ledbythewind | APPOINTMENTS POST

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.]

Think of it as friendly ribbing if it makes you feel any better. [A smirk tossed over his glass, which he's gleefully finishing off. Not to say he's actually shooting for the joys of inebriation, not with subtle reminders of the last time he fell that hard dancing in his mind's eye, but with his second drink finished, Sanji notes the warmth spreading through his limbs with easy acceptance. He can polish off three or four more before it's time to call it quits]

[In contrast, inebriation is exactly what Richard is aiming for. The logical side of him recognizes that he probably shouldn't drink as much as he does, nor get drunk as often as he does, but there's just something soothing about the easy relaxation that alcohol brings, the way it can so effortlessly make him forget all of his worries. He's perfectly happy to keep going for a while yet.]

And here I can't even offer to buy you a drink as encouragement.

Oh, don't let that stop you. [Flagging the waiter down again - and this time mentioning they might as well leave a whole pitcher here, judging by their progress] I'll drink anything you set in front of me.

Even Romulan Ale?

[Yep, Nami introduced him to that one. He's not the biggest fan of the taste, but he has to admit that it does the job.]

[Sanji's face scrunches like he swallowed something sour, tongue sticking out in obvious disgust]

Tch! You would pick that.

But fine, I said I'd drink anything.

[That earns a laugh as Richard waves the waiter down yet again to ask for two glasses of Romulan ale.]

I did learn from the best.

... Nami-san introduced you to that drink, didn't she?

Was it that obvious?

You did say you learned from the best~!

[He laughs again.]

That I did, and I can't think of anyone who knows more about alcohol than her.

Not only alcohol, but navigation and fashion and thievery and coyness and--!! [And so it goes on and on. Rest assured, Sanji manages to list what is probably the most comprehensive list of Nami's greatest (and worst) traits by the time the drinks arrive. Th chef unwittingly picks up his glass of Romulan Ale without a pause, not bothering to look at it]

-- and kindness and forcing us all into debt and kicking shitty skeletons in the head and--!! [A pause to take a nice long drink--]

[If this were a manga or anime (let us not examine that statement too closely), this would be the part where Sanji would do a spit-take in order to preserve his internal organs. Or something. Unfortunately, that's not what happens. He's so startled by the powerful, almost rancid taste in his mouth that he swallows the entire mouthful, and it shoots a jolt down his spine right before his head smacks against the table.

... But hey, he stopped talking.]

[... well. THAT was an interesting response, though not entirely surprising. It's been fairly obvious that Sanji has a thing for Nami for... pretty much the entirety of the time that Richard has known him. It's not as if Sanji keeps it a secret or anything, after all. No, he's pretty open about his love for the ladies, especially Nami. It's kind of cute in a way. Richard will just be quiet and let him list away, occasionally punctuating said list with a "mm" or a nod...

... and then he gulps the ale and Richard isn't sure whether to laugh or be concerned. Hmm. At last concern wins out and Richard decides to inquire after his friend's health.]

... are you all right?

[A lengthy pause, and then Sanji feebly mumbles into the table]

If I die, only you can go on a date with Nami-san. [Chase all the other men away in his steed, Richard]

[action, August 12th]

[action, August 12th]

[action, August 12th]

[action, August 12th]

[action, August 12th]

[action, August 12th]

[action, August 12th]

[action, August 12th]

[action, August 12th]

[action, August 12th]

[action, August 12th]

[action, August 12th]

[action, August 12th]

[action, August 12th]

[action, August 12th]

[action, August 12th]

[action, August 12th]

[action, August 12th]

[action, August 12th]

[action, August 12th]

[action, August 12th]

[action, August 12th] 1/2

[action, August 12th]

[action, August 12th]

[action, August 12th]