Chapter Text
Benn looked at the bubbles floating into the air with awe and Shanks laughed, happy to be sharing places from his childhood with his new family. “You’ve got to ride the roller coaster with me! Last time Buggy forgot to pay attention and when it shot forward his head went flying backwards. Dahahahaha so many people threw up! It was awesome.”
Benn choked on his inhale and coughed for a few seconds before glaring at the cackling brat. “That's disgusting. And I am not getting on some death trap.”
“Aw but Benny, it’s part of the Sabaody experience. What are you scared? Can’t handle a little thrill.”
“I get enough thrill following you around and trying to keep your ass in one piece. But I’ll hold your hat while you go rattle around your remaining brain cells.”
Shanks stuck his lower lip out pathetically but Benn just shook his head slowly. “Fine, you grump. But you owe me all the snacks. Oh and a drink!”
“Yeah that’s a great idea, add alcohol before you flip upside down at high speeds.” Benn grumbled in exasperation.
“Ha! I’m not going to throw up from a rollercoaster. I grew up on a ship in the roughest seas around.”
“Hmm, and how many times have you thrown up from alcohol.” A raised eyebrow and knowing smirk.
“Not lately since somebody is a party pooper and never from one measly drink.” Shanks glared, cheeks still flushed red at memories of past indiscretions. He suddenly brightened, flashing his charismatic smile. “Bet you I can ride it 3 times in a row without puking. And when I win, you owe me 3 nights of freedom.”
“5 times and 1 night.”
“6 times and 2 nights.” Shanks countered.
“Fine, but you have to eat all the treats and have your drink beforehand.” Benn said sticking out his hand. “Oh and if you lose, you owe me two weeks of model behaviour. That means you actually help me do the books, you stop throwing veggies at Yasopp when you think I’m not looking, no pranks and you stay sober - without complaint.”
Shanks hesitated and Benn’s grin grew before Shanks nodded and shook hands. “Easy deal. I am going to have so much fun drinking the crew under the table.”
“We’ll see chief. You talk a big game but I think you’re all talk.”
Shanks snorted and leapt from the deck. “Let’s go big guy.”
“Uh uh hot shot. Business first, then you get to play. We’ve got to finish docking, restock and find someone to coat the ship.”
“See Benn, that’s why your first mate. Always on top of things so I don’t have to be.” Shanks beamed at him, inching back.
“Oh no you don’t. You’re not abandoning me to do all the work again.” Benn growled.
“Well too bad you haven’t won that bet.” Shanks shrugged. “Looks like I’m still free to be a ‘menace to society.’” With a loud laugh he ran off into the grove as Benn swore. “See ya for lunch BennyBear and keep your head down!”
“Seas give me patience.” Benn stared after his long gone captain. He gave a long sigh of suffering before turning back to the grinning members of their crew. “Right. Lucky, Lime you guys are on food restock. Yasopp, Snake ammunition and supplies for any repairs. Hongo and Gab, medical supplies. I’m going to track down our captain and find someone to coat the ship. Bonk Punch and Monster watch the ship. Now remember what Shanks said. If you see a celestial, head down and keep your distance. Stay together and only start something if you have no other choice. We’re not here to make a scene.” The crew nodded and Benn received many commiserative shoulder pats as they filed past him.
Still he wasn’t going to let his aggravating little twerp of a captain bring down his day. He was still excited to explore the fascinating archipelago.
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Well it had been a few hours and Benn could officially say he was over this. Sure the place seemed beautiful and fun but his haki had developed enough that he could feel the sick decay underneath. The constant tension was putting him on edge and he felt nauseous after seeing some poor bloke being used as a bridge across mud by a pompous blow hard. At least he’d managed to locate a coater - expensive as hell but people agreed he was the fastest and most skilled.
He gave a sigh of relief when Shanks finally bothered to make an appearance. “You’re actually the worst.” He said dryly as Shanks lounged against a tree trunk in front of him.
“Aw Benn, I wasn’t far. And I brought back presents.” Shanks wheedled. Benn raised an eyebrow and held out a hand expectantly. Shanks let his hand slip into a pocket and gave a flourish, revealing a large pack of premium cigars. “Tada! Now say you forgive me.”
“Fine, you’re forgiven for deserting me to do all your work.” Benn said grabbing for the cigars.
“Uh uh, now say that you looooove me cause I’m the best captain ever and that you are the luckiest guy to be on my crew.” Shanks teased, waving the cigars just out of reach.
Benn snorted, lunging forward and grabbing the laughing kid by the waist, tossing him over his shoulder.
Shanks squawked before hanging limply. “Another kidnapping attempt Benn? Honestly it’s getting ridiculous.”
Benn dropped his shoulder roughly jostling the kid. “More like keeping a hand on a misbehaving toddler at this point. Now we’re gonna go see the coater and then if you're a good boy-“ Shanks snorted. “-I’ll bring you to the park as a reward.”
“Just a reminder I could kick your ass.” Shanks said from upside down.
“Yep you could. But you won’t cause you looooove me and you’re the luckiest guy ever to have me on your crew because I’m the best first mate ever.”
Shanks threw back his head as he cackled. “Alright you sap. Now put me down and stop playing around. We’ve got work to do.”
Benn smirked, dropping him on his head. “After you captain.” He said with a half bow and pointing up a hill.
“Ah a bar! That’s my kind of work meeting!”
“Shanks.” Benn warned.
“Yes yes, business first. But you owe me a drink anyways. Now what was this guys name?”Shanks called over his shoulder as he pushed through the doorway
“Uh Ray something.” Benn said distractedly.
“Red.” Came a hoarse voice from the bar and Shanks shot his head around, blood draining from his face.
“Rayleigh,” Shanks mouthed and Benn stared confused as his captain roughly shoved past him and bolted down the hill.