ledbythewind | APPOINTMENTS POST

[First Yukito, then Touya. Two of his best chefs in the span of a few weeks, just gone. Sure, Sanji has always been aware something like this could happen, but even Luceti veterans turn placid when the inevitable takes its sweet time slapping reality in everyone's faces.

The chef is certainly shouldering the burden of reality now. Rather than put up a call for more chefs and waiters, Sanji has instead taken to filling up whatever hours he can out of his own schedule. Not the wisest move, all things considered, but being busy means less time to think, and especially with Nami absent, Sanji isn't keen on spending too much time with his thoughts. So he cooks. And cooks. And as the days pass by, he slowly feels his energy reserves halt and dwindle. When he nearly nods off into his own souffle one morning, only then does he start to admit that maybe he needs to scale back his expectations.

Maybe.

But until then, he'll settle for a few drinks at Good Spirits to unwind... and try not to fall asleep in them.]

[It's been a while since Richard has been to Good Spirits himself for the simple fact that he's been seeking less crowded places to unwind-- as much as he may like them, having a house suddenly almost full again makes him a little uncomfortable, and as such he's taken to seeking refuge in places like the library, where he can curl up with a book and be left alone for the afternoon. But eventually his desire for a nice strong drink won out over his desire to be left alone, which is why he finds himself at the bar again this evening (though he's hiding at a side table rather than at the bar itself).

The sight of his employer is enough to pry him out of his corner, however, wineglass in hand as he makes his way over and just takes a seat next to the other man.]

You look like you could use a few drinks.

[Blunt? Perhaps. But he knows Sanji well enough by now to know that bluntness is preferable to dancing around a subject.]

[Bluntness is appreciated, though it still takes Sanji a few seconds too long to tear his gaze away from a spot on the table. It's not a matter of avoidance, either; he's just that fuckin tired.]

Gonna treat me? [He arches a brow at his own joke, proving he's not so out of it that he can't express amusement.]

That all depends on whether or not I'm allowed my own share of drinks as well.

[Richard will just tease right back; that's how he rolls, even when he's somewhat on the stressed side himself. He knows Sanji won't chase him away, especially not when it's clear that they both need the chance to unwind for a bit.]

[The chef makes a wide, accommodating gesture with his hand before he motions a waiter over] Oi, by all means. [While getting drunk isn't on the menu for tonight, Sanji isn't planning on moving for a while at best.]

I'm not going anywhere for a bit.

I think I can agree with that much. Knowing Pascal, there's bound to be some sort of chaos awaiting me when I get home. The longer I stay here, the better the chance that someone else will have started the clean-up process by then.

[It may sound like a joke, but he's 100% serious. His housemates are special, to put it mildly.]

[This is not the first time Richard has hinted at the horrors of Pascal's creativity. He arches a brow] Does it really get that bad?

Let's just say that she made a robot in Asbel's likeness, though he might disagree as to how much of a resemblance there is.

... Why would she need to make a robot of Asbel?

I believe she was intending to use it as a weapon.

[No, he doesn't get it either.]

... Well, it's... good for a lady to have hobbies.

... [Yeah, just gonna sip at the drink that's been placed at the table. Yep]

If you're interested, all you have to do is say so and I'd be happy to introduce you.

[He'd get a good laugh out of it, if nothing else.]

[Of course, Richard. Introduce Sanji to the lady who sounds like a combination of Usopp, Franky, and Luffy's worst traits. He mutters into his glass]

I think I'll pass. Kinda busy and all. I'm sure Pascal-chan would understand!

And here I thought you liked to live on the dangerous side.

[But he's laughing as he takes a sip of his own drink. Wise choice, man.]

Whatever gave you that shitty idea?

You have to admit, your housemates do give off that impression.

... Alright, I'll give you that one.

--Oi, you better not be referring to Nami-san, Robin-chan, or Vivi-chan!

[This is a completely, 100% innocent look Sanji is getting in response here.]

Don't think I won't kick you through a wall, shithead!

[Richard you have the nicest boss.

Look at him, he's so nice]

[WELL NOW HE'S LAUGHING. He's totally scared of being kicked through a wall, yep. Sanji is so threatening.]

You wouldn't dare.

[Maybe if he wasn't so tired Sanji would at least toss Richard over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes because seriously, he could probably bend him like a twig with that figure. But that takes effort... maybe he'll just set him on fire...

Wait no, he needs all the workers he still has. That thought in mind, he offers a stern grunt and downs half of his glass before replying] Tch, you're just lucky I can't afford to have you missing work.

[Given how thin Richard is, it really wouldn't take that much effort, but he'd prefer to remain with his feet on the ground for the time being. Especially because he's holding his drink in one hand and upending him would likely mean that said drink would end up all over Sanji instead.

He's quick to sober up at the subject change, though.]

I meant to ask-- will you need me to come in for any extra shifts? I'm not sure I could fill in for Yukito in the kitchen, but it's the least I can do to help keep things running smoothly out on the floor.

[Just hearing Yukito's name is like strapping a weight to Sanji's chest cavity, and his expression dampens. Heh. It figures he'd realize how much he'd miss his Sous Chef only after he'd left. Seventh Heaven feels so naked without him...

But Sanji shakes his head, perhaps predictably.] No, don't worry about it. I'll cover the extra shifts. [He tips back the rest of his alcohol, enjoying the burn before continuing] Besides, with this shitty heat, I bet no one wants to step outside if they don't have to.

[That change in Sanji's expression doesn't go unnoticed by Richard, and at once he feels guilty for bringing the subject up. Of course-- that would be why he was here in Good Spirits, wouldn't it? Surely Yukito's loss has hit Sanji hardest of all; there's no doubt he's under a great deal of stress right now.]

I can't let you do that. As admirable as it may be, you shouldn't have to bear that burden all by yourself.

[That statement elicits a mix of amusement, irritation, and maybe some weary gratefulness - but at least his reaction isn't volatile. Sanji scoffs lightly at him, already waving the waiter over for another drink. He's not drinking to lose himself in a depressed stupor, so a few more won't hurt anything.]

Tch, ordering your boss around now?

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