concasse | [video]

... Nami-san’s gone home.

[The announcement comes early afternoon, after Sanji has tracked down all available housemates to share the heavy news; after spending thirty minutes alone in an empty room, leaning against the door frame and smoking while he stares dead-eyed at the stripped bed, and struggles to remind himself the tray of food he brought with him needs to go back into the fridge; after telling himself around breakfast, when she didn’t come to join them at the table, that she was probably in her mikan grove for the morning, and it wouldn’t be gentlemanly to disturb her; after waking up at the crack of dawn, grumpy and disheveled, thinking that at least with the Valentine’s Day shit over, he and his nakama could look forward to some semblance of peace.

...

His expression isn't grieved. Nor his tone. He keeps his gaze steady and serious] You all better wish her the best, you hear?

[He'll stick around to answer anyone who responds, then check on his nakama. And after his duty is finished, he's heading for the sea, and will stay there well into the night.

He's done all the talking he can manage. Now? He just wants to be left alone.]

[ooc: Action is open for castmates, and for anyone who'd like to track Sanji down, if they want /o/]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Sanji is in the kitchen, a cup of tea in hand and on his way back to his room. Going to work... no, he can't today. The weight of loss hasn't caught up to him, and won't for a few days yet, but it requires all his energy remaining steady. He only stops when he catches sight of Robin]

... You okay, Robin-chan?

[Loaded question but at the same time a simple one. Is she alright? Is he? They both know the answers to that. Yes and no. Relieved and feeling Luceti is a little emptier than it was before. She's not sure whether she should thank the Malnosso for Nami's release or hate them for it.]

What should we do, Sanji-kun?

[she speaks lightly though it's a question. Memorialize? Remember? Forget? Move on? Mourn? Let go? She's not entirely sure if she wants to do any of that. She's not sure if she wants to do anything except try not to think of who might be next. Who might be last here. Alone]

[For Sanji, Robin's question isn't any less loaded. After three years of braving arrivals and departures alike, he feels he should have more of an answer than "deal with it."]

I don't know. [He's honest as he migrates over to the couch, leaning against the arm and staring into his steaming tea cup] Maybe what we've always done. [To wait, helpless and grasping for the control they don't really have]

... She was trying so damn hard to get us out of this place, too. [Some days, it felt like she was the only one still trying. And that hurts for a different set of reasons]

[...she wishes there was something she could say. But there's nothing she can think of. Nami had been trying hard and in the end...who was to say she hadn't succeeded? At least for herself. Robin wishes she could believe it was that easy.

She hesitates a moment and then rises, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and resting her cheek on his hair. Maybe she's gotten too used to Marco but this is the only thing she can think of to do right now. Maybe she needs it, too]

We'll be okay, ne?

[And she wants to believe that, too]

[He's not completely aware of Robin's approach or what she's doing until her arms are around him, at which point he rouses in surprise. From Nami, he'd expect this, and Vivi's always been one to show her affection physically. But Robin...

He doesn't mind, and after a breath of silence, leans back against her; he only wonders when they got to this stage.]

Yeah, we will be. [His expression lifts into a tired smile] Besides, Nami-san wouldn't want us moping for long.

No... [Though it is difficult not to with so many gone all at once. She holds on for a little longer, trying to comfort and absorb some of his strength at the same time. He's been through this kind of thing many times, no doubt, having been in this place so long. Her nakama are so strong.

After a moment, though, she does move away, though sits close.]

We should do something...

[Though said faintly. She's not sure if she really wants to. It seems like there should be some sort of 'carry on anyway' celebration. She is home, after all. Where she belongs. But for some reason a pirate party... isn't as an engaging thought as it once was.]

... I was gonna head to the sea, later. [To be alone, but he can drape himself in solitude whenever he likes. This is more important]

Not actually a shitty party, but. [His mouth quirks slightly, and he shrugs. Maybe a "sending off" ritual? Though all the ones he's familiar with have their hand in death, so perhaps not.]

[she hesitates. She doesn't know if he means for her to join him or not. Would asking lead him to saying yes? Even if he wanted to be alone? She wasn't sure but it seemed likely. So, then, a compromise]

I might join you a little later then. Perhaps we can light some paper lanterns... [For Nami. For Ace. And all those who had gone home...one way or another]

[Her thoughts aligned with his own. It's reassuring in its own way, and a slow smile curls on his lips]

Maaaah, you think so? [He rubs the nape of his neck in embarrassment, though now that Robin's said it, the idea warms up his expression] To be honest, I don't know how to fold 'em. Robin-chan might have to take the lead and show me.

I'm not entirely sure either. But I'll do my best, ne? It's the thought that counts. [Especially with them. Anything made with love was okay, wasn't it? No matter how terrible it looked]

I think I'll hit the library a little early today unless you need anything.

[video]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject