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Today was a big day for the crew. It was someone’s birthday, and the crew wanted to make sure that person felt all the birthday love.
So, before the sun even rose, Sanji was in the kitchen preparing a feast. Nami and Usopp were sneaking around the aquarium bar, getting ready for the birthday surprise. Franky and Robin were hanging a banner above the breakfast table. Brook was tuning his violin. Chopper was helping put the final touches on the cake he had helped Sanji make. Zoro was drinking his morning tea and watching the chaos.
Today, everyone was up early, preparing to surprise Luffy on his big day.
At the telltale signs of Luffy awakening, Nami and Usopp slipped into the galley.
As soon as Luffy came bounding in, he was demanding meat. That was when the whole crew yelled, “Surprise! Happy birthday, Luffy!”
Luffy’s grin stretched as wide as the sea, and so did his rubber arms as he wrapped them around everybody to pull them into a big group hug.
“Aw, man,” Luffy laughed. “You guys remembered.”
Robin smiled sweetly. “We would never forget the birthday of our captain.”
Franky boomed, “That’s right. It’s a SUPER birthday!”
After a few minutes of uncomfortable closeness, Sanji finally exclaimed, “Alright, alright. Now let go so I can go get breakfast finished.”
Luffy immediately let go of them and sat down, ready for his first birthday meal.
While Sanji was plating eggs and bacon, Nami and Usopp shared a glance with each other, then excused themselves from the table and slipped outside. Zoro watched them curiously.
Luffy continued to dig into his food, while Chopper, kicking his little reindeer feet, rattled on about how he loved birthdays, how he loved Luffy, and how he hoped this day was special.
About a minute later, Nami poked her head back into the galley and asked Luffy to close his eyes because they had a birthday surprise for him.
Luffy squealed, “You got me a surprise? I’m so excited!”
“Then close your eyes.”
He closed them quickly, buzzing with anticipation and smiling wide. Robin and Franky were smiling like someone who was in on the secret. Brook was curious. Zoro and Sanji glanced at each other questioningly. Chopper’s eyes grew wide as three figures stepped into the galley.
Nami and Usopp exchanged a triumphant look.
The third person smiled and, with his usual drawl, said, “Happy birthday, little brother.”
Luffy’s eyes sprang open and he yelled, “Ace!” Then he shot himself over the table, knocking dishes to the side, which left Sanji cussing. Luffy wrapped his arms around his big brother and squeezed tightly.
“You’re here,” he said. “For my birthday?”
Ace replied, “Yeah. Wanted to be here when you turned another year older. Nami and Usopp coordinated it.”
With joy lighting up his face, Luffy turned towards them, “Oh, you guys are the best ever,” then pulled all three into another crushing hug.
At the end of a day that was filled with laughter, food, stories, and cake, the crew wound down on the lawn deck. Luffy rested his head on Nami’s lap as she absentmindedly stroked his hair. Luffy looked utterly joyous, but his eyes began to droop.
Before sleep took him, he looked up at Nami and quietly said, “Best day ever. Thank you.”