s a n j i (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
chiffonades) wrote2024-09-01 11:03 pm
chiffonades) wrote2024-09-01 11:03 pm
inbox for golden peacock
@sanji
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yeah, i'm down in the basement. think they forgot about this room, actually. the sheets were wrinkled when i got in here.
sanji really needs that kitchen or how else is he gonna bend nami over the countertop of an island?
chiffonades
- 2024-09-02 04:24 (UTC) - Expandi'm saying! she's got two kitchens full of counters to get nailed on
cartographie
- 2024-09-02 04:27 (UTC) - Expandi'm always an open book to lovely ladies you, weiss. whatever you wanna ask, i'll give you an answer. with no questions, if that's what you want.
[ Anything can lead to sexting when Sanji is involved tbh. ]
[ Anything can lead to sexting when Sanji is involved tbh. ]
[The background is a probably distantly familiar level 3/4 room, and Luffy is off center in a big way, curls and bushy eyebrows the only part of him reliably in frame.] SANJI! Hi! I'm hungry! [Someone showed him how to actually work the watch he's been walking around with, and there was one thing he absolutely needed to do first!] And I miss you! [His priorities.......] Where are you?
[ It takes a moment for Sanji to reply and when he does, the background of his video is clearly of the aquarium bar in Nami's suite, a hand towel thrown over his shoulder and a bright pink apron draping down his torso. ] Luffy, hey! [ There's a giant, beaming grin on his face, pleased to see that his Captain again. That he's trapped here alongside him and Nami should make Sanji sad— or angry, again, at the House— he's mostly just happy to see him. ]
Shit, where are you? Did they finally get you checked in? Wherever you are, we need to get you outta there. [ He frowns thoughtfully and then, finally, remembers his own assigned room... which he hasn't been back to in months. ] I'm, uh, up in Nami's suite making her a drink. Do you know how to get up here? If you come on up, I'll feed you until you're more than full.
Shit, where are you? Did they finally get you checked in? Wherever you are, we need to get you outta there. [ He frowns thoughtfully and then, finally, remembers his own assigned room... which he hasn't been back to in months. ] I'm, uh, up in Nami's suite making her a drink. Do you know how to get up here? If you come on up, I'll feed you until you're more than full.
You wouldn't happen to know anything about my rank going up to a 7 would you?
shit, no, but— you too? mine also just went up to 7. i dunno how, i haven’t won any high hands yet. guessing you didn’t do anything either?
[ It does take him a moment to answer, and then another few seconds to place the voice and recognize it, but it means that when he finally speaks, Sanji’s chuckles softly, voice low and quiet. ]
I’d say it depends on whether the caller is a beautiful mademoiselle, but I’d recognized your voice anywhere, Kiritsubo. Yeah, you’ve reached Sanji. You in need of another drink or were you calling because you missed me?
[ Frankly, either is more than acceptable as an answer. ]
I’d say it depends on whether the caller is a beautiful mademoiselle, but I’d recognized your voice anywhere, Kiritsubo. Yeah, you’ve reached Sanji. You in need of another drink or were you calling because you missed me?
[ Frankly, either is more than acceptable as an answer. ]
[ continued from here ]
We were both born ready. [ Laughter tinges his voice as he welcomes the first of the two wonderful women he's spending the day with into his suite, nerves buzzing with anticipation as her lips brush against his and their fingers twine together.
The adjoining door swings open before he has the chance to reassure her that Nami's going to love everything they have planned for her. Sanji knows her well enough to be beyond certain of that fact– she adores it whenever he dotes on her and that's enough to reinforce what a good idea this is– and although he doesn't say anything, he gives Hilda's hand a quick squeeze back, the pad of his thumb brushing over a knuckle.
His eyes, though, are completely focused on Nami as she crosses the span between them. The sight of her makes his breath catch in his throat and that warm, too fond grin spread easily across his face. None of them are fully dressed yet, but all the same, she's stunning.
They both are, Sanji thinks, as he watches her kiss Hilda’s cheek. No wonder his heart is full of warmth and adoration, gaze fond as Nami asks a sensible question. As always, she's practical and it's a trait he appreciates. ]
First things first. We gotta get each other ready for our date, yeah? [ Glancing down at the things she's brought with her, he grins when he sees she brought a small pouch that looks just big enough for the toy and lingerie. Reaching out, he cups her cheek with his hand before leaning in to gently press a soft kiss to her mouth.
As he's doing it, his hand untangles with Hilda's and guides it to the belt loosely holding her robe shut. Breaking the kiss with a quiet sigh, he takes hold of the other end of her belt and give it a tug gentle enough to partially undo the knot holding it closed. ]
Figure we'll help you get ready first. Put that toy inside you, help you dress, that kinda thing. And then– [ Grinning, his fingers slide down her face in a gentle caress as they reach for the nearby buttplug and hold it up for Nami to see. ] You can help Hilda and I get ready too. We both got toys of our own and you need to put them in us.
[ The arrival of the woman of the hour only manages to add to the bright shine in Hilda's gaze as she happily receives the kiss to the cheek that is offered to her. It has more to do with the willingness that the woman is showing them, though it definitely has a little to do with that. Rather, it has more to do with how Sanji is admiring her - and how Hilda in turn follows suit.
It feels comfortably strange to watch as Sanji captures Nami's lips in his. Then again there is no shortage of quiet marveling that she does any time she finds herself with them. That she's been invited into a small portion of their lives is still something that her mind has trouble wrapping her mind around and this is no exception.
There's a quiet thrill as she catches a glimpse of the swell of Nami's breast as Sanji pulls her robe open. Temptation nips at her heels but she threads her hand through Nami's free one, first pressing a kiss to her knuckles before gently guiding her towards the bedroom knowing that Sanji will follow. ]
What Sanji said. But we can't do that in the doorway though. [ Her lips twist into a mischevious smile. ] How scandalous.
[ Thankfully the bedroom isn't far. She leads Nami to the edge of the bed, slipping small pouch from her hand and leaving them to get comfortable so she can get to work laying out the other supplies she had packed - makeup in case Nami should want more, brushes, a hairbrush. At a glance this is nothing more than an innocent, normal date. ]
We think you look perfect the way you are but if you want anything else touched up, I'm more than happy to do that for you. [ Normal and innocent - until Hilda turns around, producing a bottle of lube from her bag that she hands to Sanji eyes gleaming with not so quiet pleasure. ] Once we get your vibrator in you that is.
It feels comfortably strange to watch as Sanji captures Nami's lips in his. Then again there is no shortage of quiet marveling that she does any time she finds herself with them. That she's been invited into a small portion of their lives is still something that her mind has trouble wrapping her mind around and this is no exception.
There's a quiet thrill as she catches a glimpse of the swell of Nami's breast as Sanji pulls her robe open. Temptation nips at her heels but she threads her hand through Nami's free one, first pressing a kiss to her knuckles before gently guiding her towards the bedroom knowing that Sanji will follow. ]
What Sanji said. But we can't do that in the doorway though. [ Her lips twist into a mischevious smile. ] How scandalous.
[ Thankfully the bedroom isn't far. She leads Nami to the edge of the bed, slipping small pouch from her hand and leaving them to get comfortable so she can get to work laying out the other supplies she had packed - makeup in case Nami should want more, brushes, a hairbrush. At a glance this is nothing more than an innocent, normal date. ]
We think you look perfect the way you are but if you want anything else touched up, I'm more than happy to do that for you. [ Normal and innocent - until Hilda turns around, producing a bottle of lube from her bag that she hands to Sanji eyes gleaming with not so quiet pleasure. ] Once we get your vibrator in you that is.
I'm gonna take that remote away from you if you don't stop trying to make me come while I'm buying paper.
ah, i would stop, nami, but you need to stop trying to make me come while i wait for you to checkout. do you know how hard it is to not press my ass against the wall or palm my cock right now?
[ continued from here ]
[ He's already working on a cocktail for Shanks, having pulled open the fridge to find a bottle of suspiciously fresh lime juice. And there's sugar in with the dry goods so– ]
My cocktail making isn't as good as my cooking, but I'll try not to disappoint. [ Said with a playful wink as he mixes all three ingredients together in just the right proportions and hands the glass to Shanks. ]
Bottoms up. [ There's laughter as he says it, reaching for his almost empty glass of wine. ] To getting out of these shitty pods sooner or later?
Probably still more experience than I have. [ Shanks laughs about that. He, typically, just drinks alcohol straight, except on special occasions, or when he's at the bar and the bar tender sees him going too far and cuts it with ice and soda water. ]
[ He chuckles to the wink. ] I can't imagine you're used to disappointing, on any level.
[ Another chuckle, and Shanks lifts the drink to Sanji's cheer. ] Sooner, hopefully. At least we have booze to keep us going, until then.
[ With that, Shanks, gently, clinks their glasses together, then takes a sip of Sanji's concoction. Usually, he drinks anything down in large gulps, but for this, he's going to savor the taste. ]
[ He chuckles to the wink. ] I can't imagine you're used to disappointing, on any level.
[ Another chuckle, and Shanks lifts the drink to Sanji's cheer. ] Sooner, hopefully. At least we have booze to keep us going, until then.
[ With that, Shanks, gently, clinks their glasses together, then takes a sip of Sanji's concoction. Usually, he drinks anything down in large gulps, but for this, he's going to savor the taste. ]
[ continued from here ]
[ It's strange. It's not like Sanji really has that much experience as a pirate– or even knows what kind of Captain Shanks is while out at sea– but as he hears him talk about being saved, he can almost picture what kind of life he must have lived aboard that ship.
It's easy to picture, maybe because there were plenty of days he'd daydreamed of being found by pirates or marines or anyone who'd take him away from Germa. ]
Yeah. I can imagine they were. [ He'd had a good experience finding a father figure in an ex-Pirate Captain himself, after all. ] Must've made for a interesting life, growing up. Can't imagine many pirates'd do that, but that's gotta be how you know the good ones from the bad, you know?
[ He's certain Luffy would do it, although really, the real work come down to the rest of them.
A heartbeat later and he smiles over at Shanks. ] You get into many interesting adventures then, growing up among pirates?
[ If there's one thing Shanks won't deny, it's that he was fortunate to be found by the Roger Pirates. Fortunate he didn't grow up with his biological family. Celestials or Germa 66 - not much difference there. ]
Not all pirates, no, but it's not that uncommon, either. There's a whole pirate crew the captain insists on calling all members of his crew, even his extended fleet, his sons. Some pirates, all they want is more family and free adventure.
[ He chuckles, a low rumble as he recalls the past. ]
It was an interesting life. We got into many adventures, yes, trouble, too.
Now, I have to ask [ his tone gets a bit more curious and hopeful ] this dream you two shared. What is it?
[ Typically, that does feel like a romantic sort of question, asking about one's dream, but in this case, it can sound like a follow up. ]
Not all pirates, no, but it's not that uncommon, either. There's a whole pirate crew the captain insists on calling all members of his crew, even his extended fleet, his sons. Some pirates, all they want is more family and free adventure.
[ He chuckles, a low rumble as he recalls the past. ]
It was an interesting life. We got into many adventures, yes, trouble, too.
Now, I have to ask [ his tone gets a bit more curious and hopeful ] this dream you two shared. What is it?
[ Typically, that does feel like a romantic sort of question, asking about one's dream, but in this case, it can sound like a follow up. ]
[ continued from here! ]
[ The thing that scares him the most is exactly how many good memories he has here. It's not that he hasn't been screwed over by the House– he doesn't think anyone could claim that feat– because he certainly has, but most days, there's plenty of things he’s learned to enjoy. Maybe it's because he spent so damn long at the Baratie, with only his fellow cooks for company, the monotony of cooking the same damn menu day after day slowly wearing down his sanity? Or maybe it's just the complete lack of any positive memories from when he was a kid?
Either way, it's a little soothing to hear he's not the only one that maybe likes being here better than he probably should.
He grins at the partition, then chuckles, giving his head a little shake as he another long drag on his cigarette. ]
I still go looking for the staff only areas and try to find whatever I can that might get us out from this shitty resort, but… not as much as I did when I first got here. It's like… all the shit that being here involves is just normal now, you know? [ He can still remember when the resort mixed up everyone's rooms and he handled random doors sprouting up in his room like they were no big deal, while the new arrivals were busy freaking out. ] It's all normal and I've learned to enjoy this place, I guess, as crappy as whoever’s running it is. But– yeah, I haven't forgotten about the things I've gotta do back home, either.
[ Another long drag and he looks up at the ceiling, debating which memory to talk about. There's one that springs to mind pretty quickly. ]
You remember a couple of months back when people were turning into monsters and there were zombies down on the lower floors? [ Hard to forget that, all things considered, but maybe Ranga managed to avoid the chaos by staying in his room? ] I, uh, got turned into a vampire during it. Didn't even realize what was happening until it was too late.
[ Knowing how that turned out now, he's not sure he'd do anything to stop it, either. ]
Anyway, a, uh, friend I'm pretty damn close with stumbled into where we holed up and one thing led to another and I turned her into one of us. [ That part had definitely been sordid, but it isn't really the focus here. ] A side effect of the whole thing was we had this bond that let us feel each other in different ways. Like what emotions they were feeling and stuff.
[ There's a slight pause as he takes another, longer drag on the cigarette, free hand playing with his lighter, before continuing. ] The thing lingered for a month after we were back to normal. Anytime I cooked her dinner or we went somewhere or did, shit, anything we knew how we both were feeling.
[ It had been pretty damn special, all things considered. ]
And, yeah, I still think about it sometimes, you know?
More like we've gotten used to it all... That's the whole point. They WANT you to forget. [ He says plainly, as if Ragna wasn't falling for it himself. ...And yet, while he doesn't have a cigarette to curb his nerves, he does take a deep breath before continuing. ] Not that I'm any better. There's a couple of hunches and leads I've got, but I haven't been able to break through...and...it's not like I've been busting my ass lately.
[ So he gets it, Sanji. He really does. When the talk of zombies comes up, he grimaces a little on his side. They weren't ghosts, per se. So he had a far easier time handling the ghoulies that skulked about. ]
Shit, they got you, huh? It's good to know that crap was temporary, then. They were especially a pain in the ass around the clinic.
[ Where he ended up following Rin around while she stole a bunch of medical supplies. Speaking of chaos? One has to make good use of that said chaos! But as the pirate leads into sharing how turning someone into a fellow vampire had given them something of a mental link, he leans forward a little more in his seat, canting his head at the partition dividing them. ]
Sounds to me like date nights got a little easier with that side effect.
[ He jests. He jests! What Sanji's relationship was with other players at the resort wasn't his business. But, in the end, the way that he makes it sound...there's traces of a smile that return to the Grim Reaper's lips again. ]
It's not every day you're THAT exposed to someone. But...sounds to me like it's someone you trust, yeah?
[ So he gets it, Sanji. He really does. When the talk of zombies comes up, he grimaces a little on his side. They weren't ghosts, per se. So he had a far easier time handling the ghoulies that skulked about. ]
Shit, they got you, huh? It's good to know that crap was temporary, then. They were especially a pain in the ass around the clinic.
[ Where he ended up following Rin around while she stole a bunch of medical supplies. Speaking of chaos? One has to make good use of that said chaos! But as the pirate leads into sharing how turning someone into a fellow vampire had given them something of a mental link, he leans forward a little more in his seat, canting his head at the partition dividing them. ]
Sounds to me like date nights got a little easier with that side effect.
[ He jests. He jests! What Sanji's relationship was with other players at the resort wasn't his business. But, in the end, the way that he makes it sound...there's traces of a smile that return to the Grim Reaper's lips again. ]
It's not every day you're THAT exposed to someone. But...sounds to me like it's someone you trust, yeah?
[ continued from here! ]
[ Her show of gratitude is the first sign that she's feeling more sure of herself and her surroundings, but he can hear it in the rest of what she says, too. It allows him to relax a little more, knowing that she's okay and feeling less concerned about her surroundings. ]
Hey, it's, uh, no trouble. Just trying to look out for those I can while I'm here, you know? [ He still grins a little, though, and it might come through in a layer of extra cheerfulness in his voice. While he's gotten used to this place, he tries to remember how easy it is to be taken off-guard by everything for newer people– which he assumes she is, based on her reaction.
A moment later and he's chuckling quietly at her question and glancing over the well-stocked minibar in his pod. ]
The wine's pretty damn good if you don't mind it on the dry side. I like it that way, but not everyone does, [ No accounting for taste, after all. ] Otherwise… pretty sure there's some orange juice in these little fridges. Mix it with maybe a quarter the amount of vodka on the cart and you'll get something sweet without tasting much alcohol.
[ continued from here! ]
[ While Scott can’t see it, Sanji grins at his sentiment of tearing things down. He’d love that– having someone’s face to kick in would make life much easier, plus let him relieve some of the pent-up frustration that’s been lingering since his first couple of days here– but he doesn’t know of anyone that’s really made any progress towards the goal of finding out anything of importance about this place and how it operates it. ]
You manage to make some real progress towards that, let me know. I’d love to teach the shitheads in charge a few lessons in manners.
[ He… might sound a little too enthusiastic about that idea, admittedly, but for all the enjoyment he’s found here, their crew isn’t whole here. They need to go home. ]
Yeah, makes sense. They say it’s our way home, but— I don’t think anyone has actually ever seen someone win and go home. Not that I’ve talked to. [ And that’s part of the reason Sanji isn’t really… trying to win the game. The people he sleeps with, he does so because he enjoys them, not because he’s trying to collect their cards. ] But using it to get closer to the people in charge is pretty damn good idea. Better than nothing.
You'll be the first to know. [Scott answers and there's some humor in his voice despite the topic at hand. Maybe it's just hearing how Ready Sanji is kicking the ass of the people in charge. He really is a pretty cool dude, huh? He definitely wouldn't mind working with him in the future and he can't help but wonder if he has any abilities or stuff like.
Just in general, good to know.]
Okay, maybe not the first, might've promised that to a couple of others first, but you're pretty high on the list.
[But... the 'game,' yeah. Scott really doesn't have much hope of ever completing such a task, partly because something sours in his chest at the thought of sleeping with that many people just for a game. If... if it really ensured that everyone would leave, maybe he'd put more thought about it, but he can't help but agree with Sanji's assessment.] You know when ranks were changed around for a bit? I tried to get information while I was a 'Queen,' but I pretty much landed nowhere.
Just in general, good to know.]
Okay, maybe not the first, might've promised that to a couple of others first, but you're pretty high on the list.
[But... the 'game,' yeah. Scott really doesn't have much hope of ever completing such a task, partly because something sours in his chest at the thought of sleeping with that many people just for a game. If... if it really ensured that everyone would leave, maybe he'd put more thought about it, but he can't help but agree with Sanji's assessment.] You know when ranks were changed around for a bit? I tried to get information while I was a 'Queen,' but I pretty much landed nowhere.
sjasdfj sorry for the slow!! busy week really tanked my ability to tag
chiffonades
- 2025-03-17 02:04 (UTC) - Expand[ continued from here! ]
[ She gets a hearty chuckle out of him at her comment about the beach, although he certainly doesn’t disagree. ]
A beach with an ocean would be pretty damn nice. I’d wanna go sailing. Feel the sea again. Smell the salty air, enjoy the breeze, talk a walk on the beach with someone special. [ Maybe he’s lost the point there, since most of that isn’t really romantic, but still, he misses the sea.
And while Sanji has no idea whether she’s a good cook or not, he actually agrees with her. Cooking is a damn fine way to express love. ]
Yeah. If you’re cooking for someone you care about, best thing you can do is put everything you have into making it, you know? I dunno if I’d call love an ingredient, but— a meal isn’t the same if the person who made it doesn’t care. You can just tell. [ Skill matters too, but not every meal needs to be a work of art, as long as the person making it cares. ] I’d cook for them too. Gotta put everything I’ve got into romancing them. Not much of a point otherwise.
See? Thank you! A home-cooked meal made with love is like, the best! There's just no comparing it!
[She assumes he's some sort of sailor, from what he'd said, but... well, they're trying to do this romance thing, right?] What'd you make for me, if we were on a date? You know, if you were romancing me~
[She assumes he's some sort of sailor, from what he'd said, but... well, they're trying to do this romance thing, right?] What'd you make for me, if we were on a date? You know, if you were romancing me~
[ continued from here! ]
[ Being with her has become so natural and easy that sometimes, Sanji doesn't notice it. The way she slots against his side like she does now, or the way she settles into his lap like it's the perfect seat, or how she fits in his arms when they're curled together in the deep darkness of night just before sleep sweeps over them both– it’s all of those and so much more. And sometimes he does notice and it tinges his grin with so much delight and adoration that it turns the whole thing dopey.
Like it does now, even as he's looking through the chest of toys, desire still burning through him like a fire. Maybe he should think more about what that means, but her hand doesn't give him the luxury, making him gasp as she teases him through his slacks. ] I am pretty damn impatient, but– playing with your ass is just gonna make me even more impatient to fill you with my cock, you know? You'd better get me ready first.
[ He's chuckling as he says it, one of his hands covers hers and presses her palm flat against the bulge in his slacks, hips rocking in an exaggerate motion as it grinds his length against her hand. But it's only the once and then he's straightening up, his hand tugging hers as he grins at her playfully. ] C'mon. [ And then he winks at her, stepping close to gently kiss her mouth, teeth catching her bottom lip in a quick tug when he breaks it a moment later, before pulling her over to the couch. ] You wanna put that toy in my ass, yeah?
Edited 2025-02-22 02:07 (UTC)
[ Impatient is a good word for it, and Nami's agreement reveals itself in the slight increase of pressure while her palm roves down his length, relishing the shape of him as she hums in amusement. The smirk on her face heats into something more intent as Sanji covers her hand with his before grinding against her touch, bringing the memory of all the times his eagerness for her has radiated in the spaces between them. ]
There are a lot of things I want to do to your ass. [ Nami's eyes narrow shrewdly at him, her shoulders rising as she fixes him with an impish smirk while sauntering almost lazily over to the sofa after him. ]
Get comfortable for me. [ Nami hangs back at the edge of the couch, giving Sanji's shoulder a playful shove before she turns away to get the toy ready with the bottle of lube in her other hand. ]
There are a lot of things I want to do to your ass. [ Nami's eyes narrow shrewdly at him, her shoulders rising as she fixes him with an impish smirk while sauntering almost lazily over to the sofa after him. ]
Get comfortable for me. [ Nami hangs back at the edge of the couch, giving Sanji's shoulder a playful shove before she turns away to get the toy ready with the bottle of lube in her other hand. ]
Edited 2025-03-07 04:22 (UTC)
[ continued from here! ]
[ The more they talk, the more Sanji finds himself appreciating just how direct and purposeful she is in everything she says. It certainly helps make her easy to talk to, at least to him. He's always been something of an open book, insofar as his emotions go, and life here has only nurtured his candidness and scoured away any sense of shame that could come up about topics like what they're discussing.
Maybe this topic should feel weird to speak about, but that seems surprisingly dishonest to him. There's not a soul here that isn't regularly having sex– and likely indulging in the pleasures the resort has to offer, considering how insidious it is– and almost always with at least a handful of people. Talking about their likes and dislikes, about what toys they enjoy and what generally feels good, finding people they mesh with– they might as well do what they can to ensure everyone's having a good time when there aren't zombies and doppelgangers running amuck. ]
Nah, I don't mind. [ And if his word isn't good enough, there's enough warmth in his voice to hopefully convince her of his sincerity. ]
I've, uh, tried walking around with it in use personally and can promise it's not painful. So have a couple of my partners. Enough that it's happened more than a few times. [ Which should hopefully be testament enough for her, but just in case– ]
After a while with it buzzing away, you won't wanna keep walking, but that's kind of the point? Your partner has the control and slowly teases you more until you can't take it. But, yeah, it's comfortable inside aside from how worked up it'll get you. I'd recommend trying it if you're interested.
[ There's a brief pause as he considers this next part, trying to decide whether what's primed to roll off his tongue is the right thing to say before finally adding an offer: ]
If you do wanna give it a try and need someone to try it out with, it'd be my pleasure to lend you a hand. [ Whether she accepts or not doesn't bother Sanji. It's worth making the offer to help regardless of the outcome. ] Got any other questions?
[ Early morning, Sanji’s birthday. And it has to be very early if she expects to beat the cook at his own game. Opting for the outdoor kitchen by the pool, where she stands less of a chance of being discovered while at work, Nami gets breakfast ready. Over the course of an hour, in the artificial but still scant light of early morning, she ends up with a tray piled high with every kind of breakfast food she can remember him liking. Muffins, egg dishes, at least three varieties of pancake, a pot of tea, a carafe of coffee and her best attempt at an elegant cut fruit salad all accompany a cold bottle of champagne and two empty glasses.
Hesitation is not an option, even though she may have underestimated the tray’s weight when first trying to lift it off the kitchen counter. Nami’s thankful for the years she’s spent relying on being,at least, somewhat nimble to get her through her once familiar, now greatly expanded suite.
Nothing is perfect, and there is a slight clatter once she’s back in her private string of rooms, setting the tray down on a small table just off the balcony overlooking the fake ocean, but she makes it back to bed (hopefully) undetected. Once she’s comfortably stretched out beside him, Nami wastes no time sliding between the covers until she’s flush against his side with both arms wrapped around him and her face buried in the crook of his neck.
How many times has he good morning princessed her by now? Nami isn’t the outwardly giving type, but she’s learning to let herself go enough to put her heart on the sleeve for him enough to want to turn the tables and be the one spoiling him for a change. For as generous with his heart as Sanji is, Nami’s beginning to realize he’s somehow managed to almost never be on the receiving end of the soft, sweet kindness he constantly offers her with both hands.
The thought pulls a soft hum from her as her lips purse enough to press kisses against the column of his throat, waiting patiently for him to stir before speaking. ]
Happy birthday, gorgeous.
Hesitation is not an option, even though she may have underestimated the tray’s weight when first trying to lift it off the kitchen counter. Nami’s thankful for the years she’s spent relying on being,at least, somewhat nimble to get her through her once familiar, now greatly expanded suite.
Nothing is perfect, and there is a slight clatter once she’s back in her private string of rooms, setting the tray down on a small table just off the balcony overlooking the fake ocean, but she makes it back to bed (hopefully) undetected. Once she’s comfortably stretched out beside him, Nami wastes no time sliding between the covers until she’s flush against his side with both arms wrapped around him and her face buried in the crook of his neck.
How many times has he good morning princessed her by now? Nami isn’t the outwardly giving type, but she’s learning to let herself go enough to put her heart on the sleeve for him enough to want to turn the tables and be the one spoiling him for a change. For as generous with his heart as Sanji is, Nami’s beginning to realize he’s somehow managed to almost never be on the receiving end of the soft, sweet kindness he constantly offers her with both hands.
The thought pulls a soft hum from her as her lips purse enough to press kisses against the column of his throat, waiting patiently for him to stir before speaking. ]
Happy birthday, gorgeous.
[ Birthdays have never held much meaning for Sanji.
It's a simple fact of the circumstances surrounding his life. Reviled by his family, there'd been no indulgent celebrations for him growing up. He might have shared the date with his brothers, but it had been as hellish as any other day had been. Even life aboard the Baratie hadn't changed his perspective, not when it had been so easy to think of his tiny life as still being completely unimportant. Oh, Zeff had left small gifts– a new knife, the latest cookbook, a batch of especially rare ingredients– but sentimantility had never been something he expressed easily, preferring a hastily scrawled note or a gruffly murmured congratulations for surviving another year.
Those little celebrations had thrilled him, but he'd never quite learned to believe that he deserved them. For anyone else– for Nami especially, who he'd gladly dote and spoil when her birthday came– it's another matter entirely,
Sleep still has a firm hold on him early that morning when Nami slips out of bed. It's been months since he'd mentioned when his birthday was– long enough that he's forgotten mentioning to her– and she's still the only person he's told about it. It hadn't seemed worth mentioning to anyone else. Despite the grip that sleep has on him, even in his dreams, he still notices her loss, still notices the lack of warmth and softness, notices the way things no longer feel right. In the dream, they're aboard the Merry– they all are, Usopp and Luffy and Zoro, too– as they sit on deck and watch the sunset together. And for a moment, she's gone, no longer wrapped tight in his arms, no longer warm in his embrace, but still, the feeling of her lips brushing against his cheek lingers like a promise.
Time, thankfully, has no meaning in the land of the dreaming and that sensation only truly lasts a moment before she returns and Sanji sighs, both in the dream and reality, shifting closer as she slides back into place, back to where she belongs. Sleep is losing it's hold by then, it's grip growing weaker, and with every kiss that she brushes against his skin, it weakens further until at last he does stir as he shakes off the last dredges of sleep, a quiet sound humming in his throat as he stretches out and blinks open eyes lidded with the remnants of sleep. ]
Nami–? [ Blinking a few more time, he beams down at her with a grin that's still bright despite how small it is– Sanji's still not awake enough to manage more– but what she says cuts right through the foggy sleepiness that still clouds his thoughts.
His birthday.
He laughs softly, the sound both weak and somehow joyful, as he catches her face between his palms and gingerly strokes his thumbs along her cheekbones. Even without the bond, the sheer, unfeigned delight is obvious on his face as he presses the softest kiss he can against her lips. ]
You remembered my birthday. [ Laughing sleepily, he kisses her again, just as soft, just as sweet. He shouldn't care about anyone remembering it, but the fact that she did is so, so special to him. It's about that time that the smell of food wafts over from where she's left it and, if anything, he looks even more delighted when he realizes what she's done. ] DId you– did you make us breakfast?
It's a simple fact of the circumstances surrounding his life. Reviled by his family, there'd been no indulgent celebrations for him growing up. He might have shared the date with his brothers, but it had been as hellish as any other day had been. Even life aboard the Baratie hadn't changed his perspective, not when it had been so easy to think of his tiny life as still being completely unimportant. Oh, Zeff had left small gifts– a new knife, the latest cookbook, a batch of especially rare ingredients– but sentimantility had never been something he expressed easily, preferring a hastily scrawled note or a gruffly murmured congratulations for surviving another year.
Those little celebrations had thrilled him, but he'd never quite learned to believe that he deserved them. For anyone else– for Nami especially, who he'd gladly dote and spoil when her birthday came– it's another matter entirely,
Sleep still has a firm hold on him early that morning when Nami slips out of bed. It's been months since he'd mentioned when his birthday was– long enough that he's forgotten mentioning to her– and she's still the only person he's told about it. It hadn't seemed worth mentioning to anyone else. Despite the grip that sleep has on him, even in his dreams, he still notices her loss, still notices the lack of warmth and softness, notices the way things no longer feel right. In the dream, they're aboard the Merry– they all are, Usopp and Luffy and Zoro, too– as they sit on deck and watch the sunset together. And for a moment, she's gone, no longer wrapped tight in his arms, no longer warm in his embrace, but still, the feeling of her lips brushing against his cheek lingers like a promise.
Time, thankfully, has no meaning in the land of the dreaming and that sensation only truly lasts a moment before she returns and Sanji sighs, both in the dream and reality, shifting closer as she slides back into place, back to where she belongs. Sleep is losing it's hold by then, it's grip growing weaker, and with every kiss that she brushes against his skin, it weakens further until at last he does stir as he shakes off the last dredges of sleep, a quiet sound humming in his throat as he stretches out and blinks open eyes lidded with the remnants of sleep. ]
Nami–? [ Blinking a few more time, he beams down at her with a grin that's still bright despite how small it is– Sanji's still not awake enough to manage more– but what she says cuts right through the foggy sleepiness that still clouds his thoughts.
His birthday.
He laughs softly, the sound both weak and somehow joyful, as he catches her face between his palms and gingerly strokes his thumbs along her cheekbones. Even without the bond, the sheer, unfeigned delight is obvious on his face as he presses the softest kiss he can against her lips. ]
You remembered my birthday. [ Laughing sleepily, he kisses her again, just as soft, just as sweet. He shouldn't care about anyone remembering it, but the fact that she did is so, so special to him. It's about that time that the smell of food wafts over from where she's left it and, if anything, he looks even more delighted when he realizes what she's done. ] DId you– did you make us breakfast?
Edited 2025-03-25 01:41 (UTC)
[ she's not exactly sure of the red cardinal's dress code, but she figures it's worth dressing a little nicer than casual to a bar since she doubts it's the kind of semi-rundown place in the slums that the seventh heaven had been. opening the door of her closet though is met with a frown as she comes to realize that most everything that's prearranged for her in here is more than just a little revealing, reminding her once again of the resort's intents for what she should be dressing for.
ultimately, she settles on a short black cocktail dress, fabric a little tight around her hips and cleavage more visible than she'd prefer, but it proves to be the most modest of her available options, and she makes a note to herself to see if shopping around might find her a more varied collection if she's meant to stay here longer than she expects to.
but soon enough, tifa finds herself within the red cardinal, her concern over her clothing taking a back seat to the brightening of her eyes as she sees such a comfortable looking room, the kind of spot she'd want to run someday if she ever manages to get the seventh heaven rebuilt again. from the low lighting to the quiet jazz of music, it's strangely the most she's felt relaxed, being somewhere that feels far more in her realm of comfort.
stepping forward, she goes over to the bar, taking a seat on one of the high chairs as she waits for sanji to arrive, her gaze simply admiring the aesthetics of the environment in the meanwhile. ]
ultimately, she settles on a short black cocktail dress, fabric a little tight around her hips and cleavage more visible than she'd prefer, but it proves to be the most modest of her available options, and she makes a note to herself to see if shopping around might find her a more varied collection if she's meant to stay here longer than she expects to.
but soon enough, tifa finds herself within the red cardinal, her concern over her clothing taking a back seat to the brightening of her eyes as she sees such a comfortable looking room, the kind of spot she'd want to run someday if she ever manages to get the seventh heaven rebuilt again. from the low lighting to the quiet jazz of music, it's strangely the most she's felt relaxed, being somewhere that feels far more in her realm of comfort.
stepping forward, she goes over to the bar, taking a seat on one of the high chairs as she waits for sanji to arrive, her gaze simply admiring the aesthetics of the environment in the meanwhile. ]
[ 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.
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.
( despite all her best efforts to keep her distance, eventually through sheer force of the resort the two managed to eventually reach a point where reira fully felt comfortable enough to share something personal that had been bothering her.
now her reaching out to him came from a more playful, teasing place. )
you know, just because you cooked 'virtual' food for me doesn't mean that counts by the way. you have to cook real food for me.
now her reaching out to him came from a more playful, teasing place. )
you know, just because you cooked 'virtual' food for me doesn't mean that counts by the way. you have to cook real food for me.
[ After all that transpired the last time they ran into each other, seeing Reira’s name pop up on his watch alongside a message brings a smile to his face and an immediate feeling of curiosity. ]
yeah? is that a way of saying you enjoyed what i made you enough that you wanna taste my cooking again? i’m flattered and only too happy to come make you whatever your hearts desire is for dinner.
yeah? is that a way of saying you enjoyed what i made you enough that you wanna taste my cooking again? i’m flattered and only too happy to come make you whatever your hearts desire is for dinner.
[ continued from here!! ]
[ It takes him a moment to reply, too, trying to mull over exactly the words to use to express what he’s thinking and feeling. How do you tell someone how deeply you care for them when your feelings are so damn deep and wide? He isn’t sure, but he’s willing to try.
hey, don’t compare yourself to nami like that, hilda. it doesn’t matter how long i’ve known her or you, yeah? i adore the both of you more than i’ve got words to say. what matters is how i feel. and you’ve got such a hold over me, just being with you makes being stuck in this shitty resort more than worth it.
and yeah, i know you do. didn’t mean to imply you didn’t. maybe you oughta come over for real, yeah? let me pull you into my arms and shower you with more kisses than you can count and show you just how much you mean to me, lovely.
[ It takes him a moment to reply, too, trying to mull over exactly the words to use to express what he’s thinking and feeling. How do you tell someone how deeply you care for them when your feelings are so damn deep and wide? He isn’t sure, but he’s willing to try.
hey, don’t compare yourself to nami like that, hilda. it doesn’t matter how long i’ve known her or you, yeah? i adore the both of you more than i’ve got words to say. what matters is how i feel. and you’ve got such a hold over me, just being with you makes being stuck in this shitty resort more than worth it.
and yeah, i know you do. didn’t mean to imply you didn’t. maybe you oughta come over for real, yeah? let me pull you into my arms and shower you with more kisses than you can count and show you just how much you mean to me, lovely.
oh hey, it’s you. yeah, of course, i’d be happy to help you get as much as you need. just name the time and place and i’ll be there.
[ continued from here!! ]
[ Between Zoro helping Nami and Luffy out of the jacuzzi, Sanji’s content to take a slightly longer moment to exit, enjoy the warmth of the water— really, he’d prefer it hotter— one last time before slipping out to join them all, not bothering to cover up at all. He grins as he watches Nami return from her errand— a little less worried now— to hand Luffy the jerky, meeting her gaze and giving her a fond grin right back. Tempted as he is to join her, a part of him does get the feeling that making sure Luffy adequately cleans up is a two man job.
Still, he flashes a wink in her direction when she discards the towel and deliberately savors the view, a faint shiver of want dancing down his spine, before swiveling his focus back to Zoro and their Captain. ]
Ah, because I’m following you. Gotta clean-up first, yeah? Proper manners for having a nice dinner among crewmates.
[ And despite being the follower, he’s quick to walk a little faster, ducking into the shower next to Nami’s ahead of them and turning the water so it’s steaming— then dials it back on the heat, just a little— before gesturing at Zoro with an easy smile on his face and reaching out to loosely rest an arm on Luffy’s bicep, standing enough to the side with his back to Nami to give them room to join him. ] C’mon, let’s all clean-up together, yeah?
[ Between Zoro helping Nami and Luffy out of the jacuzzi, Sanji’s content to take a slightly longer moment to exit, enjoy the warmth of the water— really, he’d prefer it hotter— one last time before slipping out to join them all, not bothering to cover up at all. He grins as he watches Nami return from her errand— a little less worried now— to hand Luffy the jerky, meeting her gaze and giving her a fond grin right back. Tempted as he is to join her, a part of him does get the feeling that making sure Luffy adequately cleans up is a two man job.
Still, he flashes a wink in her direction when she discards the towel and deliberately savors the view, a faint shiver of want dancing down his spine, before swiveling his focus back to Zoro and their Captain. ]
Ah, because I’m following you. Gotta clean-up first, yeah? Proper manners for having a nice dinner among crewmates.
[ And despite being the follower, he’s quick to walk a little faster, ducking into the shower next to Nami’s ahead of them and turning the water so it’s steaming— then dials it back on the heat, just a little— before gesturing at Zoro with an easy smile on his face and reaching out to loosely rest an arm on Luffy’s bicep, standing enough to the side with his back to Nami to give them room to join him. ] C’mon, let’s all clean-up together, yeah?
( Zoro is looking over his shoulder even as he guides Luffy to the showers, trying to catch another glimpse of Nami's bare form like he can't just look at any other time. Sanji gets his attention, though, with the way he herds them into the spacious shower stall. He gives the cook an amused, questioning look, like he's trying to figured out if he's got an ulterior motive.
Either way, he's here for it.
He helpfully bangs on Luffy's back when he chokes on the jerky, then steps under the water before starting to soap up his broad shoulders, as though to demonstrate his cooperation with Project Clean-up Together. )
Either way, he's here for it.
He helpfully bangs on Luffy's back when he chokes on the jerky, then steps under the water before starting to soap up his broad shoulders, as though to demonstrate his cooperation with Project Clean-up Together. )
nah, i thought she might be with you. haven't seen her since last night. guess she's just off with one of her other partners or something?
[ For all that he's trying to play this cool, though, Nami's silence and timing does worry him. It's a worry that's thrashing around in his stomach, making him want to pace— or find someone very annoying to fight. ]
[ For all that he's trying to play this cool, though, Nami's silence and timing does worry him. It's a worry that's thrashing around in his stomach, making him want to pace— or find someone very annoying to fight. ]
[ the persistent heartbeat hasn't stopped, now settled as a lasting presence that bumps like an ongoing drum in the back of her head. no matter how much she covers her ears, it doesn't stop and the longer it lasts, the more terrified of this place she becomes. it's twisting me inside out, she thinks, with enough experiences now that have tested her wants and desires to know that it's bent on changing her until she's not recognizable anymore. and not knowing who she is nearly terrifies her more than anything.
for starters, she finds herself no longer eating, like any bite is just another inclination towards being seduced into temptation, but even tifa knows the importance of a meal, how every bit of her strength, mentally and physically demands on it. remembering a particular offer, one night she sends a message, ]
hey, sanji?
things have been a little crazy around here lately.
just thought i'd check in and see if you're okay.
for starters, she finds herself no longer eating, like any bite is just another inclination towards being seduced into temptation, but even tifa knows the importance of a meal, how every bit of her strength, mentally and physically demands on it. remembering a particular offer, one night she sends a message, ]
hey, sanji?
things have been a little crazy around here lately.
just thought i'd check in and see if you're okay.
[ It’s been days. Days. He thinks it’s been days, at least, since that ever-present, unrelenting beat started, a constant, steady pulse that reverberates through every damn inch of him, right down to his marrow. Everything hurts in its wake, like the essence of the beating is pain, the kind that pierces his head in a thousand different angles, wrenches his stomach, makes his skin almost blaze with a feverish heat. Sleep doesn’t come— doesn’t help— because the moment he closes his eyes, a fear creeps under his skin, that darkness suddenly eerily reminiscent of the interior of the iron bindings of a mask he left behind so many damn years ago. The name is on the tip of his tongue, an accusation that suddenly makes too much sense in the constant throes of pain.
It’s been years since he’d felt anything akin to this. Nearly a decade since the last time he was left broken and beaten on a cell floor and somehow, somehow, this feels worse. Maybe this whole place is just another scheme by his—
His watch beeps in burgeoning coils of night. Sanji inhales, shuddering, eyes blinking blearily as he glances down at the watch. The pounding in his head doesn’t relent— knives worm their way deep into his skull— but he breathes and cracks the smallest smile he knows how. ]
hey lovely.
i’m fine, yeah. this crap is more than a little crazy, but that’s just this shitty resort for you.
how about you? you doing okay? don’t want my favorite bartender to be suffering.
It’s been years since he’d felt anything akin to this. Nearly a decade since the last time he was left broken and beaten on a cell floor and somehow, somehow, this feels worse. Maybe this whole place is just another scheme by his—
His watch beeps in burgeoning coils of night. Sanji inhales, shuddering, eyes blinking blearily as he glances down at the watch. The pounding in his head doesn’t relent— knives worm their way deep into his skull— but he breathes and cracks the smallest smile he knows how. ]
hey lovely.
i’m fine, yeah. this crap is more than a little crazy, but that’s just this shitty resort for you.
how about you? you doing okay? don’t want my favorite bartender to be suffering.
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