(no subject)

[ledbythewind]

Who: Richard (ledbythewind), Nami (mikangirl), and spectators
What: A date. Yes, a date.
When: The evening of Sunday the 22nd
Where: Seventh Heaven
Summary: Richard has internal conflict! And clearly the best way for him to resolve this particular internal conflict is to ask Nami out on a date. (It makes sense to him, okay.) However, it... doesn't exactly make sense to anyone else.
Rating: PG-13 for Sanji and Isamu's mouths.

[A date. It's a strange concept to Richard, even though they're both clear on the fact that it isn't serious by any means. He's never really been on a proper date before, and certainly not with a woman, and as such he can't help but feel just a tiny bit nervous about it. But it's Nami, so he feels somewhat more comfortable in that respect. At least there's no chance that she'll get the wrong message.

Regardless, he figures it can't hurt to look nice, which is why he'll be slipping out of the house that evening dressed in a fancier-than-usual dress shirt, slacks, and a bowtie before he heads on over to Nami's house to pick her up.]

Comments

[mikangirl]

[It's okay, Richard! It doesn't make much sense to Nami, either. But she's willing to help out anyway; Nami opens the door dressed up for elegance in an ankle length black dress and heels-- and a long coat because it's freaking cold out here. B|]

Richard! Hey.

[ledbythewind]

[Richard can't help but smile when he sees that she's dressed up for this as well; it makes things just a little less awkward, and in a situation like this? Anything is good.]

Miss Nami. You look lovely.

[mikangirl]

Thank you! You don't look half bad yourself. [She closes the door behind her before certain nosy crewmates can come and be a pain in the ass. 8| And then holds her hand out to Richard. Because let's do this all officially and stuff.]

Shall we?

[ledbythewind]

Yes, let's.

[He's quite used to gestures like that, fortunately, and knows exactly what to do next... or at least what you do next in his world, which is to take her hand and dip his head down just enough to brush his lips over the back of it.

That is the polite thing to do, right?]

[mikangirl]

[It is! It still takes Nami aback very slightly, but she finds it kind of cute honestly.]

C'mon. I hear they have a really great chef at this restaurant I know.

[ledbythewind]

Yes, I think I've heard a few things about his talents as well.

[Manners at least are one thing Richard never has to worry about. Chalk it up to years of practice for that.]

[mikangirl]

Well, then. I think we're in good hands. [She wraps her coat close and steps down the path.] Let's go eat.

[ledbythewind]

Of course.

[And off he goes as well, but not before offering her his arm the way a gentleman should.]

[mikangirl]

[Such a gentleman you are! Nami takes his arm with a cheerful smile, because hey, why not. To the restaurant we go. And food. It'll be a great night out. What could possibly go wrong? 8Da]

[ledbythewind]

[Absolutely nothing!

... except that he forgot the fact that Isamu is working tonight. Whoops. Sanji he can deal with, but Isamu is another story when it comes to this.

But he'll even open the door for her when they get there!]

1/2

[concasse]

[... Mellorine senses tingling.

Which might be why Sanji subconsciously lurks by the door, clearly pleased to see Nami in dat dress - so much that it doesn't occur to him to wonder why. When life gives you the lemonade first, you don't ask questions]

Nami-swaaaaaaaaaan~! You look absolutely--

[concasse]

[... Hm. Well. Certain other senses and radars tingle now, and shut him up. Sanji throws Richard a bemused look as the man quickly slides in too.

These senses do not mesh well. He is confused.]

[mikangirl]

Evening, Sanji-kun. [And like a good date, she waits for Richard to choose a table and pull a seat out for her-- but her grin to Sanji is just plain old friendly and casual as if there is nothing unusual here.] We decided to eat out tonight.

[ledbythewind]

Yes, I hope you won't mind making the chef's special for us?

[And pull out the chair he will with a smile and a nod to Sanji. What, it's perfectly normal for him to take lovely women out to dinner, didn't you know?]

[concasse]

[This still isn't adding up in a way that makes sense. Nami? Well... Nami is Nami, automatically exempt for all blame. And he's damn sure she's got her reasons for this. But Richard? Call him a biased ass but he's looking at his employee like he's lost his damn mind.

... But fine, you two. He'll play along. He straightens up like a proper waiter and puts on a wry tone]

Right. Chef's special. [blandly] For two, or am I bringing out one plate?

[musubi]

[It's at about this point that Isamu wanders in, brushing off the front of his apron.

The scene causes him to pause, take a moment to stare blandly as it registers, take a further couple moments to stare a little more wide-eyed, then look to Sanji for guidance.

Richard that is a woman. What do?]

[mikangirl]

For two, thanks. [No offence, Richard, but she has no intention of sharing a plate.] What is the chef's special?

[Does it have orange sauce >>]

[ledbythewind]

Yes, two plates will be just fine.

[Don't worry, Nami, he'd be a little weirded out by sharing a plate too. This may be a date but they're not THAT close.]

[concasse]

[He won't reply to Nami immediately, because Isamu crosses his line of sight. And that look of surprise is all Sanji needs to know.

Richard, why didn't you tell your bff?!]

Oi, Isamu. [He holds up two fingers] Two chef's specials. Go tell the chef in charge tonight. [... Chef in charge tonight is actually HIM, but whatever, just get your ass into the kitchen before the awkward commences. Please take the hint.]

And the chef's special is a roasted pork sirloin in a cranberry-orange sauce, with a side of spiced wild rice~!

[musubi]

[Isamu points to the duo, then back toward the kitchen, still struck a little dumb.

Then he regains a little composure, nods, and goes to perform the instructed task as professionally as is still possible for him.]

[mikangirl]

[Nami also notes the dumbfounded confusion and directs a curious look at Richard, but doesn't say anything just yet. Besides, Sanji just said the magic word. EYES LIGHTING UP. ...possibly predictably. 8|]

That sounds fantastic! Thanks, Sanji-kun.

[ledbythewind]

[Ahaha. Um. So yeah, Richard never mentioned this entire thing to Isamu for a multitude of reasons, and since he forgot Isamu was working tonight... this was not a thing he expected to happen.

But he'll just be keeping his smile perfectly neutral and just giving a slight shrug of his shoulders as if he can't imagine what could possibly prompt those sorts of reactions.]

Thank you for your excellent service and food, as always.

[... Isamu please please for the love of god don't make a scene over this.]

[concasse]

[Nami's enthusiasm is welcomed. It reminds Sanji to behave.]

Please enjoy yourselves. [An automated response as he slides for the kitchen, though he has the mind to go:] But not too much, you two.

[B| Never doubt that he will be watching. Possibly with Isamu. And speaking of which, Sanji is quick to track the guy down once out of sight]

Oi, what the hell is Richard up to?

[musubi]

Why are you asking me? Do I look like someone who has any answers right now??

[Just cooking over here, don't mind him. Cooking is a good distraction from the wtfery.]

[mikangirl]

[Nami waits for both of them to leave before turning and raising an eyebrow at Richard.]

You didn't tell Isamu?