Friday | Post-Investigation

[concasse]

[It's been, what, a day since he and the "younger" Ion have last seen each other? But boy, what a difference a day makes in this castle.

Which is why Sanji does not look particularly happy to see him, or happy to be here -- nothing personal, of course, he just hates everything about his current existence and it's not getting better. The crueler truth is Fitz' death hasn't even blipped on Sanji's radar, either, besides what this could mean for the sickly boy if he doesn't get paired to anyone come Sunday.

... A humbling thought, the longer he dwells on it. Wherever he crosses the boy's path, Sanji chooses to make a small attempt at conversation, even knowing both of them probably don't want much to do with it.]

... Yo.

[A pause]

How you holding up?

Comments

[fonlines]

[ One would think he'd want to avoid the music room if anyone had told him what was found there, and yet.

Ion is to be found pacing briskly back and forth up on the fourth floor. When Sanji attempts to make conversation he'll only end up being stared at and through for a long moment before Ion shakes his head and refocuses. ]

... I think I am busying myself enough so that I do not think too much.

[ On what it might mean for him come Sunday, and... part of him wonders- was this his fault?

'Ah, Ion is going to die anyway. There's no need to spare his partner out of misguided pity'? ]

[concasse]

[Honestly? Fair. If Ion told him to fuck off, Sanji would without a word, as that's the kid's right.

... Thought that statement is so frank in its meaning that he can't help but huff out a half laugh. Just... damn, the Ions are so different.

He kinda appreciates it.]

Not to criticize your method, but is pacing the best way for that?

[Tilting his head]

... Do you play an instrument?

[fonlines]

[ He blinks back, but then, given the room nearby Sanji does have ample reason to ask.

Ion studies him briefly, this man that his replica seems to trust and whom seems to have an affection for his replica in return, before responding. ]

A few, though to varying levels of proficiency.

You're right, though-- it isn't. All I was doing was wearing myself into a rut both physical and mental... Perhaps what I should have said was that I was trying to think about matters that are ... not necessarily more trivial, but still different from what it is I am trying to avoid.

[concasse]

Ah... yeah, I getcha.

[Rubbing his chin thoughtfully]

I do the same shit in the kitchen when I'd rather worry over the menu for the rest of the week instead of marines trying to sink my ship.

[Or how much money Luffy's black hole of a stomach is costing the crew. But that's perhaps a bit more lighthearted than is necessary. In any case-]

Anyway, I asked about the instruments 'cause I'm gonna try my hand at piano and need someone to remind me my hands are only good for cooking.

[fonlines]

[ A soft, quiet laugh, folded demurely into the sleeve of his robes. ]

I'm sure you can't be that bad, Sir Sanji. We all must start from somewhere, after all.

[ And in any case, he's already sat through Souji attempting his best on the organ. A piano will be nothing in comparison. ]

In any case, while I believe neither of us claims the piano under our respective repertoires... you may have asked the better one of us, between myself and my other.

Had you intended on stopping by the music room, then, before you came across me?

[concasse]

... "Sir"... ?

[Oh my god what word just crossed this kid's mouth? Sanji actually barks out a laugh to the ceiling, so deeply amused by the title.]

Oi, I'm begging you, just "Sanji". Pirates shouldn't be getting such fancy titles.

[He's just more at home with people cussing him out than showing him even a molecule of respect.]

And yeah, just for a bit. [A light shrug] Seamen don't have much in the way of entertainment. Music's one of the few ways we get to relax on the sea.

[fonlines]

[ to his credit Ion accepts the laugh without indicating any offense. ]

... If you insist, then. 'Sanji' it is.

[ If Sanji wishes him to eschew the trappings of politeness and formality, then really, who is he to disagree?

He toys around with the pendant around his neck some, allowing Sanji to take the lead in heading towards the room, then. Still: ]

If I may, what instruments were you most familiar with? I can't imagine a piano would be particularly easy to transport and maintain, in seafaring conditions.

[concasse]

Violin.

[Though Sanji immediately jumps in to add:] Well, more like a fiddle. Not that it matters -- I'm shit at both.

[He cannot stress that enough. As far as he's concerned, Ion is in for a rough time with his ears]

... And you said you're the one who's got more skill with a piano, then?

[He didn't forget that comment -- just chose to slowly work his way back to it.]