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Shanks was sprawled out on the grass uncaring of the forest's beasts that lurked around, with his long limbs stretched wide in a starfish pose, snoring like he was stuttering for oxygen.
A sunbeam stretched through the trees and branches alike and, like an ironic, beautiful portrait, landed right on his face, not that he cared; in fact, he probably enjoyed it despite being unconscious. His coat was fluffed up underneath his head like a silk pillow made by the best makers.
Ben Beckman stood a few feet away, leaning against a tree, chewing on his stick of cancer, uncaring of his captain sprawled like a dead fish.
Yasopp, who had walked up to check on them, now stood behind him, one hand on his waist, an amused smirk tugging at his face.
Watching his captain sleep anywhere always marveled him, just how uncaring he was, and it was everywhere they traveled to.
“Is he still with us or…?” Yasopp muttered.
Shanks' loud snore interrupted the birds, like an answer itself.
He needs to get that checked out.
Ben didn't bother pausing his chewing process. “Unfortunately, not.”
Yasopp looked at him in disgust, chewing it in front of him was making his stomach churn, and he was about to say that when they both heard it.
Rustling of bushes was heard, the sound of a small animal, but in reality, it was the seven-year-old kid.
Little Luffy popped up and, with curious steps, landed himself a few paces from the sleeping Captain. Staring at him like he had discovered a new forest beast in its vulnerable state.
With big, wide eyes, round cheeks puffed out, and with a crinkle in his brow
The kids circled Shanks once, like a baby cub in search of its first prey.
Then twice.
Hesitated steps paused and then-
A third time, he circled the roaring beast.
Ben raised an eyebrow as Luffy crept closer and closer, tiptoeing, praying with his body movements that the grass didn't crunch and wake the sleeping captain, before his plan could be initiated.
“What on earth is he doing?” Benn muttered.
“Is he... investigating?” Yassop suggested, trying not to laugh and blow the kids' plan right out.
Benn scoffed, smirking, “Seems that way.”
Luffy finally made a move.
Crouch down till his nose and eyes were deadset on Shanks' forehead. And with a shaky finger, poised and ready for action. He gave a single poke.
Shanks let out a long snore in response.
Second poke.
Shanks twitched, displeased.
A small sigh seemed to erupt in Luffy, obvious in his relief.
Shank's chest rising and falling steadily despite what's going to happen next.
Luffy stared, no thoughts seemingly in that tiny head, then turning to face both Benn and Yasopp, with a comical, serious face, he raised his finger right on top of his lips, indicating to be quiet.
Yasopp likes he’s in on the plan, gave Luffy a clear "my lips are sealed" movement with his hand.
Then nodding, with all the weight and seriousness a 7-year-old could muster, he clambered up and plopped himself right on Shanks' chest and belly.
Like a cat choosing its favorite pillow. He squirmed a bit, trying to find the right spot, then curled in, nuzzling into the redhead's chest with a contented sigh.
Quiet.
Yasopp gaped, “He sat on him like a cat!” Yasopp pointed. And then he paused, followed by a breathy laughter. “Okay, honestly, that's cute.”
They both stared wide-eyed.
Benn chuckled under his breath.” Disgustingly so.”
Luffy was now fully settled, cheeks squished into Shanks' chest, one hand coming to curl into the captain’s coat like it was meant to be there all along.
“Whelp, hopefully, Luffy doesn't drool on the captain.”
Luffy and Shanks snored in sync harmony.
He did drool.