Ehh, friend is a big word. I don't think he likes you very much. I'm pretty sure he also reopened the wound while we were fighting Arlong men. I told him to rest, but he's stubborn as a mule.
[ It takes one to know one and all that. ]
Wait, what? Did Garb show up at the restaurant? Given how much Luffy also enjoys meat, I'm not that surprised the steak trick worked, though.
[ That is true. Still, Marines sniffing after them is not something Sanji enjoys in any capacity. ]
Well, you know me. I've got a natural talent for that. We're doing fine, I promise. There is no need for your blood pressure to go up on my behalf.
[ Zeff tells himself he wouldn't have suggested Sanji go with Straw Hat if he didn't see more than a little promise of seeing someone who could actually help Sanji reach his dream. He wasn't getting any closer to the All Blue moping around the Baratie. ]
I said don't worry, didn't I?
[ Garp isn't harmless, but Zeff would be lying if he said he didn't look forward to the Marine's visits once in a while. There's a camaraderie there he enjoys. ]
Keep it that way. I'm not about to keel over right when the kitchen's finally so quiet.
He doesn't like me either, but he's fun to tease. Not so bad in a fight, don't let that disaster with Miwak fool you.
[ Every now and then, he still wonders if he made the right choice to leave with Luffy. He worries about Zeff and the Baratie. But Sanji also can't deny that he feels freer than ever now that he's chasing after their shared dream. ]
You did, but when have I ever listened to you? [ It's the principle of the thing, he has to be contrary almost by default. But if Zeff is sure he has things under control, Sanji also trusts his judgment. ]
You don't like quiet, quiet is boring. But if you are sure...Tell Patty and Carne 'hi' from me, and warn them that if they ruin my station while I am gone, I'll kick them into the next island the next time I show up.
Maybe so. Maybe things just look different now than they did then.
[ People talk, whether it's Marines, pirates, fishmen and everything in-between. The Baratie is the perfect watering hole for Zeff to keep his ear to the ground. Surely a high-ranking Marine knows more than the average pirate... ]
Maybe they will maybe they won't. Heading into the whirlpool doesn't mean they can't find their own way out.
( Luffy is going to get himself killed, except now that idea has been upgraded from himself to them. A crew of alleged pirates who despite everything, seem to manage to play hero better than the marines do.
Garp can't decide if he's proud, exasperated or both.
Loguetown derails any talk of whirlpools and the olden days hard enough Zeff can probably hear the brakes screeching. )
Not my problem, he does what he wants. All of them stop at Loguetown like some rite of passage before heading out.
[ That abrupt tug at the reigns is definitely noteworthy. But this conversation? Likely something better done over the sweet buffer of more-rare-than-medium steak rather than risk Garp's tendency to forget things, and quite quickly at that.
His days at sea may be behind him but a good captain can steer anything, be that a ship or a conversation. ]
You'll be dining in, then? I don't have enough take-out containers to accomodate your men.
Fine dining and all that.
Be glad to listen to any stories. Would be a reprieve from the whining in the kitchen.
(If anything, having the conversation in person saves the poor marines from having more orders barked at them.
Never let it be said that Monkey D. Garp let his crew go hungry due to lack of containers.)
I'm sure they'll appreciate the sit down. (More like getting to avoid Garp and by proxy, Bogard.)
I'll be there in ten.
(There's no room for debating, only Garp walking in to the main part of the restaurant. At least this time he doesn't have the usual gaggle of marines following him.)
[ The maitre'd seats Garp in one of the private booths in the balcony away from the bustle of the main dining floor. It's only a few moments before there is the sound of a peg leg making its way up the stairs. ]
Vice-Admiral. Prompt as usual.
[ A nervous waiter is in tow with Zeff: the waiter's trembling hands carry the cloche to the table. Zeff claps a hand on the boy's shoulder almost as an effort to steady him but also show support in the way any captain head chef worth a damn might. When the lid is removed Garp will find two immaculate burgers still steaming hot. ]
[In a world that seemed to be constantly on the verge of change, some things stubbornly remained the same; Baratie and Garp's dietary proclivities. The maitre'd gets a silent nod of thanks as Garp takes his seat and it's not long before a familiar thud of wood upon flooring reaches his ears. It'll be easier to talk and reminisce over things in person than via snail at least.
There's Zeff along with a waiter who seemingly looks as if he's about to be fed to a Sea King. A newbie, then. The burgers themselves look perfect of course, Zeff and the restaurant having earned their reputation for good reason.
Garp straightens his shoulders, opting to easily play the part as he fixes the young waiter with a piercing stare. ]
No, not even a hint of green. Think you can carry that empty tray back to the kitchen yourself, son?
[ The waiter's mouth flops open like a fish out of water as he struggles to form any reply. Zeff steers the waiter towards the kitchen and gives him a gentle push-- like teaching someone to ride a bike, all the rider needs is a little momentum. ]
Off you go then.
[ Shaking his head, Zeff takes a seat opposite Garp. ]
They all start around here saying they've got the work ethic, they can fight a hungry giant...put them in front of a customer? I've seen barnacles hold better conversations.
[ Zeff sets a bottle of top-shelf stuff he brought in tow on the table before corralling two glasses. Drinks are poured and one slid in Garp's direction. ]
[Garp watches as the newbie is gently pushed in the direction of the kitchen, doing his best to keep his expression stern. Anyone who knows the vice-admiral will recognise the smallest hint of amusement in his eyes, however. Kids, they always needed a push and then eventually they find their own feet. ]
Never changes, even marines are like that when they first join. Though we both know in future it'll be getting them to shut up that's the trick. [ Garp has no doubt in his mind that Zeff would hire anyone incompetent, the newbie would find their feet before running all the way. ]
Humbling them is one small joy. [ The drink is accepted and Garp takes a moment to drink from the glass, quietly impressed by what is on offer so far. ] Still feeling the loss of your other member of staff?
[ Zeff lets a smirk linger for only a moment before taking a sip from his own glass. Truthfully? The mouthiness of the Baratie crew never bothers him much: independent thinkers are welcome so long as they respect the hierarchy. People need a place to be creative. And the diners? They need to take that fuel and do what they need to at sea: that is the purpose of a cook. The boy will find his place.
The mention of Sanji prompts Zeff to clear his throat. His eyes fall to the table letting the permanent scowl break only for a few seconds to show hesitation, concern and, yes, some creases of remorse. ]
Thinks he's got places to be like everyone his age.
[ A single sniff and roll of his eyes regains his composure. Better than the little bastard sulking around the restaurant any longer spoiling the mood for everyone else. ]
Probably won't even write. [ Garp might be a regular customer by now but Zeff knows that doesn't absolve the Vice-Admiral from doing his job: pirates are pirates. Even that grandson of his can't seem to catch a break. ] But if his luck turns? He's going right back down to dishwashing.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
@notawaiter
Don't worry about the Vice Admiral. Couple of steaks are more than enough to keep that one happy.
[ Garp is the least of his worries at this point which is certainly saying something.
Then...mentioning Arlong as a passing thing. What are you getting yourself into, Sanji? ]
Doesn't seem like you waste any time finding trouble, little eggplant.
Hii!
[ It takes one to know one and all that. ]
Wait, what? Did Garb show up at the restaurant? Given how much Luffy also enjoys meat, I'm not that surprised the steak trick worked, though.
[ That is true. Still, Marines sniffing after them is not something Sanji enjoys in any capacity. ]
Well, you know me. I've got a natural talent for that. We're doing fine, I promise. There is no need for your blood pressure to go up on my behalf.
:D
[ Zeff tells himself he wouldn't have suggested Sanji go with Straw Hat if he didn't see more than a little promise of seeing someone who could actually help Sanji reach his dream. He wasn't getting any closer to the All Blue moping around the Baratie. ]
I said don't worry, didn't I?
[ Garp isn't harmless, but Zeff would be lying if he said he didn't look forward to the Marine's visits once in a while. There's a camaraderie there he enjoys. ]
Keep it that way. I'm not about to keel over right when the kitchen's finally so quiet.
no subject
[ Every now and then, he still wonders if he made the right choice to leave with Luffy. He worries about Zeff and the Baratie. But Sanji also can't deny that he feels freer than ever now that he's chasing after their shared dream. ]
You did, but when have I ever listened to you? [ It's the principle of the thing, he has to be contrary almost by default. But if Zeff is sure he has things under control, Sanji also trusts his judgment. ]
You don't like quiet, quiet is boring. But if you are sure...Tell Patty and Carne 'hi' from me, and warn them that if they ruin my station while I am gone, I'll kick them into the next island the next time I show up.
@whitesuit
[ People talk, whether it's Marines, pirates, fishmen and everything in-between. The Baratie is the perfect watering hole for Zeff to keep his ear to the ground. Surely a high-ranking Marine knows more than the average pirate... ]
Maybe they will maybe they won't. Heading into the whirlpool doesn't mean they can't find their own way out.
Guess you heard by now they made it to Loguetown?
♥
Garp can't decide if he's proud, exasperated or both.
Loguetown derails any talk of whirlpools and the olden days hard enough Zeff can probably hear the brakes screeching. )
Not my problem, he does what he wants. All of them stop at Loguetown like some rite of passage before heading out.
no subject
His days at sea may be behind him but a good captain can steer anything, be that a ship or a conversation. ]
You'll be dining in, then? I don't have enough take-out containers to accomodate your men.
Fine dining and all that.
Be glad to listen to any stories. Would be a reprieve from the whining in the kitchen.
no subject
Never let it be said that Monkey D. Garp let his crew go hungry due to lack of containers.)
I'm sure they'll appreciate the sit down. (More like getting to avoid Garp and by proxy, Bogard.)
I'll be there in ten.
(There's no room for debating, only Garp walking in to the main part of the restaurant. At least this time he doesn't have the usual gaggle of marines following him.)
no subject
Vice-Admiral. Prompt as usual.
[ A nervous waiter is in tow with Zeff: the waiter's trembling hands carry the cloche to the table. Zeff claps a hand on the boy's shoulder almost as an effort to steady him but also show support in the way any
captainhead chef worth a damn might. When the lid is removed Garp will find two immaculate burgers still steaming hot. ]Not a sprig in sight.
no subject
There's Zeff along with a waiter who seemingly looks as if he's about to be fed to a Sea King. A newbie, then. The burgers themselves look perfect of course, Zeff and the restaurant having earned their reputation for good reason.
Garp straightens his shoulders, opting to easily play the part as he fixes the young waiter with a piercing stare. ]
No, not even a hint of green. Think you can carry that empty tray back to the kitchen yourself, son?
no subject
Off you go then.
[ Shaking his head, Zeff takes a seat opposite Garp. ]
They all start around here saying they've got the work ethic, they can fight a hungry giant...put them in front of a customer? I've seen barnacles hold better conversations.
[ Zeff sets a bottle of top-shelf stuff he brought in tow on the table before corralling two glasses. Drinks are poured and one slid in Garp's direction. ]
Glad you have a good time humbling them too.
no subject
Never changes, even marines are like that when they first join. Though we both know in future it'll be getting them to shut up that's the trick. [ Garp has no doubt in his mind that Zeff would hire anyone incompetent, the newbie would find their feet before running all the way. ]
Humbling them is one small joy. [ The drink is accepted and Garp takes a moment to drink from the glass, quietly impressed by what is on offer so far. ] Still feeling the loss of your other member of staff?
no subject
The mention of Sanji prompts Zeff to clear his throat. His eyes fall to the table letting the permanent scowl break only for a few seconds to show hesitation, concern and, yes, some creases of remorse. ]
Thinks he's got places to be like everyone his age.
[ A single sniff and roll of his eyes regains his composure. Better than the little bastard sulking around the restaurant any longer spoiling the mood for everyone else. ]
Probably won't even write. [ Garp might be a regular customer by now but Zeff knows that doesn't absolve the Vice-Admiral from doing his job: pirates are pirates. Even that grandson of his can't seem to catch a break. ] But if his luck turns? He's going right back down to dishwashing.