☠ 1st Haunt ☠ - [Voice | Action]

[hollower]

[Waking up in a forest is definitely not a common occurrence for Perona. She remembers being in Sabaody, moping bidding that green-haired imbecile goodbye once and for all. For a moment, Perona thinks she's been blindsided by auctioneers, and sits up straight, hands flying to her neck, thankfully finding nothing there. She heaves a huge sigh of relief, and actually begins to look around her.]

...This isn't-- [Fluttering, and an all too familiar aching on her back clue the young woman in, and her teeth grind together as she reaches back gingerly and feels feathers.] Mmhhrm...it would by my luck to be brought back, wouldn't it? Now where is that stupid boo--Bearsy! They didn't take you awa--eh? Oh, there it is! You were holding my journal for me like a good boy.

[And finally, after removing her journal from the back zipper pouch of her stuffed teddy, Perona's face comes into the journal camera's viewfinder, looking rather unimpressed.] Oi, I've come back. Can someone tell me the date, and who's still here that I may know? You Straw Hat people, too, check in as soon as possible if you're still here! And anyone else from the grand Line, for that matter.

[Though Perona's not going to be too talkative right away. She snaps her journal shut and sends out a hollow scout up into the air, to scour the area from above. Seeing through its eyes, she heads toward the direction of the plaza, grumbling as she goes. Why did she have to come back here?! She was finally home! So...s-so what if she was alone there now, at least she was on the sea, and she had a ship, and she was safe, and--]

I wonder if he's...mm.

[When she does finally get to the clothing shop and into her clothes (after a lot of searching and hissing at how her hat could have gotten crushed under a mountain of other clothes), Perona exits the store and snaps opens her parasol. That should help keep the sun off her now, not that it'd do much good now after all that walking and floating she did. Stupid Luceti.]

How annoying, being back here again... My room had better still be unoccupied.

Comments

[Action]

[hollower]

[Huffing slightly, Perona takes a few steps back as well, to get away from the pervert, but then remembers something from before. From her time in Luceti before she went back for two years. She remembers the chef, and being lavished with kindness and delicious foods, and she also remembers beings carried in his arms that one time, too...when she was really scared.

Tentatively, Perona approaches again, feeling a smidgeon of guilt for hurting him right from the get-go.]

Black--[No, what did she call him again?] Mr. Cook...you surprised me.

[<__< Yeah, we'll just go with that.]

[Action]

[concasse]

[-- Mr. Cook?

He lowers his hand slowly, glancing down at Perona as if mystified. It's now that he really takes a good look at her state of dress. This isn't the outfit he's accustomed to her wearing from a mere two weeks ago, but what she'd shown up in at Sabaody, which means...

She's got them back - the two years she'd lost. And apparently her Luceti memories are on the return if she's already addressing him by her favorite nickname.

Sanji can't help it; his face brightens into a delighted smile, and then he... hugs her. Quite honestly one of the stupid moves he could ever make, and a voice notes she's going to at least smack him for this, but that doesn't stop his body from reacting anyway] Oi, you remember me now!

[Action]

[hollower]

[The sudden hug makes Perona squeak, and go rigid for a moment, her hands flying to Sanji's shoulders to shove him off on instinct. Though, she stops herself from being too rough, and instead pushes him back gently. Space, please, she's still not all that sure of you. The memories Perona's recollecting are coming in at a slow trickle.]

Yes...somewhat. How long has it been since I've left? Has anything changed?

[Action]

[concasse]

[Huh... well, frankly, he expected to get smacked, so imagine his surprise at the much softer rebuttal. He backs off quickly enough, however, still looking tickled pink. That changes soon enough after her next question. Stepping back a proper distance, he gives that question some thought. He might've noted her disappearance, but Luceti had done well to keep him from dwelling on it for long.]

A few weeks? Maybe two. [He rubs thoughtfully at his chin] And you missed some shitty visitors from a neighboring enclosure, but besides that-- [he shrugs]

It's the same Luceti you'll remember. [And then he brightens] Aaaah, I know~! I should make you something delicious to welcome you back~!

[Action]

[hollower]

[Just a few weeks? Then she must not have missed too much, right? Still, only two weeks in Luceti, yet two years for her back home. And she's trying to catch up with her memories, too... This is going to get complicated, and she still doesn't remember everything and everyone she's met yet.

Sanji's suggestion, however, snaps Perona out of her thoughts, and she comes close to dropping both her parasol and her stuffed teddy when she grips her hands together, eyes glimmering with excitement. Oh my gosh, she remembers clearly how good a cook you are, Sanji, and she hasn't had food like yours in what feels like forever.]

Yes, please! I don't care what it is!

[Action]

[concasse]

[That was a touch more excited than Sanji expected, and he nearly pulls back from surprise. That said, it's one hell of a ego boost, knowing even after a two year gap in her memory, she still remembers enjoying his food.]

Right this way then~! [He doesn't want to assume she knows where Seventh Heaven is, so chooses to lead the way, twirling on his heel until he's facing the right direction] I'll make sure Perona-chwan's food is fit for royalty~!

[She's going to have her hands and head full wrestling with wayward memories; the least he can do is treat her to a good meal while she sorts it all out.]

[Action]

[hollower]

[Sanji, you have no idea how hard it was. ;__; It was okay when she was served food, but when the two idiots were out fighting for hours at a time, she had to cook for herself. It was...a learning experience, to be frank, and while Perona can cook for herself now, she's only just a simple cook. She misses the extravagance and taste of a well-prepped meal by an expert of the craft. It's been much, much too long.]

Can I have cake for dessert?! I haven't had cake in so long...a sweet, fluffy cake with whipped cream and strawberries! Or chocolate? Aah, I don't care what this time~! [Sanji, she is so happy just at the mention of food, she's literally floating around behind you. You have done well to win her heart.] Such a wonderful welcome back, Mr. Cook~! Now I'm really very sorry for thinking you were a slobbering hound and threw my journal at your head.

[Action]

[concasse]

No need to apologize~! [He gaily waves off her apology, unperturbed] I'm sure you had a good reason for it! [How true that is; it's one of the few perks his Luceti memories and experiences allow him - enough self-awareness to assume he deserves to be smacked every once in a while. He could probably remember the incident for which Perona threw her journal at him if he wanted, but ah, some things are best left alone >_>]

And I have just the dessert in mind! Made it not an hour ago, too! [He sweeps to the side and holds open the door for her]

[Action]

[hollower]

[Good reason...... Indeed. Perona doesn't look at Sanji and her lips purse into a thin line, as she recalls what happened back on Sabaody. Hnn, he really did deserve it, so she can't be too upset, right? Or guilty. It was his own fault!

Though she forgets that easily enough and taps back down onto the ground as she enters the restaurant, looking excited and delighted alike, given by how she's smiling from ear to ear. Sanji, you really are her favorite right now.]

And what is that? [A fresh dessert? Oh, lord, you're going to kill her.] Hm~! I arrived just in time it seems!

[Action]

[concasse]

[By the way she nearly prances inside, you'd think Perona was a kid in a candy store who'd just realized she still had some allowance in her pocket. Sanji is no stranger to that brand of eagerness, not by a long shot, but it's particularly endearing coming from her. Must be because he's missed her cooking for her - and just missed her, too. Besides, there aren't actually that many ladies who make a habit of bossing him into the ground without preamble, like it's their divine right to.]

I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise yet~! [he grins and closes the door after them, leading her to a single table] But before that, Perona-chan is in need of a drink, I think!

[Action]

[hollower]

[Ah, this is indeed quite a welcome. Perona's almost happy to be back, even if Luceti's not exactly her first choice regarding places to stay, but Sanji's making her return feel all the better. A hot and delicious meal, a drink, and a waiter willing to go to the ends of the earth merely to please her? That's living, oh absolutely.

Sitting where she's lead, Perona laces her fingers together and leans her chin on her hands, her smile never leaving her face. It's...actually good to be back. Good to be back in good company, too.]

Oh, I'd like that very much. Horohoro, will that be a surprise, too?

[Action]

[concasse]

Hmmm. [Unlike the dessert, Sanji doesn't have any ideas lying in wait. A dessert drink would be a little too heavy to start with, especially before what he's got planned, but this is Perona's first day back! Obviously he can't rely on anything boring.]

Wait right here! [He zooms off, the possibilities slowly coming together in his mind. It won't be five minutes before he's back, either, with this balanced on a single tray. Don't be fooled by the presentation - it's not a hot drink. In fact, it's an iced pumpkin spice latte; just what she could use after being in the hot sun.]

Here you are~

[Action]

[hollower]

[Oh my, doesn't that look fantastic? Perona lifts her head with a bit of excitement in her eyes as the drink is placed before her. She thanks Sanji quickly, and with a smile, then picks the mug up, taking a careful sip with the expectancy that it will be hot - you fooled her chef.]

Oh! It's cool! [And now that she knows that, Perona can drink and savor the taste without fear, licking her lips free of the whipped cream.] Mm...it's delicious, just like I would expect from you, Mr. Cook. I love pumpkin flavored treats!

[Action]

[concasse]

Do you? [Not that liking pumpkin points to strange tastes, but Sanji feels like this is something he should know.] Maybe that's why my cat took to you so well.

[Action]

[hollower]

Oh, yes, though I don't have them as often as I like. But I love the spicy-sweet flavor of most of the goodies...and the aroma of the drinks with it.

[Seriously, pumpkin spice smells and tastes delicious in more occasions than not. Apple, too. Hell, fall islands and the season are Perona's favorites for reasons like this - the foods pile high and both smell and taste fantastic. Plus, there's so much fun to be had in the fall. Halloween, especially.]

Oh! Yes, you have a kitty, don't you?! I almost forgot. How is she doing? [Kittyyy... ;u; Perona subconsciously pulls her own cuddly creature onto her lap, giving the stuffed bear a loving hug.]

[Action]

[concasse]

Pumpkin-chan's just fine! [And the same demanding, adorable, bundle of fur that takes over his bed the moment he looks away... and sometimes even when he's staring straight at her.] Though I think she misses all that attention you showered her with.

[Seriously, the moment Perona left during one of the last shifts, his cat had clawed at the comforter, showing off her displeasure. Only food had sated her bad mood.

... Sanji's expression twitches slightly in amusement the longer he thinks about it. My my, but doesn't that sound familiar? A sometimes irritable and cute lady being pacified once he makes her something.]

[Action]

[hollower]

[This is why Perona loves your kitty, Sanji. They are kindred spirits. She smiles and chuckles at the mention of Pumpkin missing her, and leans forward to lay her chin on the back of one hand. Odd as it seems...Perona's glad to be back. For all of Luceti's bad points, a bit of good company is well worth returning for.]

I'll have to visit her sometime soon, then. Your crew...won't mind, will they? [She's still not sure how the others will take to her being back.] How have they been?

[Action]

[concasse]

Oh, they've been alright, too. [Save that Sleeping Beauty nonsense that had his best gay friend kissing Nami on the lips (and he's not even going to think about Ling for fear of breaking something with his foot), Luceti's been relatively kind to them. It's suspicious.] We had some shitty issues to handle when Nami-san got back from her kidnapping, but everything worked out. [He says this with only the barest hint of ire in his voice]

And of course they won't! You're just visiting my cat. [Oh true, they counted Perona as an enemy during their Thriller Bark days... and she wasn't exactly well-received when she first showed up in Luceti, either, but Sanji doesn't consider his crew to be one that holds a grudge when it's unnecessary. And anyway, she's on their side now, in a manner of speaking.

Though on that note, the chef's expression takes a turn once that thought comes full circle. He's no longer smiling when he looks at her] Neh, Perona-chan. [A pause, one dipped in unhappy connotations] About Zoro...

[Action]

[hollower]

[Ah, Perona had indeed heard about this predicament, but she keeps her mouth shut. While Sanji isn't being overly upset about it, she knows better. ...And the chef probably wouldn't take well to her snickering about the whole ordeal, as hilarious as it sounded (come on, it does if you weren't there to witness). She's just glad no one was overly hurt or anything, that would have been a disaster to come back to.

She opens her mouth to reply about Sanji's kitty, and possibly the same thing about her "relationship" with the Straw Hats previously - she owes Luffy a kick in the ass if she recalls - but her mouth shuts and thins into a tight line at the mention of Zoro. Ah...ahaha...ugh.]

Yes? ...What about him?

[Action]

[concasse]

He's not from the same time as you and me. [No beating around the bush today. He brought it up, and so delivers the news with subtle sympathy. Though he's uncertain as to how far their friendship goes - or if "friendship" is even the word to call it - Sanji thinks it fair to assume there will be an ample amount of sting to the comment. The guy she'd spent two years with won't realize he's supposed to give a shit about her well-being.]

[Action]

[hollower]

[Ah. That.

Perona's expression darkens, changing like a fast-forwarded movie - going from quiet shock to irritation and frustration, anger, sadness, then pure silence. She pulls her stuffed bear closer, hugging him close to her face and averting her gaze from Sanji's. Yes, she knows. Even if no one else had told her already, Perona just felt in her heart that she wouldn't be so lucky. She's been alone in Luceti all this time with just a handful of people she likes enough to call friends, why change that? Hmph.]

Oh...yes, I'm aware. I can't remember what he knows already, but don't say anything to him. ...Please. It'd only be troublesome for me.

[Action]

[concasse]

I won't. [No worries there, Sanji wasn't planning on saying anything. It might be his crew mate they're discussing, the one guy able to inflame his nerves to the point Sanji's unsure how they can be in the same room without something breaking... but this is between Zoro and Perona - he's just the unlucky bastard who decided to detonate the bomb before it exploded under more unfortunate circumstances.

He makes a mental note to kick the Mosshead later, before deciding that no, that's unfair; instead he'll entice him into an argument and kick him for that.]

Would you like your dessert now? [They've gotten the worst news out of the way. He thinks she could use something to distract her again]

[Action] - matching icons, gooo

[hollower]

...Thank you.

[And she really means it. It's bad enough that Perona had to return to Luceti from the point of watching the idiot walk away with his crew - even if it was where he belonged - but coming back, having a chance to see him again, and having it just ripped away is a little heartbreaking. It'd only further complicate things if Zoro knew about his future, too. She's not exactly ready for that kind of talk with the swordsman. She can barely go a few minutes without wanting to raise her voice at him, that kind of talk would not boil over well in any way.

Perona's thoughts are broken by Sanji's offer, and she nods mutely. Yeah, some food would be awesome right now. Maybe a drink, too.]

And a strong cup of coffee to go with.

[Action] Yes good. /me gusta

[concasse]

[Sanji nods just as mutely, only pausing long enough to place a comforting hand on her shoulder, giving it a soft squeeze before he straightens and disappears for the kitchen. He's gone a total of five minutes, if that, returning with a tray in hand.

As promised, he brings her a delectable dessert, fresh from an hour ago. There's also cream and sugar, should she desire it for her coffee.]

[Action] /SLAMS THIS SHIT DOWN FINALLY.

[hollower]

[Perona lifts her head at the reassuring gesture, mildly surprised by it, and gives Sanji a warm but fleeting look at her heads toward the kitchen. Once gone, she sighs a little and begins to mull over her thoughts, and just what she's going to do about the idiot swordsman. Ugh...if only she could easily forget about him and have that be it, but no. No, she just has to check up on him. Stupid man... Maybe she can ask Sanji to keep tabs on him for her, and kick him once for her or something.]

Oh my... [YEP. That's about all Perona can say once she gazes on the treat presented to her. And quickly straightens up and nabs her fork.] Is there anything you can't make?