[ After working dozens of shifts there— and a lifetime of dressing predominantly in suits— what to wear isn’t something that Sanji really even considers. Like many things about life here, there’s an easy flow that he follows, nearly thoughtless as he puts on something classy— black slack, black jacket, white button-up shirt, black tie, black shoes. It’s nicer than what any of the other bartenders wear, but that doesn’t bother him. He likes dressing sharply, likes the way the suit fits and enhances his appearance, likes how it enhances profile and bolsters the charm he tries so hard to exude.
And it gives him time to think, to dwell on the feeling of prickling along his skin and the slightest twist in his gut. He’s not nervous, really. Their last encounter had been a little odd— walking in on someone showering and being bombarded with those feelings of uncertainty and mild discomfort definitely counted as odd— but it’s not enough to leave him feeling anything more than lightly eager to make a better impression this time. It’s never a stretch to say that Sanji likes a woman, because he fundamentally likes each and every one of them, but there’s something about the way Tifa carried herself— calm despite the awkwardness, playful despite her frigid reception to his initial attempts flirting, curious and thoughtful despite how new and overwhelming this place must have been— that’s maybe endeared her to him just that fractional bit more.
Arriving at the Red Cardinal leaves him no more time to dwell on anything. It’s one of his favorite spots in the whole casino because it’s safe and close at hand and it looks so damn classy without being gaudy like so much of the resort is. It’s not busy this time of night, only a small handful of guests sitting at the booths and the bars on stools.
It takes him next to no time to find her. She looks gorgeous in that black dress— and, damn, he’s just grateful to be able to look at her while they talk this time— but that’s not what he’s there for. Quietly, he slides into one of the high stools next to her, head turned so his bright eyes are carefully watching her as he greets her. ]
Beautiful, yeah? [ His lips curl into a grin as beaming as the moon on a clear night sky as he gives her a little wave and a quiet laugh. ] This place, I mean, with all its well-made furniture and perfectly crafted decorations. It’s less fancy than other bars, but it just works, you know? And works well. [ A pause as his grins widens and, unable to help himself, he sneaks a quick compliment in. ] Though your dress is gorgeous too. Suits you.
[ For all his energy, though, his voice softens a moment later, as if not wanting to be overheard, for no other reason than to give them a moment of privacy while checks on her. ] You, uh, doing okay? I know this shitty resort is a lot to take in at once. And you didn’t seem to especially care for the House’s latest little game.
perfect!!
And it gives him time to think, to dwell on the feeling of prickling along his skin and the slightest twist in his gut. He’s not nervous, really. Their last encounter had been a little odd— walking in on someone showering and being bombarded with those feelings of uncertainty and mild discomfort definitely counted as odd— but it’s not enough to leave him feeling anything more than lightly eager to make a better impression this time. It’s never a stretch to say that Sanji likes a woman, because he fundamentally likes each and every one of them, but there’s something about the way Tifa carried herself— calm despite the awkwardness, playful despite her frigid reception to his initial attempts flirting, curious and thoughtful despite how new and overwhelming this place must have been— that’s maybe endeared her to him just that fractional bit more.
Arriving at the Red Cardinal leaves him no more time to dwell on anything. It’s one of his favorite spots in the whole casino because it’s safe and close at hand and it looks so damn classy without being gaudy like so much of the resort is. It’s not busy this time of night, only a small handful of guests sitting at the booths and the bars on stools.
It takes him next to no time to find her. She looks gorgeous in that black dress— and, damn, he’s just grateful to be able to look at her while they talk this time— but that’s not what he’s there for. Quietly, he slides into one of the high stools next to her, head turned so his bright eyes are carefully watching her as he greets her. ]
Beautiful, yeah? [ His lips curl into a grin as beaming as the moon on a clear night sky as he gives her a little wave and a quiet laugh. ] This place, I mean, with all its well-made furniture and perfectly crafted decorations. It’s less fancy than other bars, but it just works, you know? And works well. [ A pause as his grins widens and, unable to help himself, he sneaks a quick compliment in. ] Though your dress is gorgeous too. Suits you.
[ For all his energy, though, his voice softens a moment later, as if not wanting to be overheard, for no other reason than to give them a moment of privacy while checks on her. ] You, uh, doing okay? I know this shitty resort is a lot to take in at once. And you didn’t seem to especially care for the House’s latest little game.