The two-year mark is nearly upon them when the 99th master faces defeat and surrenders Kamabakka's final recipe to Sanji's repertoire. Knowing that there'll be no slowing down once the crew gets going again, Sanji decides to take advantage of the lull to see an old friend. To that end, he fixes his hair to the best of his abilities and dons a new suit that the island's denizens are all too eager to supply once they learn that he'll be in male company.
"Who's the lucky boy? Is it Josuke?"
"None of your business!" he snarls, flipping them the bird.
Just what is with their obsession with the guy? (He knows what it is. That doesn't mean he has to like it. His heart belongs to two beautiful women, without whom he'd have lost his mind the minute this hell started!)
Sanji loosens his tie with a huff. He's a little taller now, and the grueling challenge over the months has strengthened his legs and core to where he fills out this particular suit with noticeable bulk compared to his old sets. His hair is now parted over the opposite side of his face, which he's groomed to sport a beard in the anchor style. There's an old split in his lip and a scrape near his visible eye that are almost fully healed at this point; the signature curl of his eyebrows, to his dismay, will probably be what catches strangers' attention first.
Fishing the phone out of his pocket, he shoots Josuke a couple of text messages in confirmation:]
Hey Heading over now
[Then he crosses worlds with the help of some magic, strolling into Morioh in nonchalant, long-legged strides as he glances around for Josuke, a cigarette wedged between his lips. It's one perk of no longer being on set.]
i think you mean time for sanji to get whooped by tonio for smoking
[ Two years pass indeed. Unlike so many of the other contestants, his life has pretty much progressed like normal and without great incident — sure, there are Stand users to take care of every now and then, and his family asks him on the odd supernatural errand. Koichi left for then came back from Italy a while ago, because apparently, there's potentially another Joestar on the other side of the world. There are times when he's grateful to be the bastard son of the family; it means he doesn't have to get all that involved when things like this crop up. He's doing what he said he would, and that's protect Morioh.
And, you know, fix things here and there for Mark, too — mostly Mark himself. It's still a bit up in the air, what he's going to do after graduation. The thought's crossed his mind to offer his help over on his boyfriend's side of the universe, because they always seem to need it more urgently than here, but he has to be realistic, too. He can't, nor does he even want to drop everything to go there permanently, or even semi-permanently.
It's just a lot to think about. So, Sanji coming over is a welcome distraction. There's a lot to catch up on, and more than that, he's been genuinely keeping Sanji in his thoughts and concerns. Frustrating as the guy can be, Josuke cares way too much about him to just write him off and not give a damn what he's up to. So, when he receives the text, he's already bright eyed and bushy tailed to receive his guest. ]
Hey! Over here.
[ Mercifully, it seems portals open in the same place every time... this is where Mark usually comes out of, when he comes here. They're in a tiny, quiet park not far from Josuke's house, and he raises a hand in a half wave to get Sanji's attention. He, too, is taller, though his precious hair is the same as usual. Aside from that... up close, there are tiny scars that he's gained over the last two years from fighting, and right now, there's a cotton patch taped to one side of his face, like he just got socked the other day. He has a new piercing or two in his ears, as well. As ever, it's giving delinquent chic. ]
Damn, dude, you look totally different. You made it!
[ are you ready for an incoming arm around your shoulders sanji... well... its comin... he's gone two years with no sanji hug, he has to replenish his quota. he's as cuddly as the day they all split. ]
[From one delinquent to another, it's a strong look. Means Josuke's been working hard to protect what matters to him. When he's standing there against the backdrop of his hometown, it reminds Sanji of what he'd thought earlier in the show—that Josuke belongs here, more than anywhere else.
As for Sanji, he's always been plenty tactile with men, so he returns the friendly gesture with the sling of one arm in kind while his other hand remains in a pant pocket. He even gives Josuke a pat on the back of the head (minding the hair) for good measure.]
Yeah, it's been a while. I wasn't gonna miss this opportunity.
[He heard from a credible source that there's incredibly good food here. There's no way he'd turn down a chance at trying. That, and conveniences like production's technology don't exist in his own world. Why wouldn't he drop by to greet a friend within reach? He's tired of Kamabakka.]
You're looking pretty tough, yourself. How's your mom?
[ That makes him laugh, and he waves his free hand flippantly. ]
Oh, you know. Same old, same old. Getting on my ass for this, that, and whatever.
[ And by that, he means she's doing perfectly well. Well enough to hound him and maintain their usual bickering relationship. It's all said fondly, without any hints of actual annoyance. After his impromptu and abrupt several weeks long trip to Baltimore a few months back, he's been trying to be good and not get on his mom's bad side again — he hasn't quite finished smoothing things over yet. But it's fine.
Since Sanji reciprocates, he lingers there with his arm around him, leading them in the direction of the fabled very tasty, very delicious restaurant. It's only a tiny b it of a walk, but it'll give them some time to do some pre-catching up before the main event. ]
The thing I really wanna know about is how kicking everyone's ass on that island is going. It's gotta be over soon, if you've got time to come chill, yeah?
[Sanji sounds along to the answer. In other words, she must be hale and hearty despite the headaches she must suffer from having a stubborn son. Josuke's mom sounds fierce; Sanji knows the type, so he idly thinks she'll probably live past a hundred.
He grimaces as a slight, involuntary shudder runs down his spine. After running on adrenaline for almost two years, there's a part of him that's still hypervigilant of a potential ambush and dreads remembering—especially here with this guy for company.]
It's over. I got all the recipes I need out of them!
[It's amazing, how motivating love can be. He was really fired up and fighting non-stop to make everything happen between him and Asa. Anna helped, too. It was exhausting, yet rewarding all the same.]
All that's left is for them to give me a ride once it's time.
[ Listen, he might still not completely understand the ins and outs of his mission... but the important part is that it's finished. Josuke gives him a hearty clap on the back. ]
That's what I'm talking about. Means you can just take it easy while you're here, right? I'm pretty honored you came to Morioh for your little vacation, heh...
[ He could've gone anywhere... but he chose to come here when an opening came. He's not too proud to show that he's happy over it — and excited to see his friend. Josuke's never been too proud to show such things; he really is the affectionate sort, perhaps particularly to his friends. ]
Before you get back to pirating and stuff. [ ??? he must be meeting back up with the rest of his crew after this stint?? ] Or — well, I guess seeing Asa?
[ They're still going strong, right? He hasn't heard anything through the grapevine, and he knows there are members of their little gang who stay far more up to date on these things than himself. ]
[Sanji straightens against the clap with a languid grin. What's that about honor? Compared to some of the others, he hasn't seen much of Josuke in the last couple years. This is a long overdue visit to a place that's important to a dear friend.]
And Yoru! [He pulls his hand out from the pocket to gesture accordingly. Who knows what happens to Asa and Yoru in two years? Timelines are strange things, and the same can be said of their flow.] I'm seeing both of them.
[ He still does not understand the whole deal with Asa and Yoru very well.... it's not like they were close in the competition, and he only saw Yoru briefly twice when they all had their mind-melding moments. Whatever the reason, it's probably nice that Sanji acknowledges them both...? ]
No, she's great! [Dominates and squeezes the tears out of him the way they both like it—] It was her idea.
[Now he's dating two girls together and thriving (until Yoru tries to kill his biological family). Of course, he makes sure to spoil both whenever he can. Even while he's here, he'll take time out of every day to shoot Asa a series of love letters via text message.]
[ Well, he guesses it's a Yukako type thing. Some guys are into having partners that are scary.... ]
Huh. Well, I'm happy for you, man.
[ That's the center of the matter. With his shows of affection communicated, he returns his hand to his pocket, leading them in to the cute little Italian bistro right in the middle of Morioh. It's very charming; it's not anything like a fine dining restaurant, but the smell of fresh pasta and simmering sauce wafts in even from the entrance. ]
You ought to bring them here sometime, it's a good place for a date. The food can't be beat.
[ Tonio's somewhere off in the kitchen... Josuke just makes himself at home and sits at one of the tables like he owns the place, not bothering to explain the apparent lack of menus. Clearly, he's been here quite a few times. ]
[True, he would adore Yukako. Such a sweet, charming girl she'd be in his eyes.
Some establishments are all about appearances over quality. The second Sanji catches a whiff of pasta and sauce, he knows straightaway that a skilled chef is at work. His mind is already cataloguing ingredients and substituting anything unfamiliar, trying to recreate the aromatic dish as he stubs out his cigarette . . .
He's definitely bringing the girls over at some point.]
If this is how it smells, I can't wait to try it!
[Sanji pulls out a chair and takes his seat across Josuke, trusting the process.]
[ And he'd be so right for that. Josuke's one flaw is not getting along with Yukako. ]
Right? It's great. He usually serves different courses based on the customer... [ Idly, he rubs at the patch on his face, subconsciously hoping that Tonio can help prevent some of the bruising. His jaw's definitely sore from the punch. ] So you won't have to worry about picking something out. I've never had a bad meal here, he always gets it right.
[ As if on cue, Tonio emerges from the back to be his lovely Italian self and pour them water, all while Josuke introduces Sanji as a close friend who's also a chef. Just in this short interaction, it's clear Tonio is fond of and friendly with Josuke; their relationship seems closer than that of a chef and a normal customer, though whether that's because of Josuke's frequency at the joint or some other reason is harder to pick up on. Perhaps it's that Josuke's just the neighborhood lovable rapscallion around these parts.
In either case, molto bene, or something else Italian, Tonio probably says, before promising to be back with an appetizer that will surely knock his socks off. Someone's very confident about their cooking, it seems. ]
Your cooking actually reminded me a bit of him, back at the competition.
[ time to drink the world's most delicious water, sanji's first Pearl JamTM experience ]
[Compliments from the aroma alone, because his cooking was good two years ago, but a world-class chef produces great food. Tonio is confident and Sanji already knows that it's founded. His hospitality is sincere, and he's personable with his customers. Sanji's looking forward to getting his socks knocked off, which he said as much before Tonio was out of earshot.
He takes a sip of the water, goes wide-eyed, and holds the glass out in front of him to gape at it.]
[ Oh, how he remembers the first time he had Pearl Jam WaterTM. He takes a small sip of his own, unable to stop his smile from widening afterwards. He never comes here when he's had a bad night of rest, though, because the water is sure to cause his eyes to burst into overflowing tears until they're re-hydrated.... does Sanji's superior health extend to his eyes?? If not, he's going to get the Okuyasu in that episode treatment. ]
[Sanji stares into the glass at water so pure that he swears he can hear mermaids singing in the distance. "How does he know what that sounds like?" He just does. That's how mind-blowing the drink was.]
How did he treat the water to get it like this . . . ?
[Here's the thing: While Sanji may have lungs that defy tar and functions on an average of five hours of sleep, he hasn't managed those numbers in almost two years. Aside from the odd escapade with Asa and Yoru here and there, he's largely kept to the island of his hellish residence, where the deal was that Iva's people would hound him nonstop until he won the challenge. Sanji slept well the night before this visit; however, he's accumulated a massive sleep debt over the course of many months, having startled awake at the slightest noise and oftentimes gone without shut-eye for days.
All that to say, his eyes begin to well up. Even his nose starts to run when he ducks his head, startled by the sensation.]
Hmm?
[He reaches into his breast pocket and pulls out a handkerchief to dab at his eyes, but the tears don't stop. In fact, the waterworks worsen at an alarming rate to where the soaked fabric in his grasp can't keep up.]
[ He can't help it — as soon as Sanji's tears start flowing, he has to stifle a laugh, covering his mouth with the palm of his hand. At first, it might seem like this is all some ruse that Josuke has put Sanji up to just to get a laugh, but he clarifies pretty quickly, already plucking his handkerchief out of his jacket pocket. ]
Don't freak — it's his Stand.
[ Offering the lil handkerchief to Sanji... he won't dab at his face on his own, mercifully. Anyway, he keeps his tone hushed, even though there's not really any other customers in the joint. ]
It can heal things that I can't... sleep deprivation... muscle soreness... things like that. [ He takes another swig of water, still unaffected. ] Thought it might be a good stop for you to get back to new.
The discomfort of losing all moisture in his eyes wins out over the ignominy of being set up. Sanji swipes the handkerchief to stem what his own no longer can, squinting to himself at the explanation. Well, it's thoughtful on Josuke's part . . . ]
[ Sorry, he's still barely holding back another laugh, though his smile is dying down from it's peak levels of excitement. As ever, he's not doing this to be mean spirited — there's a good reason behind it all, even if getting to see Sanji so surprised was a part of the fun. ]
It's like... I think anything he prepares has this sort of effect. Eating his food helps your body recover — that's his Stand's ability.
[ He explains to the best of his ability, his hand reaching up to press against the bandage at his cheek — peeking up at the small bit of Tonio he can see in the kitchen opening, preparing a big platter of oysters. Some raw, some grilled, the works. Josuke is definitely not learned enough in cuisine to know the differences between all the separate preparations, but maybe Sanji's love for seafood was deduced by Tonio himself. ]
I end up here way more than my other pals, since, well, they all get taken care of by me, instead... [ He claps Sanji on the back again, looking over to see if his eyes are starting to freshen up again, if he's starting to feel as though he's fully rested despite the lack of sleep. ] I mean, had my doubts at first too, but it's totally safe. You've gotta be pretty beat after all that time on the island though, right?
. . . or he would be, if not for the fact that this is about someone's food. This sounds vaguely reminiscent of the recipes he's mastered over the last couple years. If nothing else, the people of Kamabakka make damn good dishes with rejuvenating properties . . . but none of those dries his eyeballs out like this! Are they going to fall out of their sockets or what?
It turns out that they won't. His hunched frame jostles from the amicable force of Josuke's palm, and that seems to be all the incentive the process needs to speed itself along. Sanji's vision comes back into focus after several blinks—and then he draws back, wide-eyed with his jaw slightly agape.]
I thought I was better, but . . . [He lifts his hands, clenching them into fists and then relaxing while he taps the floor with the flat of each shoed foot. Not a single muscle protests the movement.] . . . I haven't felt this good in months!
[ He hums, obviously seeming smug. Does he really deserve to be this 'told you so' over something that's not even his ability? Maybe not, but he's just happy to be proven right, that taking Sanji here first thing was a good idea.
And it only goes up from here, because Tonio comes to their table to set down two dishes: the big platter of oysters, as well as some well toasted, well dressed bruschetta. Bright tomatoes, fresh parsley, wedges of perfect lemon, and flakes of sea salt... it's like the dishes sparkle themselves. ]
After we finish this, [ he's a heathen so he's not even gonna wait for Tonio to leave to swipe something from one of the plates, eyes glinting with excitement. ] It's gonna be like you never got your ass kicked over there at all.
[Sanji gives his thanks to Tonio, then crinkles his face at Josuke's teasing.]
Whose ass? I beat them all!
[Anyway, he doesn't want to think about them for the next ten years, so he turns to the beautiful dishes instead, taking in the details of their arrangement and their fragrances. He's used to wandering hands in the dining area, because there's no greater glutton in all of creation than Luffy. At least Josuke's leaving portions behind.]
But this is it, huh? [He pours some of the condiment onto an oyster, nudges it with the accompanying small fork, and raises it to his lips.] Let's see . . .
[He slurps on the oyster and chews slowly, savoring the flavor and texture. It's everything a good oyster should be—amped up by a hundred. After swallowing, he looks down at the empty shell with a slight furrow in his brow.]
Hell if I know, [ He shrugs, at least having the decency to not talk with his mouth full. ] I thought you'd know more about it.
[ Josuke only knows the barest basics of cooking, after all... just enough to survive if he's on his own. So, the truth behind the mysteries of what goes on in the kitchen of Tonio's restaurant is completely unknown to him, the Stand business aside. He lifts up one of the toasts, gesturing with it. ]
When I'm here, I just don't think about it much and eat. How does it compare to the food at — you know, the Baratie?
[ Is Tonio's restaurant a world class restaurant and he doesn't even know?! ]
[No matter how many years pass, he'll always dunk on Patty's food. These dishes are more on Zeff's level—and his own, if he may say so himself. That doesn't mean he isn't eager to learn from another master of the craft, because Tonio certainly knows his stuff.
He tries the bruschetta next. It's as delectable as he expects from the smell alone, and he sits with it for some time as he catalogues the textures and flavors, mulling over the ingredients and how to prepare them. He'll have to sample the town's cuisine in order to get a better idea of Morioh's flavor profile, which should then give him more insight into what he's being served now.]
Most of the cooks there can't make something of this caliber.
[That's not to say they're bad—the Baratie is a respectable establishment when it comes to food—but rather that Tonio is just that good.]
[ He knew Tonio was good, but it's cool to know he's really good. Maybe he doesn't even need to go all the way to Italy to get the real deal. With his curiosity satisfied, he leans an elbow on the table to prop his face up, munching idly — and more slowly, like he's trying to savor every bite. ]
That's good, then. I've been wanting to take everyone who can visit here... like Kat, and Anna, and Ritsuka. [ He came one time with Mark like, over a year ago, but there hasn't been any other opportunities like that since, aside from maybe one of the others popping in. ] There are other places that are good, too — you'll have to check 'em out while you're here. Saint Gentleman's bakery has this sandwich they only sell on certain days, and it always sells by the afternoon.
[ Just let him dump some Morioh food lore on Sanji, who he's sure will appreciate it way more... a lightbulb goes off in his head, seeing to remember something suddenly. ]
You remember, right? The custard buns? Me and my mom's favorite ones are from there.
[If this were the Baratie, he'd have taken a shot at Patty at point-blank range.]
Of course I do. I remember everyone's favorites.
[Josuke's as soft as ever, though. It seems their mutual friends are always on his mind, wanting to share an exceptional meal with extraordinary health benefits for purehearted reasons. That's a sentiment Sanji can understand and appreciate. It's also good that Tonio, who's growing more and more respectable by the second, is around in the event that Josuke's body could use the help.
He sniffles once as he helps himself to more of the food. His nose is starting to tickle.]
We should get some for her when we go. I'd like to try a sandwich, too.
[ Jokingly, he points across the table when Sanji makes the suggestion, propping his head up with his other hand. ]
Hey, what about me?
[ They're his favorites too???? Besides, well, close as Josuke is with his mom, he's really not the type of son that's pampering her and showing affection to her all the time. Maybe that's part of their closeness. He huffs, mostly pouting for comedic effect — this is far from the first (or last) time he gets the spoiled feeling that Sanji should think a little bit more about him. ]
She never buys one for me when she goes out...
[ SO WHY SHOULD HE????? he's forced into stealing bites of hers when she does this....... truly his life is incredibly hard ]
[Unfortunately for Josuke, he is too manly to ever feel (openly) spoiled by Sanji.]
She's your mom. That doesn't mean you shouldn't do it for her. [He rubs the back of his hand against his nose when the itching persists.] We'll grab extras, but it's not my money.
[He doesn't have a penny to his name. Does that mean he should be making calls on how Josuke's allowance is spent? Yes, because this concerns Tomoko.
Sniffing, Sanji turns back to the dishes when something bright catches in his periphery.] Hm? [Looking down, he spots the light smear of red on his hand just as blood runs from his nose. What starts off as a trickle quickly gains in intensity, and the chair's legs scrape against the floor as he pushes himself back with a palm held under his face to avoid contaminating the food (more for Josuke's sake than his own, because Sanji would eat it either way).]
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body horror restaurant
He wishes it were like that.
The two-year mark is nearly upon them when the 99th master faces defeat and surrenders Kamabakka's final recipe to Sanji's repertoire. Knowing that there'll be no slowing down once the crew gets going again, Sanji decides to take advantage of the lull to see an old friend. To that end, he fixes his hair to the best of his abilities and dons a new suit that the island's denizens are all too eager to supply once they learn that he'll be in male company.
"Who's the lucky boy? Is it Josuke?"
"None of your business!" he snarls, flipping them the bird.
Just what is with their obsession with the guy? (He knows what it is. That doesn't mean he has to like it. His heart belongs to two beautiful women, without whom he'd have lost his mind the minute this hell started!)
Sanji loosens his tie with a huff. He's a little taller now, and the grueling challenge over the months has strengthened his legs and core to where he fills out this particular suit with noticeable bulk compared to his old sets. His hair is now parted over the opposite side of his face, which he's groomed to sport a beard in the anchor style. There's an old split in his lip and a scrape near his visible eye that are almost fully healed at this point; the signature curl of his eyebrows, to his dismay, will probably be what catches strangers' attention first.
Fishing the phone out of his pocket, he shoots Josuke a couple of text messages in confirmation:]
Hey
Heading over now
[Then he crosses worlds with the help of some magic, strolling into Morioh in nonchalant, long-legged strides as he glances around for Josuke, a cigarette wedged between his lips. It's one perk of no longer being on set.]
i think you mean time for sanji to get whooped by tonio for smoking
And, you know, fix things here and there for Mark, too — mostly Mark himself. It's still a bit up in the air, what he's going to do after graduation. The thought's crossed his mind to offer his help over on his boyfriend's side of the universe, because they always seem to need it more urgently than here, but he has to be realistic, too. He can't, nor does he even want to drop everything to go there permanently, or even semi-permanently.
It's just a lot to think about. So, Sanji coming over is a welcome distraction. There's a lot to catch up on, and more than that, he's been genuinely keeping Sanji in his thoughts and concerns. Frustrating as the guy can be, Josuke cares way too much about him to just write him off and not give a damn what he's up to. So, when he receives the text, he's already bright eyed and bushy tailed to receive his guest. ]
Hey! Over here.
[ Mercifully, it seems portals open in the same place every time... this is where Mark usually comes out of, when he comes here. They're in a tiny, quiet park not far from Josuke's house, and he raises a hand in a half wave to get Sanji's attention. He, too, is taller, though his precious hair is the same as usual. Aside from that... up close, there are tiny scars that he's gained over the last two years from fighting, and right now, there's a cotton patch taped to one side of his face, like he just got socked the other day. He has a new piercing or two in his ears, as well. As ever, it's giving delinquent chic. ]
Damn, dude, you look totally different. You made it!
[ are you ready for an incoming arm around your shoulders sanji... well... its comin... he's gone two years with no sanji hug, he has to replenish his quota. he's as cuddly as the day they all split. ]
mo~om, the chefs are fighting!
As for Sanji, he's always been plenty tactile with men, so he returns the friendly gesture with the sling of one arm in kind while his other hand remains in a pant pocket. He even gives Josuke a pat on the back of the head (minding the hair) for good measure.]
Yeah, it's been a while. I wasn't gonna miss this opportunity.
[He heard from a credible source that there's incredibly good food here. There's no way he'd turn down a chance at trying. That, and conveniences like production's technology don't exist in his own world. Why wouldn't he drop by to greet a friend within reach? He's tired of Kamabakka.]
You're looking pretty tough, yourself. How's your mom?
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Oh, you know. Same old, same old. Getting on my ass for this, that, and whatever.
[ And by that, he means she's doing perfectly well. Well enough to hound him and maintain their usual bickering relationship. It's all said fondly, without any hints of actual annoyance. After his impromptu and abrupt several weeks long trip to Baltimore a few months back, he's been trying to be good and not get on his mom's bad side again — he hasn't quite finished smoothing things over yet. But it's fine.
Since Sanji reciprocates, he lingers there with his arm around him, leading them in the direction of the fabled very tasty, very delicious restaurant. It's only a tiny b it of a walk, but it'll give them some time to do some pre-catching up before the main event. ]
The thing I really wanna know about is how kicking everyone's ass on that island is going. It's gotta be over soon, if you've got time to come chill, yeah?
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He grimaces as a slight, involuntary shudder runs down his spine. After running on adrenaline for almost two years, there's a part of him that's still hypervigilant of a potential ambush and dreads remembering—especially here with this guy for company.]
It's over. I got all the recipes I need out of them!
[It's amazing, how motivating love can be. He was really fired up and fighting non-stop to make everything happen between him and Asa. Anna helped, too. It was exhausting, yet rewarding all the same.]
All that's left is for them to give me a ride once it's time.
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That's what I'm talking about. Means you can just take it easy while you're here, right? I'm pretty honored you came to Morioh for your little vacation, heh...
[ He could've gone anywhere... but he chose to come here when an opening came. He's not too proud to show that he's happy over it — and excited to see his friend. Josuke's never been too proud to show such things; he really is the affectionate sort, perhaps particularly to his friends. ]
Before you get back to pirating and stuff. [ ??? he must be meeting back up with the rest of his crew after this stint?? ] Or — well, I guess seeing Asa?
[ They're still going strong, right? He hasn't heard anything through the grapevine, and he knows there are members of their little gang who stay far more up to date on these things than himself. ]
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And Yoru! [He pulls his hand out from the pocket to gesture accordingly. Who knows what happens to Asa and Yoru in two years? Timelines are strange things, and the same can be said of their flow.] I'm seeing both of them.
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[ He still does not understand the whole deal with Asa and Yoru very well.... it's not like they were close in the competition, and he only saw Yoru briefly twice when they all had their mind-melding moments. Whatever the reason, it's probably nice that Sanji acknowledges them both...? ]
She's not been giving you any trouble, has she?
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[Now he's dating two girls together and thriving (until Yoru tries to kill his biological family). Of course, he makes sure to spoil both whenever he can. Even while he's here, he'll take time out of every day to shoot Asa a series of love letters via text message.]
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Huh. Well, I'm happy for you, man.
[ That's the center of the matter. With his shows of affection communicated, he returns his hand to his pocket, leading them in to the cute little Italian bistro right in the middle of Morioh. It's very charming; it's not anything like a fine dining restaurant, but the smell of fresh pasta and simmering sauce wafts in even from the entrance. ]
You ought to bring them here sometime, it's a good place for a date. The food can't be beat.
[ Tonio's somewhere off in the kitchen... Josuke just makes himself at home and sits at one of the tables like he owns the place, not bothering to explain the apparent lack of menus. Clearly, he's been here quite a few times. ]
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Some establishments are all about appearances over quality. The second Sanji catches a whiff of pasta and sauce, he knows straightaway that a skilled chef is at work. His mind is already cataloguing ingredients and substituting anything unfamiliar, trying to recreate the aromatic dish as he stubs out his cigarette . . .
He's definitely bringing the girls over at some point.]
If this is how it smells, I can't wait to try it!
[Sanji pulls out a chair and takes his seat across Josuke, trusting the process.]
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Right? It's great. He usually serves different courses based on the customer... [ Idly, he rubs at the patch on his face, subconsciously hoping that Tonio can help prevent some of the bruising. His jaw's definitely sore from the punch. ] So you won't have to worry about picking something out. I've never had a bad meal here, he always gets it right.
[ As if on cue, Tonio emerges from the back to be his lovely Italian self and pour them water, all while Josuke introduces Sanji as a close friend who's also a chef. Just in this short interaction, it's clear Tonio is fond of and friendly with Josuke; their relationship seems closer than that of a chef and a normal customer, though whether that's because of Josuke's frequency at the joint or some other reason is harder to pick up on. Perhaps it's that Josuke's just the neighborhood lovable rapscallion around these parts.
In either case, molto bene, or something else Italian, Tonio probably says, before promising to be back with an appetizer that will surely knock his socks off. Someone's very confident about their cooking, it seems. ]
Your cooking actually reminded me a bit of him, back at the competition.
[ time to drink the world's most delicious water, sanji's first Pearl JamTM experience ]
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[Compliments from the aroma alone, because his cooking was good two years ago, but a world-class chef produces great food. Tonio is confident and Sanji already knows that it's founded. His hospitality is sincere, and he's personable with his customers. Sanji's looking forward to getting his socks knocked off, which he said as much before Tonio was out of earshot.
He takes a sip of the water, goes wide-eyed, and holds the glass out in front of him to gape at it.]
Whoa! What water is this?
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[ Oh, how he remembers the first time he had Pearl Jam WaterTM. He takes a small sip of his own, unable to stop his smile from widening afterwards. He never comes here when he's had a bad night of rest, though, because the water is sure to cause his eyes to burst into overflowing tears until they're re-hydrated.... does Sanji's superior health extend to his eyes?? If not, he's going to get the Okuyasu in that episode treatment. ]
Bet you've never had some this good, huh?
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How did he treat the water to get it like this . . . ?
[Here's the thing: While Sanji may have lungs that defy tar and functions on an average of five hours of sleep, he hasn't managed those numbers in almost two years. Aside from the odd escapade with Asa and Yoru here and there, he's largely kept to the island of his hellish residence, where the deal was that Iva's people would hound him nonstop until he won the challenge. Sanji slept well the night before this visit; however, he's accumulated a massive sleep debt over the course of many months, having startled awake at the slightest noise and oftentimes gone without shut-eye for days.
All that to say, his eyes begin to well up. Even his nose starts to run when he ducks his head, startled by the sensation.]
Hmm?
[He reaches into his breast pocket and pulls out a handkerchief to dab at his eyes, but the tears don't stop. In fact, the waterworks worsen at an alarming rate to where the soaked fabric in his grasp can't keep up.]
Huh?!
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Don't freak — it's his Stand.
[ Offering the lil handkerchief to Sanji... he won't dab at his face on his own, mercifully. Anyway, he keeps his tone hushed, even though there's not really any other customers in the joint. ]
It can heal things that I can't... sleep deprivation... muscle soreness... things like that. [ He takes another swig of water, still unaffected. ] Thought it might be a good stop for you to get back to new.
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The discomfort of losing all moisture in his eyes wins out over the ignominy of being set up. Sanji swipes the handkerchief to stem what his own no longer can, squinting to himself at the explanation. Well, it's thoughtful on Josuke's part . . . ]
His Stand is water?
[That's much better than an explosion, at least.]
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Pff — not exactly.
[ Sorry, he's still barely holding back another laugh, though his smile is dying down from it's peak levels of excitement. As ever, he's not doing this to be mean spirited — there's a good reason behind it all, even if getting to see Sanji so surprised was a part of the fun. ]
It's like... I think anything he prepares has this sort of effect. Eating his food helps your body recover — that's his Stand's ability.
[ He explains to the best of his ability, his hand reaching up to press against the bandage at his cheek — peeking up at the small bit of Tonio he can see in the kitchen opening, preparing a big platter of oysters. Some raw, some grilled, the works. Josuke is definitely not learned enough in cuisine to know the differences between all the separate preparations, but maybe Sanji's love for seafood was deduced by Tonio himself. ]
I end up here way more than my other pals, since, well, they all get taken care of by me, instead... [ He claps Sanji on the back again, looking over to see if his eyes are starting to freshen up again, if he's starting to feel as though he's fully rested despite the lack of sleep. ] I mean, had my doubts at first too, but it's totally safe. You've gotta be pretty beat after all that time on the island though, right?
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. . . or he would be, if not for the fact that this is about someone's food. This sounds vaguely reminiscent of the recipes he's mastered over the last couple years. If nothing else, the people of Kamabakka make damn good dishes with rejuvenating properties . . . but none of those dries his eyeballs out like this! Are they going to fall out of their sockets or what?
It turns out that they won't. His hunched frame jostles from the amicable force of Josuke's palm, and that seems to be all the incentive the process needs to speed itself along. Sanji's vision comes back into focus after several blinks—and then he draws back, wide-eyed with his jaw slightly agape.]
I thought I was better, but . . . [He lifts his hands, clenching them into fists and then relaxing while he taps the floor with the flat of each shoed foot. Not a single muscle protests the movement.] . . . I haven't felt this good in months!
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[ He hums, obviously seeming smug. Does he really deserve to be this 'told you so' over something that's not even his ability? Maybe not, but he's just happy to be proven right, that taking Sanji here first thing was a good idea.
And it only goes up from here, because Tonio comes to their table to set down two dishes: the big platter of oysters, as well as some well toasted, well dressed bruschetta. Bright tomatoes, fresh parsley, wedges of perfect lemon, and flakes of sea salt... it's like the dishes sparkle themselves. ]
After we finish this, [ he's a heathen so he's not even gonna wait for Tonio to leave to swipe something from one of the plates, eyes glinting with excitement. ] It's gonna be like you never got your ass kicked over there at all.
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Whose ass? I beat them all!
[Anyway, he doesn't want to think about them for the next ten years, so he turns to the beautiful dishes instead, taking in the details of their arrangement and their fragrances. He's used to wandering hands in the dining area, because there's no greater glutton in all of creation than Luffy. At least Josuke's leaving portions behind.]
But this is it, huh? [He pours some of the condiment onto an oyster, nudges it with the accompanying small fork, and raises it to his lips.] Let's see . . .
[He slurps on the oyster and chews slowly, savoring the flavor and texture. It's everything a good oyster should be—amped up by a hundred. After swallowing, he looks down at the empty shell with a slight furrow in his brow.]
How does he get the sauce so rich?
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[ Josuke only knows the barest basics of cooking, after all... just enough to survive if he's on his own. So, the truth behind the mysteries of what goes on in the kitchen of Tonio's restaurant is completely unknown to him, the Stand business aside. He lifts up one of the toasts, gesturing with it. ]
When I'm here, I just don't think about it much and eat. How does it compare to the food at — you know, the Baratie?
[ Is Tonio's restaurant a world class restaurant and he doesn't even know?! ]
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[No matter how many years pass, he'll always dunk on Patty's food. These dishes are more on Zeff's level—and his own, if he may say so himself. That doesn't mean he isn't eager to learn from another master of the craft, because Tonio certainly knows his stuff.
He tries the bruschetta next. It's as delectable as he expects from the smell alone, and he sits with it for some time as he catalogues the textures and flavors, mulling over the ingredients and how to prepare them. He'll have to sample the town's cuisine in order to get a better idea of Morioh's flavor profile, which should then give him more insight into what he's being served now.]
Most of the cooks there can't make something of this caliber.
[That's not to say they're bad—the Baratie is a respectable establishment when it comes to food—but rather that Tonio is just that good.]
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Damn, so that's how it is.
[ He knew Tonio was good, but it's cool to know he's really good. Maybe he doesn't even need to go all the way to Italy to get the real deal. With his curiosity satisfied, he leans an elbow on the table to prop his face up, munching idly — and more slowly, like he's trying to savor every bite. ]
That's good, then. I've been wanting to take everyone who can visit here... like Kat, and Anna, and Ritsuka. [ He came one time with Mark like, over a year ago, but there hasn't been any other opportunities like that since, aside from maybe one of the others popping in. ] There are other places that are good, too — you'll have to check 'em out while you're here. Saint Gentleman's bakery has this sandwich they only sell on certain days, and it always sells by the afternoon.
[ Just let him dump some Morioh food lore on Sanji, who he's sure will appreciate it way more... a lightbulb goes off in his head, seeing to remember something suddenly. ]
You remember, right? The custard buns? Me and my mom's favorite ones are from there.
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Of course I do. I remember everyone's favorites.
[Josuke's as soft as ever, though. It seems their mutual friends are always on his mind, wanting to share an exceptional meal with extraordinary health benefits for purehearted reasons. That's a sentiment Sanji can understand and appreciate. It's also good that Tonio, who's growing more and more respectable by the second, is around in the event that Josuke's body could use the help.
He sniffles once as he helps himself to more of the food. His nose is starting to tickle.]
We should get some for her when we go. I'd like to try a sandwich, too.
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Hey, what about me?
[ They're his favorites too???? Besides, well, close as Josuke is with his mom, he's really not the type of son that's pampering her and showing affection to her all the time. Maybe that's part of their closeness. He huffs, mostly pouting for comedic effect — this is far from the first (or last) time he gets the spoiled feeling that Sanji should think a little bit more about him. ]
She never buys one for me when she goes out...
[ SO WHY SHOULD HE????? he's forced into stealing bites of hers when she does this....... truly his life is incredibly hard ]
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She's your mom. That doesn't mean you shouldn't do it for her. [He rubs the back of his hand against his nose when the itching persists.] We'll grab extras, but it's not my money.
[He doesn't have a penny to his name. Does that mean he should be making calls on how Josuke's allowance is spent? Yes, because this concerns Tomoko.
Sniffing, Sanji turns back to the dishes when something bright catches in his periphery.] Hm? [Looking down, he spots the light smear of red on his hand just as blood runs from his nose. What starts off as a trickle quickly gains in intensity, and the chair's legs scrape against the floor as he pushes himself back with a palm held under his face to avoid contaminating the food (more for Josuke's sake than his own, because Sanji would eat it either way).]