chiffonades | inbox for golden peacock

I can live with not being the very first person you message when you find a way to deliver some pain to the people in charge. Just don't leave me until last or something, yeah? I'm damn handy to have in a fight. [ He doesn't even try to hide the humor in his voice, or the enthusiasm, not when he's been itching for a fight for over half of a year now.

And while he isn't quite like Zoro, who tends to see his swords as the answers to most problems, he's willing to make an exception for the people– if there are people– in charge here. It's hard not to when they've made him relive some of his most painful memories, after all. ]

Ah, yeah. Those high ranks get all sorts of privileges, but I've never run into one that actually knew anything more about this place than the rest of them. I think they like to drown them in luxury, you know? Make them so comfortable that everyone else wants to be them while they just enjoy themselves. [ Which… frankly, doesn't really bother Sanji. Even the highest ranking folks are captives like the rest of them.

Well, there's that and the fact that he's been living with one for months, but that hardly seems relevant to Sanji. ]

You're better off trying your luck in staff areas. I've, uh, investigated them a few times, but so far– not found much.

[There's a small chuckle that comes from Scott's end after hearing Sanji's own enthusiasm, responding with a 'I promise' as he mentally categorizes the well-dressed man as another person he can probably trust and count on. Guess he could've figured that out already after he helped him through his panic attack, but now he's doubly sure.

Wriothesley was right, huh? That people here are good, at least a decent amount of them.

He may not have his friends or the X-Men with him, but it's definitely getting easier to trust and rely on others again. Not that Scott wants to let his guard too much, because he's still stuck in a sex casino, but things definitely do feel better compared to his first month or two here. Like the worst bits are over.

But Sanji's comments about being a high rank at least confirms his suspicions and helps with the whole 'climbing up the ranks' probably isn't too important.]

Do you think the staff even know what's going on around here? Like maybe they're left out of the loop and only the House or the guys in charge really know anything. [Although, does that mean they have to wait around until they make their grand appearance? Scott's not fond of the idea.] But it's probably still worth looking into. My powers can't break the actual walls of this casino, but maybe some other parts aren't reinforced in the same way.

[ At Scott's question, Sanji hums thoughtfully and considers for a few seconds. His opinion on the staff has always been mixed, particularly since they auctioned him off a few days after he arrived here– Nami won him, thankfully, so it hadn't been a major problem, but still, it had naturally lead to him not trusting the staff.

And that's not even factoring how he feels about some of the cooks of the resort potentially sprinkling in aphrodisiacs and other drugs into some of the food, an act that's basically sacrilege as far as he's concerned. It'd be one thing if shit was clearly labeled and people knew what each piece did before they bought it, but that's not what happens.

But the question isn't really about a matter of trust. Untrustworthy people could be duped into going along with what this place wants easily and be no less culpable than the rest of them. Shit, maybe some of them were even roped into playing this shitty game once upon a time and are just as much victims as he and Scott are.

It's tough to say. ]

Honestly– I kinda doubt it. Whoever's in control of this place has done a damn good job of keeping anything related to them a secret, yeah? Seems pretty unlikely they'd manage that if the staff knew much about what’s happening behind the scenes. [ It'd be too easy for a couple of guests to kidnap a staff member and try to beat it out of them. Too many people knowing a secret means it won't stay one for very long. ] Just don't get caught trying to hurt this place. One of the first things everyone told me when I got here is how much you don't wanna get in trouble and trying to blast down a wall would probably count. [ And while Sanji's avoided getting in trouble so far, it doesn't take much to imagine what possible punishments could look like after seeing the effects of a suit flare. ]

[Yeah, makes sense to him. The more information spread between multiple people, the higher chance that stuff will get leaked to everyone. If they're holding power through secrecy, then they'd want to hold onto that advantage. It's certainly worked for them so far. Still frustrating though, the thought getting Scott to sigh as he stares up at the ceiling for a few seconds.

At least he feels like himself. He knows how to manage that much and that's one major step. He doesn't want to lose control of himself like last time.]

I'll be careful.

[He actually sounds like he means it too, not just saying that to appease Sanji.] I don't want to lose my powers or have my suit flare up again. After all, it's my time to be helping others now, right?

[Scott adds, smiling slightly.]

[ Some of the worry that Sanji was feeling– not that it was very much to begin with, considering they're just talking– melts away when Scott agrees to be careful. He seems sensible enough that it felt like he'd take the advice– unlike a certain mosshead that recently showed back up here– but there's always some worry involved when it comes to the House. ]

Good to hear that.

[ The relief is obvious in Sanji's voice and he takes the slight pause between this and what Scott says next to light a cigarette and take a deep puff, letting the smoke fill his lungs.

That eases the rest of the worry he's feeling, letting him relax almost completely. Only almost because he'll never be quite at ease anywhere outside of Nami's suite. ] You got it. We don't always get a choice about what this shithole does to us, but anything you can do to avoid pissing it off– well, it's worth it. 'specially if it lets you help out someone else.

[ Which is maybe not a very pirate-like sentiment, but in Sanji's defense, he's both new at it and his part of crew that's full of not very pirate-like pirates. ]

Yeah, and I can already name a handful of people where I need to specifically watch their asses.

[Scott manages to fully relax on his end, the mutant letting himself lean back against the couch as they engage in easy conversation. He doesn't know how much time they have left, probably not too much, but he is actually kind of grateful in a stupid roundabout away that he got shoved into this stupid meet and greet. At least this time. Like it was nice talking with Sanji again, especially without his suit flaring up and causing a crap load of issues.

He pops up a bag of chips, the noise rustling lightly on Scott's end before he shoves a few in his mouth at once.]

Man, they really only have chips and snacks here, huh? Not that I mind, but I hoped they'd at least give a free meal. ...Although, it would probably have some stupid drug in it.

Hey, having people you gotta watch out for is a good thing, yeah? Better than having nobody around.

[ Scott's not the only one that's relaxed now. With any of the residual worry gone, any remaining tension had gone with it. And while he can't say that the young man was someone he'd actively been worrying about, he'd thought about him a few times since their last encounter. It was good to know that he'd finally adjusted and was doing more than okay.

Hearing Scott pop open the bag of chips does make him wince, though, especially when he comments on the food. ]

You know the snack could be drugged too, though, yeah? Everything they make in this crappy place could be. [ Still, he keeps his voice soft as he says it. The snacks probably aren't drugged? But they could be. ] You ever want something you know is safe, just let me know? I'm a cook and I'd be happy to whip something tasty up for you that isn't packed full of aphrodisiacs and other drugs.

[There's a small noise of agreement on Scott's end, because yeah, definitely better to have people to watch out for. It feels good in a lot of ways, not only knowing that he's no longer alone, but actually caring for them. Making sure they make it out okay. Super important stuff.

He figures that he doesn't have to say all that to Sanji though.

Scott stops mid crunch as he hears him continue though, chips in hand but not yet thrown more in the teen's mouth as he listens. Honestly, Sanji is pretty high 'up' on his list as people that Scott's willing to hear out without interruption. It's pretty obvious and clear that he's a decent guy with good advice. But huh, seriously? A chef? That's cool.]

Uh, sure, if you're offering. I didn't know that you cooked. [...] I don't know how much I'll be able to pay you back though.

[ Really, it's the not being alone part that Sanji thinks is most valuable. There's an inherent reciprocicty to having people you're watching out for– they're very nuatrally going to look out for you, too. And while he's not someone who thinks he deserves that, everyone else here certainly does.

And come to think of it, Scott's on his list of people to keep an eye over. He does trust him to keep himself out of trouble, but the Peacock really isn't a place that lets you stay out of trouble for long. It's why he's quick to correct his unspoken assumption. A few snacks probably won't hurt him– but probably isn't a guarantee. He's got no problems if Scott still wants to eat the snacks. That's his choice and Sanji will respect it.

But it's a choice he should make knowing what's happening. ]

Well, I do. [ Chuckling softly, he grins up at the partition separting them. ] I'm the best damn cook in the place. And don't worry abut paying me back. Making food for people I like is it's own reward, understand?

The best cook of this entire place, huh? [That's quite a claim, but honestly, from what he knows of Sanji so far, that's not a statement he'd make lightly. At least he wouldn't say something like that if he wasn't some incredible top level chef and that's pretty neat. Scott's level of cooking is pouring cereal in a bowl and microwaving stuff, instant food and toast, so

Knowing an actual chef? Especially one that he can trust not to put weird shit in it? Yeah, that's really nice. Not that Scott wants to abuse Sanji's kindness, even if he says it's his own reward to cook for people, but he's definitely down to trying his cooking.

Scott shoves the bag of chips into his pocket, maybe he'll save it for later.]

Okay, now I feel like I have to see this for myself. What do you specialize in? I mean, I'll pretty much eat whatever. As long as it's not too weird.

Yeah. [ Sanji laughs softly as he says it because while he has respect for just about anyone that calls themselves a cook— and means it— the cooks always feel like they’re lacking something. They’re like the rest of the staff, really, simply doing as the House demands. They lack passion, drive, that fundamental desire to put their whole being into whatever they’re making just to ensure that the end results brings a smile to their customers faces. ] It’s, uh, not like there’s a ton of competition, though, yeah? Big as this place is, it’s still nothing compared to the East Blue or a whole world.

[ Though the place is pretty vast, all things considered, and he’s still not sure he’s seen it all despite having been here for months and months.

Scott’s question, though, has him smiling. Cooking is such familiar ground that even talking about it feels a little like being back where he— where he and the rest of his crew— belongs. ]

I can cook anything. Just gotta tell me what you want and I’ll make it. But— I learned to cook on this floating restaurant in the sea, so I know seafood like I know every inch of my knives, you know? I dunno if you’ve ever met Nami, but she’s got one of the Queen Suites. I live with her and get full time access to all the kitchens in her suite. So just say the word and I’ll get you a meal that’s tastier than anything these crap restaurants make.

[East Blue... has someone mentioned a place like that before to him? He almost thinks it's familiar, but he can't place it yet. Scott knows for sure that it's not something he's familiar with back home though, unless it's just a term he's never heard of before. Or a smaller city.]

Yeah, this place is smaller than the world. I'll admit that.

[Scott jokes back, the teen grinning in amusement even as he shuffles in his seat, taking the opportunity to just lie down on the couch. He's no longer eating, so it's fine. It's all about talking about food, how Sanji seems to specialize in seafood-- sounds fucking amazing to work on a floating restaurant. What even is that like? Although, he can't help but look sharply at the partition when a familiar name comes from Sanji's end.]

Wait, Nami? I didn't know that you two were friends-- oh shit, are you guys from the same world?

But only by a little bit, yeah?

[ Sanji laughs as he says it, an acknowledgment of how ridiculous this line of conversation actually is. There are days where the Peacock feels vast enough that he could almost forget what it is— a prison. For them, it might as well be their whole world, at least until they find a way out. But a cell is still a cell, no matter how big or luxurious, and there are still walls that keep them trapped. Talking about cooking is just one way he can momentarily forget about where they are, so he’s only too happy to— ]

Shit, guess I never mentioned her before, huh? Yeah, we are. Uh, more than that, really. [ It doesn’t really surprise him that Scott’s met Nami before— again, this place can be both bigger and smaller than it seems, sometimes— though he’s so used to thinking of them all— he and Nami and Zoro— in the same thought that it’s amusing to realize there are people like Scott, who don’t realize they’re all part of the same crew. ] We’re, uh, part of the same pirate crew, actually. She’s a damn brilliant navigator and comes up with best plans.

[ Luckily, without Nami here, he doesn’t extol her virtues too enthusiastically. ] One of our other crewmates, Zoro, is also here. I dunno what we did to attract this shitty place’s attention, but— yeah, just in case you ever meet him, he’s a friend of ours, too.

Shit, really? I never pictured you being a pirate-- but I thought the same thing of Nami.

[It's just Sanji is not only really kind, but uh, pretty well dressed and shit. Definitely not what he thinks when he hears the word 'pirate.' He wonders if anyone in Sanji's world has a wooden leg and a talking parrot, at least a hook for a hand. Although, admittedly, there are definitely still pirates back from where he's from, just... modern and boring.

From what Nami's told him, her world feels a little more 'old-fashioned.']

I haven't met Zoro yet, but I'll keep him in mind. So, if you're the chef and Nami is the navigator, what does he do? It sounds like each of you have a role. All part of a working team...

[Which makes sense, if they're going to survive out on the sea. Even more defined roles than his teammates, other than him being like the future leader at some point. It's his responsibility to figure out the best use of everyone's abilities during each mission.

...He really misses his friends. But he tries to shove that down, focus on what Sanji is telling him. He's glad that they have each other in a place like this, even though that also brings its own hardships. He can only imagine that.]

You know, not like I've been one for long but— our crew gets that kind of reaction a lot. We aren't, uh, like most pirates.

[ Life at the Baratie had presented him with plenty of chances to cross paths with pirates before he'd joined up with Luffy and so, Sanji's confident when he says they aren't like most other pirates. Really, he wouldn't have joined up with the crew if they were like other pirates. ]

Ah, he's the fi— he's our swordsman. Guess you could call him the chief combatant of the crew? Uses his swords to handle any problems that stand in his way and is too damn stubborn to let anything stop him.

[ No, he's not going to openly admit that Zoro's their first mate, not even if someone put a gun to his head.

The way Scott immediately compares them to a team is something he notes because, thinking back, he'd talked about his team before too. It makes him smile, even if team feels like both too strong and too weak of a word for what they are. Or maybe it's just too formal? Because in his heart, Sanji thinks of them more like family— a particularly horny family, considering what's transpired here between them all— than something as formal and rigid as a team. ]

More like— we all just do what we're best at to keep each other safe and healthy, you know? Nami makes sure we get where we're going, I keep everyone healthy and energized through good nutrition and filling meals, and everyone else does what they can for the good of our crew, too.

[They're definitely not like most pirates... but in a good way. Honestly, all of the pirates that he's met so far in this casino have been really cool. And nice.]

A swordsman? He's really bringing a sword to a gun fight? I'm guessing it actually goes well for him, unlike that dude from Indiana Jones.

[Not that Scott excepts Sanji to get that reference, but he can't help but let that slip. Watching Raiders of the Lost Ark... yeah, that scene was definitely memorable. And really cool. Indy is cool!!]

But I understand. [Something understanding lifts into his voice. Maybe he and the others don't fully have that dynamic with each other yet, but. He wants to. They've become important to him, especially after Alex's death. He plans on taking everything that he learned here back to things back home... assuming they remember everything. He hopes so.] Keeping each other safe, knowing that each of you have each other's backs.

inbox for golden peacock

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sjasdfj sorry for the slow!! busy week really tanked my ability to tag

no problem! :>

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so sorry for the incredible slowness ksdfas april was A Month for me

no worries!

UNFORTS may hasn't been much better but i am once again A Problem in your inbox

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