yourotherleft | IC Inbox: Cerealia

[he misses that, thankfully, with his back turned. Yes, good, he can talk while he throws out the garbage]

No, I haven't bathed once since you left. It's my way of pining.

[so, so dry and deadpan. Geez, cook, he does still get his once a week in, maybe more if he's been working out.]

Sort of. The kind of stuff that makes me want to barge into that big office building and rip everyone I can find to shreds, but that's not gonna help us in the long run. [his methodical motion helps to keep him calm - pick up box, shove box in bag, move to the next - while he talks over his shoulder, his back still to Sanji] I said we went on another field trip, right? Yeah, this one was to some ruined part of the city with a bunch of caves underneath it. I don't think it was planned, people found out a lot of stuff about CERES they probably didn't want us to know.

[that's the point at which he stops and straightens up to his full height, shoulders tense, though he still doesn't turn around.]

Like the fact that they're working with the ones they say destroyed our worlds.

Well, don't I feel real fucking special?

[Deadpans back at him -- automatically, thankfully, because his brain sort of trips over the pining bit like it's not quite sure how to handle such a concept coming from the other man, even if he is just fucking around.

Sanji busies himself with attacking the dishes that are stacked in the sink, muttering under his breath as he scrubs off dried food and shit. He's listening to Zoro, though, and as such nearly drops the plate in his hands at that bombshell.]

What? [Spins around, finding Zoro across the room.] The hell do you mean they're working with them? You mean their whole bullshit story is even more bullshit that we realized??

[do you know what he actually missed more than your cooking, cook? This. He missed the give-and-take, the snark and snark back. But he's not going to show it. At least, not right now.

There's more important things to get through, and Zoro finally glances his way at the reaction. The growing darkness in his good eye might be enough warning that there's more. Much more.]

Yeah. Exactly. Turns out they've got a contract with these Flaming guys. [ha...Zoro no] If our worlds really are destroyed, they made it happen. If they're really not, they're still working with these bastards to do whatever the hell it is they do to us. It's not just the things they put in our eyes, it's worse.

[he lets the second full bag drop next to the first one and goes to wash his hands, meaning he shoulders up next to Sanji at the kitchen sink - all the better to say the next bit in a much quieter tone.]

There was a meeting. I went for the free pizza and walked in just in time to hear some guy talk about how CERES tortured him on an altar and used him as a human sacrifice to the spirits that kidnapped us that one time. Some of the swords... [even quieter, now] ...might have had the same thing done to them.

[He doesn't back away or anything. Maybe tenses for a beat, but the importance of the conversation overrides anything else, so mostly he just turns his head to watch Zoro with a furrowed brow.]

Human sacrifice...? The fuck good does that do, we don't stay dead here. The guy was even alive enough to tell you all that so what the hell did it accomplish?

[Turns his gaze down to the plate still in his hands, trying to think.]

Torture, worlds destroyed... I almost forgot about those shitty spirits, but they didn't seem like huge assholes or nothing. [Well...] For the most part. You think maybe they're pulling all of us here to have something to keep 'em appeased? Mah, but that's fucked, too, they wouldn't need to get rid of entire worlds just for that.

[Probably.]

Dunno, but it goes to show that the under-handedness doesn't stop at "oh by the way your enemies are our allies." Anybody who'd happily take someone they supposedly rescued and torture 'em to death can't be trusted.

It's too much for me, I can't piece it all together. I probably missed some of it, too, I got there late. But people are figuring things out and the upshot of it is, we really are prisoners here.

[If he's lingering over-long in Sanji's personal space, the conversation isn't the real reason. But once he dries his hands, Zoro takes a few steps back to let him do the dishes in peace. He's cleared away enough trash to find things that should be kept (books, clothes, and so on) so he'll wander back out to start piling those on the coffee table.]

You wanted to know what you missed. That's probably the most important thing.

Don't know how much we trusted 'em to begin with. Just now it seems more like we're gonna have to take the fuckers head-on at some point. [Frowns.] This is a shitty weird prison to be stuck in, the way they try to make you...want to feel at home. Probably so they can catch us off guard.

[Because Sanji has definitely had moments where this kind of life almost seems okay... Almost. It'd be better if the rest of their crew were here and he'll never stop missing the sea, but when he keeps busy enough with his show, and since having the apartment isn't necessarily terrible...

It would be really easy to get too complacent and just start to accept this shit. And that's a problem.

He'll have to start keeping on his toes more. And maybe try to see what kind of things he can find out on his own about this place. Staying here forever and letting those assholes do whatever the fuck they want definitely isn't an option. He's already been too tolerant with everything happening to them.

Sanji watches Zoro as he wanders back to the living room, leaning his hip up against the sink as he grabs a dishcloth and starts toweling off the dishes.]

Did I miss anything that isn't completely shitty and awful?

[Dry tone over here, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.]

How's it been with just you and Luffy around? Aside from the whole eating like shit thing.

Well... [straightens up and sniffs a shirt. EW okay that has to go in the laundry] The guy who owned the bar where I worked disappeared, so someone else has it now. I haven't worked in a few weeks, but there's bounties to be hunted so I've started doing that again.

[and then out of nowhere he remembers what Sanji had teased him about movies and...]

There's underground fighting rings, too. Made a bit of money that way. It's kinda fun.

[he makes a laundry pile on the table and then stands back, rubbing his neck. God, they really let this place go to shit, didn't they?]

Fine. He's been even more restless than me, there's really nothing for him to do and we both know he'd never keep a job more than a day. He wanted to work at a restaurant just to eat there.

[Blinks.]

You actually got a job?

[That's news. He thinks. Did he know that? He doesn't remember knowing that...

Hang on.]

...At a bar?

[Peers at Zoro suspiciously suddenly.]

You know drinking away all of some shitty establishment's booze doesn't actually count as work, right?

[But hey, good for you, marimo. Drinking and bounty hunting, at least those are things you're definitely good at.

The mention of fighting rings has Sanji perking up.]

H'ohhh? You telling me they actually got fight clubs here? [Though you're breaking rule #1 by talking about it, GOSH.] Luffy didn't get in on that at all?

[looks up and then casually flips him off]

A guy I met, he lived with the swords. Tenka. He owned it, but then he disappeared. I passed it on to some other sap but he's been remodeling or some shit so it's closed. [and then, more to himself] Shit, I hope Tenka didn't end up on that altar.

[he scoops up a couple of glasses that had been buried under laundry and trash - how neither of them stepped on them, it's a miracle - and brings them into the kitchen to get washed]

Something like that. They move around - never on the same day twice, y'know. Keep 'em secret from the law or whatever. I want to drag Luffy to one but I have to find it again.

[let's be honest 50% of not finding the underground fighting ring again is Zoro's sense of direction. But the other half is, truthfully, the fact that they move around and don't publicize. You have to be lucky and stumble on one, apparently.]

[Tempted to do something dumb like stick his tongue out at being flipped off, but he manages to refrain and just grins instead as he moves to wipe down the counters so he can finally start cooking. He glances up at the comment about Tenka, smile fading, but just looks away again until he realizes something else that makes him pause.]

You passed it on?

[Marches back over to the sink (since now apparently he's got more shitty dishes to wash anyway) and crowds into Zoro's personal space so he can poke him in the chest.]

You telling me you actually had control of a bar and you gave it up? What the hell, marimo? Do you know what I could've done with a place like that? They got food there or is it a drinks only place? Shit, we could've turned it into something really good!

[Ah, but see? There he goes again, getting caught up in long-term job ideas when there's more important things to focus on. He shouldn't be starting up shit that's only going to make him feel more settled in this stupid place.

...Though it would be kind of fun to run a restaurant again.

Damn.

He backs off with a disgruntled look, snatching up one of the glasses so he can clean it.]

Moving fight clubs, huh. It's a miracle you ever find one.

Of course I gave it up - you weren't here. [he feels the need to remind Sanji. It's nothing personal, he can't blame the cook for what CERES does with them when it sends them away, but really.] The hell was I gonna do with a bar? I don't know the first thing about running a business and I don't want to.

[of course, now that Sanji is back, it does look like an opportunity wasted. Zoro shrugs and turns away, leaning his back against the counter next to the sink.]

Last time I talked to Angelo about it he was thinking food. You're free to ask him if you wanna get your hands up in it, I don't care. He's kind of an ass but he'll probably manage without a good cook.

[oh shit that was dangerously close to a compliment. A beat later and he realizes Sanji said we, and there's a curious hint of red at the tips of his earlobes. Zoro studiously keeps his eye turned away, looking absently across the kitchen.]

Yeah, moving fight clubs. I dunno if it's anything like your stupid movie but there's a hell of a lot of thugs who like to underestimate normal-looking humans. Good way to make fast money. [the tiniest of sidelong glances] If you want to come along next time.

[Harrumphs a bit, but Zoro's got a point. It's so easy to forget he disappeared for over a month, and duh, why would Zoro keep a bar when he didn't know if Sanji would be coming back to potentially use it? Hell, even if Sanji HAD been here it's not like Zoro would just give him something he could turn into a restaurant. Unprompted. For no reason.

Geez, brain.]

I don't know who Angelo is.

[But maybe he'll go sniffing around. Check the place out. Because Angelo probably could manage without a good cook, but he wouldn't have to if Sanji invited himself to come onboard.

Also, just gonna ignore the funny swoop his stomach does at that almost-a-compliment thing. He's had almost-compliments from Zoro before. Rarely, sure, but there's no reason to go overthinking it now.]

You'll have to take me by. Or give me an address or something. [Smirks a little.] Kinda curious to see the place that willingly employed your dumb ass.

[Dishes FINALLY done, Sanji starts pulling ingredients out of his shopping bags and laying everything out on the counter so dinner can actually be a thing soon. He looks up to meet Zoro's sidelong glance at the suggestion, and shrugs a little.]

Not assuming it's anything like that movie. [Dry tone.] But yeah, guess I wouldn't mind checking it out. Could be fun kicking some idiots around.

It's something to do on a Saturday night. [he shrugs, keeping things cool and casual, not thinking about how easily they get along when there isn't an irritant acting as catalyst...] Just, they're always in the pleasure district, one time it was in the basement of a brothel. So if you do anything stupid, I'm kicking your ass and leaving you there.

[good, yes, food soon. Meanwhile, he drifts back through the kitchen to the living room to resume straightening-up, finding more things that don't belong on or under the couch and wondering where most of them came from, since he isn't the type to amass a collection of objects. Oh, hey, there's his sword-cleaning kit...]

Angelo's just this guy I met while on a job, not like he's a friend or anything. [since most people don't manage to get that close to him anyway. Just Vietnam and Kashuu. The rest are all acquaintances.] Maybe he'll let us in to have a drink while he's working on...whatever he's doing. Fixing it up, I dunno. And shut up, Tenka was the one who gave me work. Angelo's just keeping me on because I was already there.

Pleasure district...

[Well now he's definitely interested. Although, honestly, he has complicated feelings about that section of the city and actually hasn't ventured over there much. The fuck would he do in a brothel anyway?

...Besides the obvious.

But it'd be kind of embarrassing to pay for something like that when he hasn't even—

AND ANYWAY, he feels like he'd be too tempted to whisk the girls away and try to woo them properly.

But at the same time, if that's the kind of job they want to have then it's none of his business!! More power to them!! He'll support anything a lady wants~

...Also he's not sure he'd make it out of there without suffering some kind of nosebleed explosion.

So yeah. Complicated.

He huffs a bit.]

Like I'd do anything stupid. Anyway, I got a friend who dances at some place over there. Stopping by and saying hello ain't stupid, right? ...If she's even still here.

[Hmm. Now Sanji's curious who else might've disappeared while he was gone.

He starts working on some big, thick steaks, then sets those off to the side while he grabs some other pots and pans.]

Oi, can you turn the grill on for me? What do you even do at this bar of yours anyway?

[Getting a drink while poking his nose around the place sounds like a good idea, though.]

[no nosebleeds, cook. He's not cleaning that up.]

Wow, you know somebody who works down there and haven't hurricane'd your way down there yet? Wonders never cease.

[there's a fine line between just teasing and being an ass...though around Sanji that line tends to disappear. Zoro makes sure the couch is completely excavated and free of crumbs before brushing his hands off and heading toward the patio instead.]

Yeah, gimme a sec. What do you think? I'm security. Someone doesn't want to be cut off, I toss 'em out.

[your grill will be ready when you are, cook!]

[Sniffs, lifting his chin a bit.]

I haven't had time, that's all! [Hmph!!] I told you about her. It's that mermaid girl, the one I met during the floods. She was naked.

[Because that part is important. Clearly.]

Remember?

[He's got all sorts of good smelling things going on in the pan now, garlic and cream and crab meat, and water boiling on the stove. Once it's to a point where he can leave it for a minute, he goes to put the steaks on the grill. And eyes the living room along the way -- it looks better, thank god.]

Security. So what, you're a bouncer? [Heh.] I can see it. Anyone ever try to challenge you?

[Drunks, you know. Thinking they can go up against Zoro. That'd be a sight to see.]

[riiiiiiight] Oh. Her. Hm.

[racking his brain...no, the only mermaid he's seen around is Keimi, so he wouldn't be able to say if any other ones are still around. At least, Oona is, so Sanji can go see her!

He stands by, arms folded, watching somewhat hungrily as the steaks pass by him on their way to the grill. Oh god, cook, he didn't realize until right this second how much they need you. Trying very hard not to drool.]

Couple guys tried to throw punches, but they were so drunk I didn't even need to duck. I got a lot more action out of the bounties I took down, really.

[Uwaaah, Sanji will just have to do that, then! He's already making plans to look her up. Good job reminding him, Zoro, he appreciates that. 8Db

The steaks don't need constant looking after, so Sanji trails back through the patio door to the kitchen again to work on what is going to be a fettuccine dish. He doesn't look to see if Zoro is following him, just talks over his shoulder at him.]

Makes sense. People with bounties got 'em for a reason, after all. So, no idea when that place is gonna open again? What's it even called?

[he lingers a bit, because Sanji's energy is such a distraction from cleaning that Zoro basically picks up a little, then follows Sanji, then picks up some more, back and forth...]

Nope. Angelo said he'd be in touch, but I don't know how long it takes to fix up a bar into something fancy. I know he was tossing around names... [thinking, thinking] Lady Luck? Maybe. All I know is it was something that suited you better than me.

[at last, he's got about four bags of trash piled up by the door to take out, and the living room definitely looks more livable. Whatever you do, cook, do not look in his and Luffy's room.]

Huh.

[Lady Luck. That does sound like something Sanji would come up with.]

If he's dressing the place up and giving it a name like that, I don't know if a bar is really what it's gonna be anymore. What if he tries to put you in some kinda uniform that ain't your usual shitty style?

[Alright, noodles into the water... The alfredo sauce is done. Sanji turns around to direct a questioning look at Zoro.]

No idea when Luffy'll be back?

[He knows the guy runs on his own schedule, but that schedule never misses a meal.]

[holy shit he did not think of that. Zoro recoils with a little hurk]

No way in hell! I'm not wearing a damn uniform! If he's making it a fancy-ass snooty restaurant place, then he doesn't need a bouncer.

[which would leave him out of a job. Hmm. Problem.

Though the more immediate concern is indeed Luffy. Now, where did he throw his device after texting the cook?]

No, no idea. I usually lose track of him during the day but we always meet up to get food. He doesn't know you're back, I didn't alert him yet - maybe I'll go text him.

[Just arches an eyebrow at him.]

Can't even handle a shitty tie, marimo? Come on, you could deal with a damn button-down, at least, wouldn't be the end of the world.

[Wouldn't look half bad either, not that Sanji would admit that or is even thinking it because he's definitely not.

He pushes away from the counter suddenly, clearing his throat as he walks back across the room so he can check on his steaks.]

Ah, yeah, I didn't text him either. Figured you were more likely to actually check your messages. Tell him to hurry his ass up, food's almost done.

On it. [he knows Luffy will be overjoyed to have one of the crew back. Maybe even moreso than having good food again, although that'll probably factor in. Chances are good they'll have him Rocketing his way in through the patio within minutes.]

I don't need your help getting dressed. [yes he does] What kind of bouncer wears a tie, anyway? That's for shitty cooks like you.

[insulting Sanji is so casual, so familiar, so easy to just say. It really is good to have him back, not that he'd ever admit it]

[Calls back over his shoulder.]

Which is why I mentioned a button-down instead, you idiot.

[Loud, noisy sigh as he flips the steaks, like his life is SO HARD because he has to put up with fashion-challenged dumbasses.]

I guess I can get you sorted out. If this Angelo of yours really does change shit around. I'm generous enough that I can shell out for a shirt or two.

[SO generous. Do you see how generous and helpful he is?]

Yeah. Generous.

[text sent, he comes back over and leans on the door frame. All the better to savor the aroma of real, fresh-cooked steaks. And maybe cigarette smoke. What, he can't stand here and indulge in familiar scents that he wouldn't admit to himself that he missed?]

I don't need your charity. Put it toward something useful, like food.

IC Inbox: Cerealia

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