ledbythewind | APPOINTMENTS POST

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?

Perhaps you've forgotten my station. This may not be Windor, but I think it still gives me a certain measure of authority even here.

[Richard rarely ever pulls rank on anyone, either in Windor or here in Luceti-- when he does, it's usually either teasing or with good reason. In this case, it's a mixture of both. He's going to help out and he's not going to take no for an answer.]

Don't bother trying to pull rank on a pirate. It doesn't work. [He offers a smirk, still not taking the conversation more seriously than is necessary. Which is just as well, he supposes.]

But I can't stop you from coming in, either. [That, at least, he knows to be true. It would take too much wasted energy arguing with Richard and trying to chase him out.]

That's what I thought.

[Whether that's in response to the first part, the second part, or both is impossible to tell-- that's probably the point.]

How are you doing?

[And this time it's clear that he means it in a non-job sense, since that matter has already been addressed.]

[That earns a sharp glance. Sanji finds himself at a crossroad, torn between telling Richard he's being nosy, and just giving up the truth without a fight. Old habit vs easy defeat. He's unsure which one sounds more appealing.]

... Nami-san still hasn't come back yet. [There - it's not the whole answer, but it covers enough bases just by virtue of the name he utters]

Still?

[Richard sounds concerned; at this point he isn't even bothering to hide it. Not that he could, because Sanji is an expert at seeing through his facades. He knows all too well that there isn't much point in even trying.]

How long has it been now?

A couple a weeks. [The server returns with Sanji's drink, and he pauses to put away a few swallows]

Not that Nami-san can't handle herself... but... [Any amount of time with the scientists is not time well spent; they all know that. Hence the worry, he supposes.]

[Richard's response is a soft sound of assent as he stares down into his own drink, remembering his sole experience with being kidnapped. It's something he'd much rather forget, and he hadn't even been gone that long. There's always the hope that the experiments might not be as bad as the ones he'd endured, but... frankly, he doubts that will be the case. The Malnosso aren't known for their kindness.

The worst part of all is the helplessness, the knowing that there's absolutely nothing they can do.]

We'll just have to keep an eye out for whenever she's returned.

[his reply is a distant, noncommittal sound. Wherever his other thoughts lie, they're lost underneath his mask of calm and an attention focused on the swirling pieces of ice in his glass. He takes another sip, then grins faintly in Richard's direction]

Sorry, guess I'm not much for company today.

It's all right. You've put up with me when I was even worse company than this-- I don't think I have much of a right to complain after that.

[He hesitates for a moment - physical contact is still something he's wary about, even after being in Luceti for as long as he has - but at last he reaches out a gentle hand to rest on Sanji's shoulder in a silent show of support.]

[Sanji sees that hand, and his stare slips from one corner of his eyes to the other side, just watching its tract through the air before it steadies itself on his shoulder. One of their trips to the hot springs flashes vividly in his mind - a reminder of what the simple gesture means coming from Richard of all people. He waits a beat before a slow and steady smile graces his features, a silent confirmation that yes, he really does appreciate the support.]

You better hurry up. [There's no motion to shake the hand off, though Sanji cants his attention back to his drink] At this rate, I'll be drunker than you.

Is that a challenge?

[That hand gives a tiny playful squeeze before pulling back and reaching for his glass; as comfortable as he is around Sanji, he's still not about to hold that contact for too long, not just yet. Besides, there's alcohol to be had, and he's certainly not about to let Sanji outdo him in that department.

Although now that he thinks about it, he's not sure he's ever seen Sanji REALLY drunk. He's a little bit curious now.]

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