[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

[concasse]

... 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.]

[toujoursfluer]

[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]

[concasse]

[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.

[toujoursfluer]

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.