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Ok! The recipe was two eggs, three cups of flour, and a cup of milk. Luffy repeated that within his mind on loop, treating it like a mantra as he gathered up all the necessary ingredients. He had no idea why Sanji acted as though this was so hard! Luffy was doing just fine! He allowed a cheerful little hum to escape him, and then he promptly dropped the stack of plastic bowls that were in his arms. Oops.
Normally Luffy was never up this early, nor did he ever wish to try and cook, but today was a very special day. Of course he had almost forgotten what day it was. But hey! It was the thought that counted!
“Eeehhh.” He let out a long-drawn out-groan. Eyes shooting towards the stairs in a moment of panic. He didn't want to wake them too soon! He wanted it to be a surprise, and if he couldn't even do that then he might as well just go back to sleep!
Quickly, he began to flail his arms in front of him. Mimicking an ocean wave as he attempted to send his sleepy sleepy vibes to the occupants upstairs. Anytime he wanted someone to not wake up he would just do the sleepy sleep dance and it worked! He didn't know why, but it did!
“Sleepsleepsleep.” He frantically muttered to himself, biting his lip in worry when he heard something shuffle in the darkness. Then, there was nothing. The shadows remained still and without a single sound to break the silence. Luffy blinked, staring deep within the darkness as if waiting for something to happen. Only to be consumed with a smile once he felt the results of his sleep dance were satisfactory. Well, another job well done!
“Now what the heck is a tablespoon?” Chef Luffy was back in business! The recipe asked for a tablespoon of vanilla, but Luffy didn't know what a tablespoon was. It had a table in the name, so it must be really big! So with a pep in his step he grabbed the largest measuring cup he could possibly find, examining it carefully before he quickly decided that was the right one. I mean, more vanilla was always the best choice!
After he threw everything into the mixer he turned it on, screaming when all of the sudden the pancake batter sprayed everyone. Covering the walls, counters, and floors before Luffy could quickly turn it back off. Oops, he turned it on the highest setting. Whatever, he could still make a few pancakes at least!
You see, today was fathers day. Normally Luffy didn't celebrate fathers day (as his dad wasn't ever in his life), but now that he had dads he wanted more than anything to be like the families he saw in movies. Happy, smiling, and eating the homemade breakfast that their kids made them. Maybe that was a little much for Luffy to ask for, but he was determined either way.
He stuck his tongue out in concentration, doing whatever he could to carefully scoop the mixture up and pour it on the burning skillet below. Watching in awe as it sizzled the moment it made contact. A part of him wanted to touch it, see how hot it was, but he resisted. The last thing he needed was to spoil his surprise because of an injury (though maybe he can try it after the surprise).
Once he smelled burning he flipped it, struggling at first due to the weight of the cake. He may have poured too much, but to Luffy more was just better. Who wouldn't want a giant pancake!
He repeated the process a few more times, humming to himself a nice little tune as he diligently worked. The music guided him like a gentle hand as his whole body buzzed with excitement.
Normally Benn was the one to make breakfast. Luffy had watched him do it a million times, eyes sparkling as the man flipped pancakes and made perfect scrambled eggs. He wanted to be just like him! Except this time he would be making breakfast for his dads.
Once he had a plate stacked high with pancakes he was ready to go! Smile consumed his features as he slowly began to take the steps towards the pair’s room. Well, he would have, if not for the looming stairs that dared to taunt him. He did not think this far ahead.
He huffed, an air of determination around him as he stubbornly took his first step. The moment he did so everything threatened to topple over right in his grasp; a shock of fear striking his nerves the moment he watched the stack sway like a tree in the wind. He stood still like a statue, biting his lip in fear as the pancakes slowly shifted back upright. Thank goodness!
He allowed a soft giggle to fill the home, finding himself filled with enough confidence to push onward. Practically skipping up the steps as though it was just a field of flowers, or as if he was prancing his way to the cafeteria. Filled with a striking cheerfulness that could not be snuffed out as he braved the journey, and made his way to a closed bedroom door. His heart was thumping deep within his chest, digging into his sides as he wiggled like a happy spring. It took everything in Luffy to not burst inside, screaming like a lunatic as he tackled his dad’s in a hug. He held himself back though, sucking in air like a balloon in order to do so before he slowly opened the door.
Red hair was the first thing he saw. Strands sticking up at all angles as its owner buried themselves deep within the thick comforter, and in turn against the other man that was nestled next to him. Benn was more visible, face peaceful as he held Shank’s close in a loving hug. Many wouldn't dare disturb such a sight, but Luffy wasn't like most.
“WAKE UP YOU OLD MEN!” Luffy could feel a little bit of glee as he watched the pair jump in surprise. Sleepy eyes looking all about before they landed on Luffy’s small form. Their expressions turned from confusion, to anger in just a few split seconds.
“Luffy, why the hell did you scare us?” Shanks was interrupted halfway through his sentence with a yawn, using his one free hand to mask it before returning to his glare once more. Luffy knew Shanks could never stay mad at him, losing his hard edge in just a few seconds as he spoke. Been had opened a single eye to stare at the boy, recognition crossing his features as the dark orb fluttered around his form.
“Luffy? What do you have there?” Shanks seemed to notice the plate at that, staring at the pile of burnt pancakes as though they were some mysterious monsters.
“Yeah, what is that?” Shanks kept his voice cautious, slowly sitting up so he could look the boy in the eye. Luffy didn't pay any attention to the way the pair stared at his creation in horror, and instead continued to smile as he threw his plate forward.
“I made pancakes! See!” He was as happy as can be, but little did he know no one shared his sentiment. The way the men’s faces paled was almost comical, staring in horror with their mouths agape like a dead fish.
“O-Oh, how nice Luffy. Thank you.” The teen beamed, skipping forward quickly so he could place the plate in between the two men. He was just so happy! Finally he got to do something for the men who changed his life for the better.
“I’m gonna get you juice too!” He let out a familiar laugh, smiling wide before he turned on his heels out the door. Luffy was so concentrated on the juice that he failed to notice how the men began to whisper among themselves.
“How can we hide this without him noticing?”
“I don't know, but we better figure it out.”
Little did they know Luffy was more than prepared to make more. He loved his dads after all!