concasse | Week 1

...I don't know.

[It's not a lie. He folds his hands in his lap, staring deeply at his hands. It takes him a moment to think of anything else to say, anything to come forward through the swirling haze of mixed emotions.]

How stupid I am, I suppose, if I'm being perfectly candid.

Stupid?

[Throughout, Sanji's voice remains level. He's not pushing or pulling in any one direction, just letting Ion speak as the words come to him, still busying himself with the tea]

You talking about Akechi?

[Ion gives a half nod, laughing softly under his breath.]

I've made...an egregious error with how much I've chosen to trust him, it seems.

[He only laughs a bit more, placing a hand on his scarred cheek.]

But for some reason, I still believe in him.

I don't.

[Voice not even flat -- he's just speaking the truth from his no-nonsense, asshole perspective. Akechi is dangerous, not to be trusted, and a liability.

... Even still:]

But it might do that shithead some good to have people care. Little bastard was stunned people didn't send him to the chopping block.

You think so?

[It doesn't make him feel much better. He knew, of course, that no matter what he said or who he spoke with, it wouldn't change the fact that he'd still be the way that he's always been toward others: patient, understanding, sympathetic. But thinking that maybe his sympathy is misplaced...well, maybe he's just looking for more reasons to be frustrated with himself.]

I hope it does mean something. I don't think I understand people half as well as I try to.

[Now at that part, Sanji does flash a grin over his shoulder]

Oi, it's the trying part that's important.

In that way, I'd say you got an advantage over me here. He pissed me off, so I'm not gonna pretend to give him any slack -- but you and Eichi, maybe you can make a miracle outta this mess.

[Ion laughs a little. He smiles back--and it isn't a forced or stock smile, but it lights up his face like a burst from a firework and then fades out just as quickly.]

Oh, I don't think I'll be good for anything as big as a miracle, but I hope that I can help for as long as I'm standing, at least.

... Yeah about that.

[mmmboy of course he was going to bring up something.]

I told you before, I ain't gonna stop you if you wanna use your abilities. Just... maybe run it past someone before you jump right in.

[Please don't give your arm or something to an asshole, Sanji will lose his shit.]

[Ion shows up without an arm one PC like hey what's up btw don't be mad.]

Oh, no no.

[He starts, raising his hands.]

Don't worry. I sort of got my head bitten off again over it, so...no more lying.

[Sorry, Sanji. Sorry...]

That wasn't what I meant to imply, anyway--ah, although I finally found out what my title means, and it's unfortunately apt.

[Ion is going to lead to Grimm's Bad End, Sanji Edition]

... your title?

[Huh]

Was someone able to explain to you exactly what it means?

[Ion dies, Sanji sets the castle on fire. It's just the way it is now.]

Yes. I hadn't intended to share with anyone, but someone just came right out and told me theirs today...so it felt wrong not to share mine in return. Apparently it's about an egg that breaks itself into so many pieces it can't be put back together.

[I have no idea if Sanji knows what that means but fingerguns at you Marie.]

That's...quite morbid, isn't it?

[MMMMMMMMM

MMMMMMMMM

Sanji needs a moment.

So does the player.]

Yeah that's fucked up.

[ :) ]

Oh well.

[OH...WELL.]

I'm just glad for the context, though I wish these stories weren't so...

[Does he even have to say it, really?]

[Honestly Sanji still wanted a million more minutes to stare into the void, but he supposes it's time to move on.]

Yeah, fairy tales tend to have that edge to 'em... much like the shitty wishing well.

[Sigh]

A read a bunch when I was a kid... 'course some had happy endings, but a lot of them... didn't.

[There's plenty of time to stare in the void still tbh.]

Maybe this is our chance to give them new endings.

[Fon Master "I'm supposed to break myself into pieces" Ion, who's still banking on a peaceful, happy ending. Even after today. Some things just don't change.]

[That is so fuckin cheesy.

Sanji loves it, heh.]

New endings, eh? ... Can't say I mind the sound of that.

Let's say we keep you from breaking into a million pieces.

[Ion better not be surprised Sanji turned this back on him. He will be optimistic for his survival]

Okay!

[He doesn't necessarily want to be broken into a million pieces, so that's a deal he can make. Ion reaches a hand out toward Sanji.]

Let's shake on it.

[Tch! Stop being so pure, this is upsetting.

Oh who are we kidding, he's grinning and immediately reaches out to shake the hand.]

Fine, it's a deal.

[He absolutely cannot help that he is simply a pure boy.]

Whatever your story is, I'll keep you from an unhappy ending, as well.

[At least as much as he's capable, which granted, he understands isn't much. Especially since he's already promised Sanji he wouldn't use his power on him. His handshake is gentle, but it's full of warmth for such a small, pale hand.]

Now neither of us has to worry!

[... This kid, he swears.

Whatever, he's gonna ruffle Ion's bangs as if in revenge.]

Tch! Roger that.

[Turning back to his work in the kitchen]

C'mon, lemme make you something small. You hungry for anything? Or thirsty?

[By Yulia, when was the last time someone ruffled his hair like he's an honest-to-God child? Well, he responds like an honest-to-God child automatically, his face flushing as he laughs and reaches up to fix his hair.]

Sure! I don't have much of an appetite in general, but I'd love to try anything you'd be willing to make, as long as it isn't too much trouble!

Ever had an omelette? Was thinking of making one myself... we could split it.

[Which sounds delicious to his ears, so he's going to start with that regardless, on the hunt for some vegetables in the fridge]

That does sound really good! It's been a long time since I've had eggs.

[I, like, totally don't know what his eating habits are I just for some reason assume they make him eat vitamins and oatmeal??? Is that weird?]

What are you going to put in it?

[He's already watching with curiosity fluttering over his features. He gets to watch an expert Chef cook!]

You're not allergic, are ya?

[He certainly hopes not. Kinda puts a damper on the omelette thing if so]

And whatever you want -- though I'm thinking simple is best. Some green peppers, onions, avocado, tomato, and a bit of cheese...

No--I don't think I have any allergies. My condition is mostly related to exhaustion.

[But he perks up. His enthusiasm is as pure as a boy half his apparent age.]

Those all sound good! Oh--is it okay if I ask you questions while you cook? Some of my companions would make meals for us while we traveled but I never really had much of a chance to actually observe like this!

[Watching someone make food in an actual kitchen is definitely different from fugitive-style campfires.]

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