Monday | Week 4

[concasse]

[He lets the guilt stew in his gut for all of a day before he's had enough. The evening of Monday, Sanji doesn't tell Zelos what he's doing -- just makes an excuse and leaves the room, hiding in a corner of their now very private common room.

After a fidget, he calls into the empty air]

Uh... Tiger-sama?

[... mrr, he doesn't actually know how to do this outside of being summoned. After glancing nervously around the room.]

Don't suppose I could request a quick audience?

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[themodsgrimm]

[As long as he focuses hard enough...Sanji will find a magical doorway appear for him to walk through to take him to her. Once he enters, he won't find himself in the throne room where their weekly meetings take place, but instead, a lavish chamber full of furs and deep, rich colors. Clearly, this is her personal chamber. One side acts as a bedroom, but he'll be able to spot her easily in a plush chair in an area that acts as a sitting room. She's looking off at nothing, turning over a quill between her clawed fingers.]

You wanted to see me?

[concasse]

[Whoa.

Despite himself, Sanji openly ogles the chamber with curiosity -- he had expected to be brought to the throne room, yes, and it hits him then that of course Tiger and Dragon would have places to sleep. There is no bed in the throne room, after all.

That's getting ahead of himself, though. Sanji reorients back to the matter at hand, fidgeting where he stands. He's so used to being summoned that the idea of freely approaching her makes him feel out of place.]

... Yes.

[...]

I just -- uh. Wanted to apologize formerly for my behavior yesterday.

[themodsgrimm]

Did you?

[She frowns softly, but without any real trace of aggression. Honestly, she just seems tired, unlike the coy and dubiously perky self she shows outside, to the Narrators at large.]

There’s no need. I’d already forgotten.

[concasse]

Oh, I figured.

[It's a purely selfish action on his part, and Sanji acknowledges it as such. Given everything she and Dragon probably have to do just to keep shit in order, it's no surprise she'd moved on.]

... You'll have to forgive me. I was taught to always treat a lady with utmost respect, and I wouldn't want the poor bastard who raised me to be ashamed on top of giving you a hard time.

[themodsgrimm]

[Her gaze finally slides his way, and half of her mouth crooks upward in a smile.]

Would you find me worthy of respect were I anything else?

[She waves her hand. There’s a teapot and teacups on her table.]

Please have a seat. You might as well, if you’re here.

[concasse]

[Goddamnit don't go asking him hard hypotheticals.

It is literally easier for Sanji to murder the fuck out of his loved ones than answer that]

You are the third lady in this place to ask me that.

[This is why he tells Rebecca men are shit -- but anyway, he'll... glide over to the table at her beckoning, having a seat]

I hope I'm not interrupting you or anything...

[themodsgrimm]

[She doesn’t seem to mind his avoiding the question at least, and shrugs as he sits.]

Not at all. I’ve just been thinking, is all, and I can do that at any time.

[Tiger places her quill down on the table and pours them both some tea.]

How are you feeling?

[concasse]

Me?

[He swears people are asking that question of him more and more. Supposes he can't blame them, either. He'll smile once handed his tea and stare into the glass]

Probably better than some of the others.

[Whatever Sanji might say about himself, he's good at supporting others when it counts.]

... And you?

[themodsgrimm]

[Despite Sanji's constant attempts at pleasantries, she still looks surprised to hear him ask. She puts a hand to her chin, thoughtful.]

I don't know.

[Her eyes narrow.]

Ultimately how I feel is irrelevant, but it was polite of you to ask, regardless.

[concasse]

[... Uh.]

Why are your feelings irrelevant again?

[themodsgrimm]

[She waves a hand.]

Oh, I didn't mean to sound so cryptic! Silly me.

[Tiger drinks some tea, and it seems like perhaps she's planning on leaving it at that, but she purses her lips.]

Getting too emotional is dangerous in a war, is all. What's more important is how all of you are doing. I'm sure morale is quite low after what happened over the weekend.

[concasse]

... Yeah, everyone took shit pretty hard.

[No point in denying the truth. Tiger saw their reactions]

Rapunzel-chan's death was... unexpected. Nevermind we fucked up and sent the wrong person to the chopping block.

[But despite these things, Sanji's voice remains low and calm. Contemplative]

... I wasn't expecting Hijikata's death to have such an effect, either.

[That part, however, he glances to the side.]

[themodsgrimm]

Toshizo Hijikata is a renowned figure who can be found in many iterations across many different stories, along with Okita Souji and his sword, Yasusada Yamatonokami.

[At the last name, at least, her eyes soften as she looks down at her tea, her voice getting smaller.]

It was unfortunate luck.

[concasse]

[...]

What criteria do you use when deciding who Zelos and I need to take care of?

[themodsgrimm]

[She frowns, not looking up from her teacup.]

I wish I could give you a specific answer, but I can't. There are a lot of factors we have to consider, and these factors are always changing based on surrounding events.

[concasse]

[He accepts that without fanfare, nodding and then going to take a sip of his tea. It's hard to be aggravated when he's been in the dark since day one.]

... Might I ask you a personal question, then?

Of course, if you don't wanna answer, just ignore me.

[themodsgrimm]

[The word “personal” puts her right on the defensive but she still gives him a nod.]

Go ahead.

[concasse]

[Honestly? Fair. Sanji doesn't expect an answer.]

What did you used to do? Before all these wars started?

Did you have your own story, too?

[themodsgrimm]

[The silence stretches on, but in that span of time Tiger’s expression flows through many different emotions. By the end of it all, she looks troubled, exhausted.]

...I don’t remember. I’m sure I must have.

[concasse]

[... Ah.

Looking apologetic and sad, Sanji lowers his head slightly.]

Did... overseeing all these wars mean you couldn't go back?

[themodsgrimm]

[Her eyelids droop halfway.]

It doesn’t matter why anymore. It’s gone too far and for far too long. There’s no going back, no matter how it ends.

[concasse]

[It's one of those moments Sanji is glad he's here and not any of his crew; he can handle these kinds of responses without it feeling like the antithesis to his entire being.

After a nod, he takes a sip of his tea.]

Yeah, you're right. Going forward is the only path most of us got.

[themodsgrimm]

No point in dwelling in the past!

[Its a forced exuberance as she puts her teacup back down on the table. A silent call to end the personal turn the conversation took.]

Formalities aside, I do appreciate you taking the time. I’m not used to visitors who aren’t looking for something from me.

[concasse]

[... That also makes him sad, though Sanji actually perks up, leaning forward just a bit]

Oi, how about this? Next time I visit -- if you don't mind, of course -- I bring you your favorite dish!

What do you like to eat, Tiger-sama?

[themodsgrimm]

[She clearly fumbles at the question, blinking a few times before her cool and casual air comes back. She runs a hand through her hair.]

I've always liked anything with tuna.

[And another pause.]

I wouldn't mind if you visited me again.

[Tsuntiger]

[concasse]

[Sanji has never been happier to be a chef whose roots are in seafood.]

Perfect~! I'll make you a meal worthy of a goddess~!

[Welcome to Sanji Hell, Tiger.]