[video]

[concasse]

... 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/]

Comments

[deathsdoctor]

Fair winds and following seas, Miss Nami.

[It's been a long time since he's uttered that particular nautical blessing. But it's appropriate as a farewell.

And there goes one more...]

[concasse]

[It's a phrase Sanji is familiar with, and is rather surprised to hear someone utter it until realizing that, well... it is Law. Fellow pirate and sailor. Of course he'd know]

... Aaa. Fair winds and following seas.

[deathsdoctor]

[And he falls silent for a time. There's a reason he always remains silent during these things. It's awkward. He's the rival, and despite how well they've gotten on in Luceti, there's a gap there that hasn't been bridged.

... and shouldn't be bridged, really. Some things should remain as they are, because it makes things easier for everyone.

But it's been over two years together. Nearly two and a half if he thinks too long on it... so he should offer something more.]

... one day we should drink to her. All of us.

[A very pirate way of showing respect, honoring someone by raising a glass. A farewell he'd think she'd approve of.]

[concasse]

[And here Sanji had thought the conversation closed, and so starts when Law speaks again. There's an offer Sanji never thought he'd hear; after all, Law doesn't have to offer condolences. It was never his nakama always disappearing.

The time of careful suspicion has long since passed, worn down by time, but yes, there is that gap that's always been there.]

... Aa, she'd like that. [His mouth turns, and he glances up at the ceiling, watching the cigarette smoke curl]

How about tomorrow?

[deathsdoctor]

[No, never his nakama always disappearing. Just the one time. Perhaps it's a blessing he's been so long alone. Or maybe a curse.

... it remains, though. He is alone.




And between Sanji, the Marine, and himself... the longest remaining.]

Tommorow is fine. Good Spirits?

[concasse]

Good Spirits. Me and the crew'll be there.



... Thanks, Law. [Not even for the toast idea. Maybe Sanji is just recalling a certain mission where you never planned to stop him from searching for Nami's body, if it came to that.

Rival or not, there's no one in this place that understands the Straw Hats as much as you do.]

[deathsdoctor]

[He offers a tired smile and raises two fingers in acknowledgement to the camera. Nods.

You're welcome.]

See you then.

[He'll wait a few more moments before closing the connection. Just in case Sanji has anything more to say.

But he doesn't think he does. Spoken, unspoken, it's all been said. Understood. And there's no need to go on.]