Luceti Appointments Post

[concasse]

† A P P O I N T M E N T S †

This post is to be used specifically for one-on-one appointments and interactions with concasse. o/ Probably because we're too busy/lazy to make a post or a separate log. [written], [voice/video], and [action] are all fair game - just mark the method of communication and the date in the subject line.

EXAMPLES:

[March 15, Action]
[March 15, Voice]
[March 15, Written]



➟ Directory

Comments

[November 18th] ...... :^|

[wildkotetsu]

[The next day (after this), at Seventh Heaven, Sanji will get a nice little plate delivered early-on to the kitchen when the moment's right, covered with see-through plastic wrap. And Kotetsu hopes you'll accept it, because he worked into the night making his very best. Even ran to the grocery in the dead of the night; bell peppers were important for the texture of it!

There was a nice lady in a kimono who caught him just in time and took the plate, promising that the chef'll get it. That she'll let him know 'that one guy' is sorry about ruining his mood yesterday. And that he definitely needs to let him know if he did an okay job, later, since it's all he really knows how to make.

Which is all good enough for him.]

[November 18th] KOTETSU REALLY. WHAT EVEN.

[odastillhatesme.livejournal.com]

[That poor lady in the kimono relays the message and delivers the food, as promised, and coincidentally is treated to the Many Faces of Sanji. Confusion -> Dawning Horror -> Irritation -> Exasperation -> All following up to a sudden burst of good humor as he laughs and shakes his head, as if he's encountered something so beyond his scope of understanding, all he can do is roll with it.

He's going to kick that idiot. Right now, in fact. He offers his workers sincere apologies as he slides out the restaurant, only sparing enough time to grab a spoon so he can taste this apologetic concoction.

... Hm. Pretty good, if slightly salty.

And none of this will show on the man's expression when he arrives at the apartment room and knocks on the door, his features schooled into flatness.]

[Action, uh... that one time?] I'M SORRY THIS TAG IS SO VAGUE I CAN'T BRAIN SPECIFICS RIGHT NOW ;n;

[flowermemory]

[You know, after awhile Senri really had gotten used to this whole "everything is free" thing. The result of that being he's a total klepto anything in the stores that he wants, and doesn't explicitly belong to someone else, he considers fair game. But being the kind of guy that he is, this mostly applies to things like nice smelling food that was conveniently left out.

Such is the case right now, after managing to find 7th Heaven for the first time. Because the idea that maybe, just maybe the lunch before him could possibly belong to somebody else doesn't even register in his brain. "It's free" means "it's okay to take". So he's going to make a rather unceremonious attempt to just... grab it.]

[Action, uh... that one time?] LOL It's okay. This works just fine |D

[concasse]

[It's so unceremonious that Sanji nearly misses the swipe. Two years into Luceti, and he's never met anyone brave or stupid enough to swipe food from his restaurant. He almost doesn't believe what he's seeing.

Almost.]

OI! [Oh like hell you're getting the way with that. He turns on his heel without sloshing around the soup he's carrying, glowering up a storm] The hell do you think you're doing?!

WHOOPS I WAS SUPPOSED TO DO THIS WASN'T I also [January 5th, Action]

[tenofspades]

[Melanie needs something to do with all this free time she has. She's been considering getting a job for a while, and after being here almost six months? Yeah, a job sounds like a damn good idea. Spending the rest of her time here doing nothing would just get maddening. (Not that it wasn't already.)

So... here she is in the village, although it isn't long before she steps inside Seventh Heaven. Melanie worked at a restaurant back in Gotham, so she may as well go somewhere where her experience is at least relevant. And also see if they're even hiring.]

... Hello?

No worries /o/ [January 5th, Action]

[concasse]

[When Melanie strolls in, it's a little busy in Seventh Heaven. The influx of New Feathers always results in a customer spike, as confused villagers nervously flock to a place where they can get a quick meal. Sanji nearly speeds right past her.

... Nearly, because damn, she is pretty, and Sanji can bend time to his will if a lady is involved. He stops on a dime and turns, obviously delighted by the sight of her]

Aaahn, your presence is like a delightful ray of sunshine, Miss~! How can I serve you~? A table for one?

[December 24th, action]

[fourteen]

[ How did she miss a draft?

How had she somehow picked the perfect time for a mission, that made her completely miss such an important thing...? It wasn't really the draft itself that got her, of course - but that her friends, people she loved, had gone, and she hadn't even known. It was upsetting, to realize the people she loved had been fighting and hurting and struggling and she'd just been totally oblivious to the whole thing.

The worst, of course, being Sanji. She heard quickly, and didn't wait. Just went over to his house, letting herself in, knowing (hoping) the other residents wouldn't mind, because ...

Dad.

So she moves towards his room, and gently raps her knuckles on the door. She peeks her head in a moment after, not waiting for confirmation. ]

[December 24th, action]

[concasse]

[What a terrible time for Xion to be nosy.

Sanji barely turns, assuming the light footsteps outside the door to belong to one of the girls. And he's in the middle of something, anyway - just the usual frustration that now comes with easing his shirt over his head, over his bandaged chest and back. He stops short after a light hiss when the cloth bumps too firmly over his covered shoulder blade, and when the door opens, only mutters that it'll be a second - he's gonna beat this shitty thing one way or another.]

[February 12th, action]

[failazure]

[It's morning. Somewhere around eight or nine, give or take.

Noel is fast asleep. Which, at this time of day, would be normal...

...if it weren't in Sanji's bed. 8|]

[February 12th, action]

[concasse]

[What are you talking about? This is completely normal. B|

Sanji had actually been awake at 5 on the dot - his usual time to get up, catch a shower, throw on some clothes, and start cooking breakfast. But the presence of a warm body next to his was derailing, to say the least. His housemates could kill him later, if they wanted. He ended up snuggling against her and slipping back off to sleep.

But it's nine now, and it's not in him to stay in bed forever... at least not asleep. When he wakes this time, he stays there, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes with a free hand; the shoulder belonging to the other hand is currently being used as a headrest by someone]

[February 21st, action and written] this is why we don't write tags at 7 am

[fourteen]

[ It's roughly 2:45 AM when she portals her way into the Straw Hat house uninvited.

Were she in a better state of mind, she'd never, ever do something like this -- the only reason she does it with Luke is because she always portals straight into his room, and she knows he's okay with it. But she's never done it with Sanji before, never ever asked, and were she even thinking, this would feel like a gross violation of privacy, not just for him but for everyone who lives here.

But today, she doesn't care. Or maybe just isn't thinking about it.

She heard the post with Noel. Heard his voice with hers. And she knows -- the experiment, the one she thought she was so fortunate to escape -- she can only imagine what happened. How bad Sanji must be hurting.

And she can't bring herself to care like she should. Not only that, but she can't bring herself to feel bad about not caring. She's so devastated, so ruined, so numb from all the loss she's been experiencing that she's literally incapable. Of course she's worried, but it's in a distant way, detached, a phantom sensation that almost doesn't feel like it belongs to her.

That sensation is why she's here. She doesn't expect him to be awake. She's not sure if she even wants him to be, and when she pushes open his door as quietly as humanly possible and discovers the room is dark, she's relieved.

Still, for a long moment, she stands in the doorway, considering the faint outline of his sleeping form. Her dad. He must feel so awful right now. Whatever happened between him and Noel, she knows that even under normal circumstances he'd be furious with himself for failing to protect her, even against Malnosso droids. If they were together because of the experiment....

At the same time, she wishes she could cling to him and cry and feel his hand on her hair. Her heart constricts even at the mere thought of it. Oh darkness, no, no. Not now. She's distantly aware that this is a brief moment of lucidity in the haze and mire that has been her every waking moment since Riku said those horrible, fateful words, and if she loses it now she'll ruin everything.

She doesn't want to wake him. No, that won't do. Not when he's probably as upset as he is, not when she's this broken. There is a distant, reasonable thought in the back of her mind, too, that a fighter of his caliber might not respond favorably to being woken out of a dead sleep in the middle of the night.

So she's very careful when she makes her way over to the bed, and places her note in a bit of free space beside his body. Just as quickly, she moves silently back out of the room, shuts the door most of the way, and vanishes from the house. Her next immediate destination is Luke's room, where she'll let herself fall apart once more.

The note is just a simple folded-up piece of paper, and reads thusly:

Hi, dad.

I'm so sorry I couldn't talk to you in person. And I'm sorry I wasn't there when Noel was kidnapped. I don't know what you're going through right now, but - I love you, dad, and even if it's not right now, I hope everything will be okay eventually.

Sora went home. Roxas and I - nothing is okay right now. It's why I haven't tried to come see you. So much has happened in such a short amount of time that I - I'm sorry. I'm going to see Luke right after I leave you this note. I don't know how much it will help, since there's something wrong with him, too. But Roxas finally fell asleep, and neither one of us has slept much at all since Sora disappeared. I guess I just wanted to let him rest. And I didn't know where else to go . . .

I shouldn't make this note so depressing. I'll be okay. I just wanted to let you know where I am and what's going on. If you need time, Sanji - that's okay. I'll try and stop by the restaurant soon and say hi.

I'll see you soon, dad. Please take care of yourself, okay?

-Xion ]

[February 21st, action]

[concasse]

[She'd been lucky to catch him in-between his restless, late night fidgeting, when he'd been most likely to awaken. His dreams are faceless, without meaning or purpose; just uneasy, and broiling. Many times they stir him out of sleep, and every time Sanji stubbornly pulls himself back under. By morning, he's as exhausted and numb as the day Noel was taken from him. The only difference is he has a mind to hide it better. He already had his night of mindless wallowing. Any more of it and he'll be sick of himself.

But that doesn't mean he's going to seek anyone out, either. In fact, he stays hidden under the covers, silently waiting for the first hints of sunlight to invade his room rather than creep into the shower like he normally would. It doesn't matter; he knows his crew is in no position to expect breakfast immediately, after the week they've all had. Heh, they'll probably be in bed until ten. So six o'clock comes and goes without fanfare. It's only by the thirty minute mark that he finally decides that's enough, he's got a full tank of self-pity to keep him company.

The note almost escapes his notice. He's not looking for it; when he tosses his covers to the side, the subtle crunch of paper is what catches his attention. He digs for it, distantly aware that its presence means someone was in his room last night, and once it's in his hand, just he gives it a proper stare before flicking it open with a one-armed gesture.

Hi, dad.

I'm so sorry--

And there, he stops reading.

The paper crinkles in his tightening fist, while his shoulders tense and his stomach lurches uncomfortably. Suddenly, the floor is much easier to stare at. Losing Noel was one blow already; forgetting about Xion and what a hell her week has been is added baggage Sanji doesn't want to handle. Fuck, he can't do this - he doesn't want to. It'd be easier, he quietly reasons, to pretend he hadn't seen the note at all.

... And oh, if he were actually that selfish enough to consider the cop-out. If it's a parent's love, or selflessness, or maybe just that inopportune weakness to a girl's subtle plea for comfort... Whatever it is, it forces his eyes open and loosens his fist, despite the deeply unhappy expression etched into his face. At least, he thinks as he begins reading again, she won't have to see his face right now. She'd just feel bad.

He goes about his business after that: shower first, then getting dressed. Breakfast for the crew. Feeding Pumpkin. He performs each duty without a hitch, without seeming perturbed by the events of yesterday. Ten o'clock comes, and he's out the door like always, tossing a vague warning over his shoulder that there will be hell to pay should Luffy even think about raiding the kitchen while he's out.

Roxas is the one who opens the House 14 door, and after a short, bemused exchange, leads Sanji to the kitchen. That's where he'll stay for the next hour if Xion doesn't show up, waiting patiently by the table, not even sitting down]

[Action, March 9th]

[ledbythewind]

[Richard hadn't been surprised at all to receive that private message from Sanji after Naoki had showed up-- in fact, if anything he was relieved, because as much as he really wants to be alone right now, he also has enough sense to realize that's probably the worst thing he could do. Besides, there's no way he's turning down the offer of drinks at a time like this.

So he'll be showing up at Good Spirits just as he promised, looking... blank. Neither happy nor sad, because he isn't really sure how to feel right now. Maybe talking with Sanji will help him be able to sort that much out.]

[Action, March 9th]

[concasse]

[Having hailed Richard from the bar, Sanji's already there and two drinks in. He's not planning on hitting this conversation drunk, but a tiny bit of fuzz in his head might help him ride out this mess-- or make him better able to help Richard. Somehow. Truth be told, he's not completely sure what he can do besides make sure the king doesn't do anything too stupid.

Maybe he'll need to be content with that.

When he turns to check over his shoulder at the door, and sees the other, Sanji gives a friendly wave. He's not smiling, either]

Yo, Richard.

March 13th or 14th

[wildkotetsu]

[Heeey, bossman. So. My partner got taken by the droids. Aaand I tried my damndest to get him back; and that's probably why there's nothing but a passive face in wake of it as he limps into the back door today. He's at least lazily slapped on some bandaids--nice colorful blue and green ones--though he hasn't really thought further ahead here, in this kitchen, tie askew and shirt untucked. And then he leans against the edge of the sink, sucking in a slow, steady breath. Alright.

Okay.

Okay.

Going and punching the barrier didn't really do much, and the droids were too much for his few minutes. He grits his teeth and clenches the counter between his fingers, though his knuckles are too scraped to go white. He just needs a minute. Just a minute.]

March 14th! Because I say so B|

[concasse]

[Kotetsu can take all the minutes he needs.

At least, until Sanji enters the kitchen. He's got an order in hand, and vaguely notes the newest presence by the sink as he breezes past -- Kotetsu, of course. And late. That deserves a faint grousing, if nothing else, and Sanji prepares to deliver in style--

The threat dies somewhere in his throat when he finally looks up.]

... Kotetsu. [He speaks slowly, on the off-chance he's dreaming this.] What the hell happened?

[action] March 2nd

[alabastajewel]

[Mid-afternoon, Vivi breezes into Seventh Heaven, a covered plate in her hands. She waves off the server that heads over to meet her as she enters. This is not a usual trip to the restaurant for her.]

[She looks around, pleased to see that it's relatively empty at this time of day--she hadn't wanted to interrupt if Sanji were busy, so she'd purposely chosen a time that seemed likely to be quiet. Her quick scan of the place gave no glimpse of Sanji either, so she assumes he must be in the kitchen. She pauses for a moment, debating between sending a worker back to fetch him or just going herself. She ultimately settles on the latter; it'll be more fun if she can surprise him. Her mind made up, she begins to head toward the back.]

[action] March 2nd

[concasse]

[She'll find Sanji in the back, dutifully washing some dishes now that the rush is over. And unlike Vivi, he'd love for a bit more traffic. He knows what day it is -- and with the Valentine's experiment fresh in his mind like a still-tender wound, he can't bring himself to care one way or another. Turning twenty-two is no landmark in their world, after all. It's more like the beginning of those birthdays you don't really want but faithfully acknowledge because hell, at least you're not dead.

... Shit, anymore of this and he's gonna sound like a cynical old man. That at least makes him smirk, unaware of Vivi's presence]

[action] April 2nd

[mikangirl]

[Really, one day the Malnosso are going to drop her back into her room instead of ditching her in the middle of town after one of these things. It'd be nice. After waking up half soaked from being dumped on the very edge of the fountain, Nami yawns and grumps her way home.

It's only a five minute walk, and she slips in the front door just after 11pm. Well, if she's lucky Sanji will still be up and make her a hot drink. Right? 8D?]

[action] April 2nd

[concasse]

[8D... Ahahaha. That's funny, Nami.

"Sanji" is up, though! And striding towards the front door with purpose, though seeing Nami stops him in his tracks. He looks at her, head canted to the side in recognition and maybe a little surprise]

... Huh. So this is where they dropped me off. [A smile; vague, but friendly smile] Sorry about this. I'll be out of your hair in a sec.

April 5th, Action

[concasse]

[ooc: continuation from here]

[In that case, Ace...

Don't be surprised when Jixsan stands and a black vortex opens up in front of him]

[hiken_ace]

[Guess what, nothing really surprises him anymore, so he just kinda raises his eyebrows.]

Daaaamn, what is that?

April 4th, Action

[concasse]

[ooc: Continued from here!]

You just approached me one day. Nami and the crew must've mentioned me, because you weren't surprised when I told you my name. [Jixsan still remembers the very, very subdued surprise at meeting this blue-haired girl who had regarded him with friendliness, and not the curious aloofness he'd expected.]

April 4th, Action

[alabastajewel]

[She nods slowly. Yes, that makes sense; of course the others would have alerted her to the presence of someone in Luceti who looked like Sanji, but wasn't.]

Are you close with anyone else on the crew? [She glances over to the door, knowing at least a few of the others are home. He'd come right to her room; maybe he was trying to avoid the other Strawhats.]

April 3rd, Action

[concasse]

[ooc: continued from here!]

What makes you think I'm the one having memory problems? [His tone is suddenly challenging, but Jixsan thinks it a fair question. An experiment is going around. No one on good authority can assume themselves unaffected.]

And it's just like I said. [he gestures broadly in front of him with a hand] I've never been apart of your crew. Neither has my Original. That Sanji came from a world called Radiant Garden.

April 3rd, Action

[tanukipwnt]

Radiant Garden? ["Original"? What on earth is Sanji talking about? Chopper shakes his head; he doesn't understand any of that, but he can at least answer the first question.]

Because Nami remembers it, too! Besides...I just got back from a mission, which started before this experiment. How could I have been affected if I wasn't even in Luceti at the time? [It's an appeal to logic, albeit a shaky one - like any experiment, the effects could be delayed on some. But he's only been back for a few hours.]

April 4th

[concasse]

[ooc: Continued from here!]

[Okay, her voodoo fingers actually have him laughing - a short, amused bark, but laughter all the same. That reaction was better than he could've hoped.

Very obviously, he doesn't look exactly repentant of her displeasure, and hums thoughtfully with his eyebrows seated high on his forehead] So Norma doesn't like coffee, eh? Alright, we'll count it out. But water's so boring; it's practically an insult to the dessert. [He drums his fingers on the table, glancing slyly at her despite his still impassive expression] And you're kinda young for alcohol, aren't ya?

Re: April 4th

[bubblywishes]

[Norma drums her fingers on the counter top. Honestly, she never had coffee, so if Curly could pull off something where it didn't taste like death incarnate, she may very well give it a try - and like it! But black? That's just...straight coffee, right? Eh... Immediately though, Norma begins frowning when Sanji points out her age in terms of alcohol. Ugh, does she really look that young?]

I've had little bits of alcohol before, Curly, jeez! I'm not a little kid, why does everyone around here treat me like one?! So long as it doesn't stink like something out of the clinic's stock, I can probably drink it. I mean, the good stuff that's not like drinking tar, or acid or something.

[She can still remember the taste of straight rum from Marco. Ugh...]

/slides in here on the 11th June

[mikangirl]

[And on this fine morning, Nami comes marching in to Seventh Heaven with a frown on her face, looking for her resident chef. It's okay, Sanji. You're not in trouble.

...though the scowl on her face might make you think otherwise. >>]

11th June

[concasse]

[Doo de doo, don't mind Sanji doing that chef thing: making food, bossing his workers around, occasionally sneaking in a cigarette break -- and oh shit Nami looks unhappy. He hunches his shoulders up on a reflex when he spots her marching toward him, resembling a cowed puppy that is about to be punished.]

Nami-san? [He didn't do it.]

[June 18th, Action]

[fabrecation]

[It was the day after Guy confronted Luke about his sickness. The day after he figured out that Luke was dying. Granted... at this rate, it wasn't that hard to figure out; he's paler, thinner, constantly looks as if he hasn't gotten enough sleep. It was an ugly truth that Luke had to force himself to look at and acknowledge, and with it came a few heavy decisions.

One was to find Sanji and talk to him about some things, and so, that's what he's doing now. Luke makes his way to Seventh Heaven, the first place he thinks he might find the chef, and he peers about before he steps further inside.]

Sanji?

[June 18th, Action]

[concasse]

[The lull in customers means Sanji's near the front, about the abscond through the door and take his cigarette break before anyone else shows up. Thus he nearly smacks into Luke, just stopping short of running the other over. Timing, kid. Any other day he'd have a wry comment on hand for this, enough to turn Luke's ears red.

But today, though -- Sanji takes one look at the redhead and stares appraisingly, swallowing back any telling reactions. He knows something Luke doesn't know he knows, after all, and it's going to stay in his thoughts, off his expression and out of sight.]

Need something? [He steps back for space's sake, eyes slowly narrowing into concern. Luke is treated to another judging glance] ... Everything all right?

[Not revealing the truth doesn't mean he can't make it obvious what a special hell the redhead is looking like right now]

[acton] July 6th

[alabastatomboy]

[Today was apparently just one of those days. Vivi was fidgety and nothing seemed to hold her interest. Playing outside held no appeal today, because while she was well used to the heat, the humidity that hung heavy in the air was something else entirely. It made her feel sticky and uncomfortable, and drained her energy to leave her feeling as limp as a wrung-out dishrag. Besides, she'd already explored much of the town and the nearby forest, and wasn't feeling particularly inspired to do any more of that today.]

[Inside wasn't much better, though. She'd tried to look at books, and to color and draw pictures, but her mind kept wandering and she couldn't concentrate. Maybe she was feeling homesick. She's already been here longer than she'd expected, and she misses Papa and Carue so much. And Pell, and Igaram, and a lot of other people, too. The Strawhats help. They're fun and interesting and do lots of neat stuff, but...beyond that, she feels a sort of kinship with them that she can't really explain. Almost like she'd known them for years instead of just a couple weeks. Even so...she's still a little girl a long way from home.]

[She sighs loudly, flopping onto her back on the couch and covering her eyes with an arm. She needs something to keep her mind off of being homesick. She wishes again that there were more kids her own age to play with here. Or anybody to play with, really.]

[acton] July 6th

[concasse]

[With Vivi still a child, it's been well over a week since the chef has bothered putting in a full shift at Seventh Heaven. Not to anyone's surprise, of course. Though all the Straw Hats naturally chip in whenever a nakama is changed, by now it's been established that Sanji will shoulder the majority of the "child bearing", through his own eager volition. It's why he returns home some early hour in the afternoon, whistling cheerfully as he closes the door and makes ready to hunt the little girl down.

Imagine his surprise when all it takes is a quick turn and a startled glance. Flopped on the couch, Vivi doesn't look her usual energetic self. Sanji's mouth immediately twists during his approach, and he peers over the armrest of the couch.]

Vivi-chan, is something wrong?

July 20th/Nothere!Action/Predated

[deathsdoctor]

[Sanji, there is a plain blue box tied with black string in Seventh Heaven, not in the kitchen (as it's your domain) but close by, placed in an area where you can't help but come across it. In it you will find ten keys and a master mold for more of the same keys.

There is also a note:]

Sanji:

I imagine you already know about the matter of the Marine's handcuffs from Miss Robin. She graciously let me in on the fun. To that end, here is ten keys to his seastone handcuffs and a master copy to forge more if you so choose. Please extend my thanks to the lady when you see her next.

Regards;

T. Law

action, september 3rd; (i think?)

[fourteen]

[ Yeah, so. She doesn't even bother with the journals. She just heads into the restaurant around the late afternoon, making a beeline for the kitchen. ]

Dad?

action, september 3rd; (yes!)

[concasse]

[Visits from Xion are commonplace, whether he's at home or working, so Sanji glances over casually at her approach, immediately brightening up.]

Aaaah, my daughter's come to visit me~! Do you need something, Xion?

[Action] October 1st

[mikangirl]

[She's not there all the time. But in light of Chopper having gone and Nami having the next best medical knowledge-- not to mention the entire town going crazy in an experiment that strikes her as the most stupid one yet-- Nami is close by, dividing her time between making lunch for any crewmates that come for it, working on her maps, and ...well. Quietly poking her head around Sanji's door to see if he's moved in the last half hour.

Because she'd really like him to, some time soon. A week is a very long time to be unconscious-- after exploding in mad cooking sprees, no less-- and she's worried about further repercussions.

So hurry up, you silly chef. And stop making her stress.]

[Action] October 1st

[concasse]

[Well, Nami. Does waking up, rolling out of bed, and then realizing halfway to the door that your body isn't going to respond well to physical activity after a week-long nap count as not stressing you out?

... Thud.]

[November 05 | Action]

[hollower]

[Aaah, what a time, what a time. Perona's actually still feeling a bit woozy even now after the events of Halloween. She definitely ate her fill of tasty treats, and drank enough to get a good color to her face. The ghosts, while some were annoying and had to be dealt with properly, most of them Perona's actually missing already. They were fun fellow mischief makers and ghostly spirits. Kindred souls...alas, now they're gone.

She sighs as she wanders toward the clothing store, to shock up on some winter clothing for the coming colder months. Better do it now than worry about it when it actually starts snowing and stuff. Mm, she has to wonder if there'll be anything there that will suit her fancy, at least a nice coat or something. Something, maybe, with pompoms and fluff. Something warm, obviously. Oh, and mittens! And a scarf. ...And maybe some food after. Something not so filling, since she's sure she gained weight over the week...ugh. No more sweets til Christmas, she's making that a rule.]

[November 05 | Action]

[concasse]

[At least one of them had a good week.

Sanji has ventured out of the confines of the house and into the clothing store for one reason, and one reason only - blankets. Lots of them. Vivi's regained more of her natural pallor, but with the upcoming cold months and the chill in the air, he isn't going to take chances. They could all use the extra warmth anyway.

And the task itself is blessedly mindless. No thought required. He barely lifts his gaze from the floor most times, only pausing on occasion to check how far he's wound himself around an aisle. Then it's off to repeat the process after grabbing something passable.

Once he's secured three of various styles and colors, it's time to head for the door - and back to a house that feels half-emptied. At least there he doesn't need to concern himself with human interaction outside of the crew.]

[Action, January 11th]

[ledbythewind]

[Life seems to have a way of knocking Richard flat every time he thinks he's finally found his footing. It's gotten to the point where he can't even be surprised by it anymore; this time, Naoki's return hadn't brought with it the same sense of disbelief that it had the first time around. Instead, what it had brought was a rising sense of hopelessness and despair - that he'll never be able to put this whole thing behind him, not when he keeps being reminded of it like this.

Not only that, but this time Naoki didn't remember. Or, perhaps more accurately, this wasn't his Naoki. This was a stranger who looked like the boy he had loved. That alone was a distressing enough fact for him, but coupled with the proximity of Valentine's Day...

He doesn't know what to do. Part of him wants to run away and never come back, but all of him agrees that he needs a drink right about now.

When he walks into Seventh Heaven, it's pretty clear that he isn't here to enjoy himself.]

[Action, January 11th]

[concasse]

[No, it doesn't look like Richard's ever going to enjoy himself, or not for a long while at the very least. Sanji doesn't even need to look at the young king to know as much, when his conversation with Naoki told the chef all he needed to know.

He supposes he's lucky, in a way. His friendship with Naoki will forever be sorely missed, but time has dimmed his investment, and cooled his feelings. It's easy enough to treat this new teen like the stranger he is. But for Richard...

Needless to say, Sanji doesn't expect the man to come in for work anytime soon. So it's with surprise in his eyes that he finds Richard in the restaurant anyway, and he drifts over curiously.]

Oi... [The rest of his words dim into silence, and he gives the man a quick, assessing look-over. His mouth draws into a thin line as no, he doesn't really like what he sees]

Need something?

[February 3rd]

[fourteen]

[ A certain Poppet has a great deal on her mind and a heavy heart, and it's high time she seeks out her dad. It's still fairly early in the day - she couldn't sleep very well - so she'll drop by the house first before heading to Seventh Heaven, since she's not quite sure where precisely he'll be. ]

[February 3rd]

[concasse]

[She'll no doubt catch him just as he's about to leave the house, hollering one last goodbye behind his shoulder as he braces against the cold. He turns and halts with the door clicking shut, and her sudden appearance is enough to give him pause.

It's not that he doesn't know why she's here, per se; he's only surprised she tracked him down so soon. The edges of his mouth thin with concern]

Xion...?

March 2nd-ish AFTER MISSION STUFF

[wildkotetsu]

[Well.

This mission happened.

He didn't really expect such a mundane job to turn into another thing he can file into 'worse days of his life', but it appears to be something drawn specifically to him; it's not new, for Kotetsu to arrive at work sporting a few new bruises and scrapes. Sanji's probably used to his mission wandering by now, Kotetsu figures. It's not like it's some big new thing.

... This time is a little different.

Bruised and battered as usual, there's something a little more fucked up with him than the other missions dealt out. It's why when he goes home, he can only stand to be there for five minutes before he gets up off his couch and wanders over to the Straw Hat house.




And then he proceeds to stand there for ten minutes in the dark, with his fist hovering at the door.



Maybe... He should just go...]

SOBBING

[concasse]

[At this time of night, Sanji, clad in loose, lazy bed clothes, is on his way to the kitchen for tea when he feels a brush of someone hanging on the peripheral of his awareness, lingering on the doorstep, and he halts by the doorway. If his Haki had picked up a passerby, that'd be one shitty thing, and no cause for concern, but...

This spirit is familiar.

The door opens before Kotetsu has a chance to properly knock. There's no really surprise on the chef's face, either - only worry.

It isn't just that he picked up Kotetsu's presence; his spirit feels in shambles]

... Yo.

[Action] 02/03 (morning)

[toujoursfluer]

[Good morning, Sanji-kun. When you come downstairs to prepare breakfast, you will find it already made and the table set. It's a somewhat simple fare and the slightly scorched toast is cut into hearts but nevertheless it is there for you and so is Robin, sitting at the table and waiting for your arrival and sipping a cup of coffee]

[Action] 02/03 (morning)

[concasse]

[Having already taken his shower, Sanji's looking a little damp and out of sorts. Really, he'd just like to go back to bed and sleep this particular day through, but duty calls. He's got a crew to feed.

... Or he did. Upon entering the kitchen he stops short, staring at the spread and wondering if he was sleep-walking last night until seeing Robin at her seat]

Robin-chan?