#dealing with luffy's hanger is something no one wants to do

[gumpistol]

@bothfeetinthegrave continued from here

there is nothing the straw hat captain needs more post-combat, regardless of the injuries incurred, than CALORIES. with the strain luffy regularly places on his physique, the fuel necessary for his body to repair itself and heal is high. so despite the bruises and aches that wrack the raven-haired man's relatively small frame, and an overall need for rest, his immediate plea to the strange newcomer is for food. luffy needs food now.

more specifically, the young pirate needs protein — a necessity for torn muscle fibers to knit back together stronger than before. when he's brought back the small handful of candy instead, the captain's features sink into a displeased and childish frown. this wouldn't do.

the hunger gnaws at the lining of an empty stomach, snarling and bellowing audibly into the open space between the two of them. seated upright, marred hands with black and blue knuckles curl loosely into the fabric of rolled pants against luffy's thighs. his adam's apple bobs as he swallows hard, and a fog shrouds his mind, leaving the straw hat without clear thought. he is unable to focus on anything but the pooling saliva beneath his tongue and the phantom, fabricated scents of garlic sautéed shrimp, miso grilled fish, smoky barbecued pork, and perfectly seasoned roasted duck. where was sanji when his captain desperately needed him?

the fatigue and lightheadedness had set in long ago, bringing forth dormant animalistic instincts of survival, and making it near impossible for the pirate to feel grateful or appreciative of the gesture eden tries to make. because as his gut painfully eats away at itself, luffy's ability to regulate irritation and filter frustrated words from his mouth lessens even more so than usual. in a moment of clouded judgement and annoyance, the ravenette snaps at the one who only aims to help him.

❝ no!! this isn't enough!! i need more than this! I NEED MEAT! ❞