concasse | Week 0 | Saturday Post-Trial

Hmm? Impressed? But I hardly did anything at all, you know?

[Despite that, he's smiling a little warmly at the compliment, pride rising in his chest. Over such a tiny thing...! It's a tiny thing, really, in his eyes, but it does feel nice to have helped.]

I was unable to go to the festival myself, so I thought I might have been too stuck on that glitter... but the more I thought about it, the more it stood out to me. Perhaps it was the intuition of a performer.

I wouldn't be surprised if it was intuition. Most of us shitheads forgot all about the glitter until you reminded us.

[Real facts. Eichi might be downplaying his moment, but Sanji has no such qualms. Small thing or not, it kept anyone innocent from being killed.]

Didn't I tell you? You got experiences that can benefit the group, too.

You're too kind, Sanji-kun.

[Ah... he loves the recognition to the point where he wants to admit it's a fault, but he can't. He wants to keep this.]

... Even if we managed to avoid what could have been a pointless death, I'm quite concerned for everyone involved. Sharpay-chan was clearly manipulated into acting on this, regardless of her reasoning, and then the partners who will be left abandoned...

[Sousei and Jae-Ha...] Do you think there's any way to stop that?

[His expression switches with the tone of their conversation -- suddenly sharp and business-like, almost a scowl. He folds his arms as they walk]

Dragon-sama mentioned something about it not being up to her... which implies it's up to someone. But that might be wishful thinking at this point.

[The words are bitter on his tongue.]

... We could petition on their behalfs tomorrow. It's the least we can do.

I'd like to. I wonder if it's up to them, or up to Sharpay-chan, or perhaps someone chosen at random... but if any of them, why would there be any reason to decline them that?

[...Aside from Sharpay, he guesses, who could do it out of spite since she'll probably die anyway. Ah, this is all too much.]

I don't believe that anyone here deserves this.

... No, I don't think Sharpay-chan would throw him under the bus like that. [Maybe it's him putting too much faith in a lady again, but...] She was resigned, but she wasn't spiteful, either.

All things considered, she handled herself very well.

[Still, doesn't answer the more pressing question -- if she has that power. Unfortunately, Sanji doubts it, as she'd already been gifted with the Cinderella ability.]

And of course no one does. Most shitheads are capable of murder when you back them into a wall. [Scowling again.] You threaten someone's loved one, or promise them the one thing they've waited for all their life... At baseline, I bet you someone's gonna consider it.

[At that last part, Eichi's eyes move away from Sanji, looking forward, and he's lost in thought about something.]

That's right. Anyone would, for the right reasons... Even "heroes" are just glorified murderers who justify their actions to feel better about themselves. And this game is just meant to corner us all and see how we react. The perfect way to find out how a person is, truly. Or... that's the idea, I believe.

You got it.

[...]

It's why being a pirate doesn't weigh to me, even knowing what a lot of the shitheads stand for. "Good" and "evil" are subjective and defined by the winners. I'll chose my own labels, and let my actions speak for themselves.

[But that's neither here nor there. He shakes his head, clears his thoughts.]

What those ladies are looking for is a good story, I think. And what better way than shoving us here to see what we do.

[Eichi really likes that answer, and his eyes show it when he looks back, his usual smile returning to his face.]

Indeed. They simply want dramatics, no matter what they are.

[Eichi looks around the castle, now that they're back inside, lingering a little closer to Sanji as he walks.] I wish I could protect everyone. Not like some sort of hero from a story, some fake legend who does the impossible and gets the girl and has a happy ending. No, realistically, with hard work, I'd like if it were possible...

But it's not, is it? [...] Are you going to be alright, Sanji-kun? Will you stay safe?

[With hard work, eh? It's funny hearing those words from Eichi -- not because Sanji thinks they're fake, no, it's just always a surprise hearing the boy reflect words Sanji feels in his own spirit.

Still, he'll have the nerve to look surprised at that question, like he's confused where the concern is coming from.]

Me? [...]

I got no choice but to try and keep my ass safe.

[... Mmm.]

But I won't deny it: I'm a sturdy guy, so if I can take a few hits for someone else. It's no shitty skin off my teeth.

You're so admirable. If it were me... I'm not sure that I'd be able to throw myself in harm's way.

[He holds his wrist with his opposite arm.] Even so, and though I know you must be a popular guy, could we meet each day? If I could see that you're well, I'll rest in ease that night, and perhaps it's better to meet with one another than stay locked in my own room.

... 'Course we can.

[Eichi's doing that thing again, where he says something and Sanji is almost shocked to know someone's worried for his welfare. His gaze wanders to the side]

I'd prefer making sure you're alive, so it works out both ways.

-- And I know with all this magic bullshit, it probably doesn't matter, but--

[Pointedly:]

Don't leave your room on Thursday night.

...

[He knows he shouldn't. He certainly isn't the type who can withstand most things, with this weak body of his. But he has a hand at his chin, thinking too deeply, and there's something in his eyes. This isn't listening, Eichi...!!]

But, if someone were to need help, then in some ways, leaving that night could mean saving them, you know? I'm simply thinking about things like that.

[This is the OPPOSITE of listening]

Or it could mean you die.

[Funny, how Sanji's fine when his own neck is on the chopping block, but he's frowning hard at Eichi suggesting he give heroism a try.]

Tch, I'm already worried about you becoming a victim because some asshole thinks they can pick you off.

[MmmmMMM and they can fight Sanji? FIGHT HIM.]

Edited 2018-06-10 06:25 (UTC)

It's not entirely out of the question. I'm not someone most people can understand, either, and rather than attempting to, I'm mostly met with nods and "I see" and "Yeah"s.

[Don't fight his potential attackers, Sanji!! Eichi is already worried he volunteers his own neck too much for others.]

Sousei-kun told me to be cautious with what I speak to others about, but I can't help but feel that if I stay secretive and silent, things that could have been prevented might end up happening.

Really?

[Eyebrows furring again.] People don't try to understand you?

[Honestly he and Eichi have done nothing but hit it off. Sanji doesn't get why anyone would struggle to give the guy a chance.]

But anyway, yeah, I'm with Sousei on this one... [mmm. Alight, he'll relent a little] But I get where you're coming from. There's always that potential to do something, even minor shit.

[He cards a hand through his hair] So maybe just be selective of who you share shit with. Or go trying to protect.

You got a gift from our hosts? Don't tell me what it is, but use it to your advantage if it comes down to it.

[Well, Sanji wasn't in the way of Eichi trying to claw his way to the top, so he must have a different view. That's what Eichi is thinking, anyway. Even if he wanted to be recorded in history books as a main character type, he had to make himself a villain in some ways...

But that's not relevant right now, and he's just glad Sanji is a pirate who doesn't care about black and white and good and evil.]

That's an interesting thing to say. You don't think I should trust you and tell you what my gift is?

... Well.

[Kiiiiinda pouting over here]

I wouldn't share it, but we never know what someone else's power might be. We got dancing suits of armor and Sharpay-chan admitted she could "upgrade" whatever she wanted.

Not a shitty stretch to say someone could force one of us to talk.

[Sanji plays the long game no matter where he is. Sharing info is a nice gesture of trust, but oh, that shit can backfire.]

That's true, isn't it... I had wondered about something like that.

There are two people here who know about mine. One of them is Sousei-kun, who scolded me for excitedly showing off and said that I should be more cautious. It's lucky that I ran into him first, you see? The only other person who happens to know is Natsuo-kun, and it's because he attempted to block me from entering my room and challenged me to a fight and I reacted...

Ah, but he thinks it's natural for me. [So, it's a top secret!! This is a top secret, right? He's still sharing too much, stop.]

[Eichi might as well share the numbers to his bank account. Like damn, son. Sanji resists the urge to press his fingers against his temples.]

... I feel like I should be apologizing for Natsuo. That kid is barely potty trained, I swear.

[LORD]

And anyway, that's already telling me too much! It sounds like whatever you got might be an offensive ability.

[Sanji just. Can't help but analyze? There is no shutting off his brain when you give it some puzzle pieces. ]

Edited 2018-06-10 07:12 (UTC)

It's fine if it's Sanji-kun, isn't it? I trust you, so please don't share my secret with anybody. ♪

[He needs supervision like his childhood best friend who would yell at him not to do things like this but instead he's going wild. Help him, Sanji.]

In any case, I'm quite fond of Natsuo-kun. He's quite violent and knocked me out the first night by crashing into me from above, and I was bruised all over, but it seems as though he means well. He's like a lost puppy, chasing after me each night yelling "Eichi, Eichi! Are you sick, are you dying?" and it's so earnest that I feel a little warm.

Ah, but should I tell you my gift the rest of the way? [He's learned nothing]

[Wow... Eichi is a disaster.

Sanji's eyes have been opened this day.]

Y'know, now I'm afraid if you don't tell me, it'll leak out to someone else in order to keep cosmic balance.

[Why is he having to go back on his decisions?? This is not fair.]

... Fine, tell me. Though I better be the last person who hears about this!

[you have now oocly entered a pact to never reveal that this is his gift because natsuo's player literally thinks he's just like this and it's hilarious, thanks]

Fufu, your concern makes me feel better about this, you know? If Sousei-kun, who was going to watch out for me, is going to possibly be gone... Then I'd feel comfortable if Sanji-kun knew.

[He's like a big brother! Not that Eichi knows what a family is supposed to be like. He leans in close, whispering.] I have super strength. ♪

[-- holy shit, grinning at him]

What? Really?

[HONESTLY Sanji looks really pleased by this? Of course his idea of super strength is a bit skewed given he can normally kick through walls like they're cardboard but that is one hell of an offensive ability to have. GOOD, PROTECT YOURSELF, EICHI]

What have you done so far? Lift furniture?

[EICHI, BENCH PRESSING COUCHES. Sanji is so amused]

Yes!

[He balls his hands into loose fists, holding them in front of himself like he's excited.] There are times when my body is so weak that I can hardly lift a spoon, you know? So being able to lift something terribly heavy with no effort at all is incredible!

Even now, it's difficult to be quiet about it. I purposefully avoided helping Akechi-kun move the furniture from our room, when it turned green, and I didn't throw that girl offering it, either...

But perhaps while no one is looking, Sanji-kun can see me show off a little.

[Well at least Eichi's aware that this isn't a skill you go parading in front of others. He nods in approval.]

Fine fine, you can show off so long as no one else is around.

[He's not against it? And is still kinda afraid if he says no that karma will swing around and have Eichi accidentally showing off to someone else, someone who might not be willing to play nice with that info. Sanji is a very paranoid big bro]

You tested your limits yet? It's a good idea to know what parameters you're working with.

Not by much. In my own room, while no one else is there, I've found I can lift the bed with ease with just a hand, and there was a rather large bookshelf I picked up as if it was nothing, too.

To be honest, aside from not wanting to become a target and show anyone else, I also didn't want to practice alone. If I were to do it too recklessly, it could prove deadly for someone frail like me.

[Someone's gotta spot him!!]

[-- UH HUH.

Suddenly seeing where this is going.]

You want me to help you practice.

Does that mean you will, Sanji-kun? ♪

[Bats eyelashes at!!!]

[... That moment when you realize someone has you wrapped around their fingers and you're surprisingly okay with it.]

Fine, fine. Just name a place and time.

Perhaps... tomorrow, after we've seen what it is that happens to Sharpay-chan? It's a terrible time, but that may mean it's perfect to go off and do something.

[For distractions to themselves.]

... Yeah, that sounds like a plan.

[Voice a little more somber, but his nod is resolute]

Everyone will be distracted doing their own thing.

Precisely.

[He taps his chin thoughtfully.] As for where... I admit I'm not certain what the best place to test such things would be. What do you think?

Honestly... your room or mine.

That way we only gotta worry about one person coming inside instead of anyone. Otherwise there's no place that's private enough.

...I don't completely trust my partner, but I may trust yours even less. Perhaps it's that I haven't spoken to him enough, but he irritates me in a way I can't explain.

[damn just like that] So... my room, then? Akechi-kun is always wandering around, so I'm certain there could be time when it's just the two of us.

[BARKING A LAUGH, thank god for Eichi. They just keep agreeing on all the important things]

Oh I agree with you. Can't stand that asshole.

Besides, if necessary we can block the door. And if your roommate wants an explanation, say I was the one who wanted to talk to you alone and the one who moved the furniture.

[He hasn't made a secret that his kicks usually destroy walls, so sounds like a fine plan to him.]

Why didn't I think of that before? That's perfect, Sanji-kun.

[Blocking the door! He loves it!!] Then, tomorrow, we can arrange for that. I'll show you how much I can do, and you can tell me how to go from there.

Ah, my main worry... Well, I attempted to punch Natsuo-kun, since he was going to attack me, but he dodged. After that, just him grabbing my arm in the right way made me drop to my knees in pain. I wonder if I'll really be able to apply this correctly?

[He needs so much help] I'll accept whatever tips you can give, as well.

Did he now...? Tch, can't say I'm surprised. The little bastard tried to kick me a couple times.

[Just shaking his head. Sanji doesn't sound angry so it wasn't anything to fuss over, but that is just Natsuo's Way.]

But it doesn't come down to physical strength -- it's experience and being able to assess your opponent. Natsuo's small, but he's fought pretty much all his life from what he's told me, and so he's good at scrapping.

[Gesturing to himself]

I use a style called Red Leg, so you don't have to worry about me using weapons, but I got one hell of a reach thanks to my legs. And then if you get a swordsman, you gotta keep watch for blades.

[Yeah Sanji takes this shit seriously, as Eichi can tell.]

So we'll go through the castle occupants and I'll give you some tips for each, in case something happens. With some work, we'll get you up to speed.

[It's alright, Eichi loves Natsuo and won't fault him for vicious attacks. But this serious talk is comforting, in a way.]

You're so knowledgeable, Sanji-kun. To be honest, I'm quite envious... [A cool chef pirate who also fights...! Ahh, he wishes he could live an exciting life like that. The only excitement he gets is out of pretending his patrols around the school are adventures.

Or when he breaks out of the hospital.]

Red Leg... What an interesting name, as well. ♪ I wonder if I could develop a "style?" In any case, I'll be looking forward to it. If anything, it may give me some peace of mind. It's good for even me to get some exercise, as well.

["breaks out of the hospital"

Eichi is half pirate already.]

Building a style takes time and a lot of effort, but it's not impossible. You can turn anything into your own with enough dedication. [And, well. The guy is an idol. Sanji might not know what it entails, except he can sense when a career path is nothing but hard-earned wins]

We can start tomorrow. Sound good?

Yayyy~. That sounds perfect.

[Yayyy... He wants to learn, so he can live! What a wild time this is, he'd definitely be scolded by Keito!!]

Until then, please take care of yourself, as well, Sanji-kun.

Week 0 | Saturday Post-Trial

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