day one. From the get go this place had done it's thing, but there had been the confusion of being in a weird place that had softened the blow. Now it's been months and Luffy can feel his own patience wearing thin. )
Come on then let's go. Maybe if we're lucky we can pick you up something to drink on the way.
no subject
[He gives a small, stiff smile before he starts out of the bath. Good riddance to this place, honestly. He's not sure he'll be taking a bath again any time soon -- showers for him only going forward.]