hollower | Appointments

[Yes, yes they are. There will be beach shenanigans, so help him. He's already got half the evening plotted out in his head, too.

That said, those are words Sanji never thought he'd hear uttered from this particular girl, and when he turns, he comes dangerously close to asking her why, when he's obviously more than willing to kiss the ground she walks on. He's met women who take advantage of this fact, or outright reject it, but never someone who wishes they could return the favor.

... Except he knows the reason why; it's the same reason he dots on ladies in the first place - because he cares.]

But wouldn't you say treating me to dinner is returning the gesture? [He smiles, offering his statement like a truce]

[Good lord, man, you're kind of giving her mixed signals here. 8| But at least she'll enjoy it to the extreme.

Perona frowns, more a pout really, and crosses her arms over her chest. That seems like a bittersweet deal, but she'll accept it. There's really no changing his mind that she can see, so she may as well. It's hard enough just to get the crazy cook to sit still and let himself be waited on and pampered a little, so she'll just give in this one time. But goodness, he's killing her here.]

Mmhhm...fine. You're very difficult, you know. [And she's kick you for it, but you're too darn nice and she loves you. BT]

... Am I that bad? [A little frustrating at times, that he can live with, especially if the subject up for debate is enthusiastic pampering. Being called "very difficult" is another matter.

Beware Perona, he's not adverse to pulling out some of his puppy expressions.]

You are! [Yes, she's exaggerating, but this is a serious issue! She loves being pampered, yes she does so very much, but it's a little strange now, to be doted on, when she wants to return just as much love and care that Sanji gives to her almost daily. It feels unfair of her to just take his affections and not give back.]

Let yourself be selfish, and stop catering to me once in a while! ...Even if it is nice being waited on by you... Eh--but! It's still exhausting just watching you twirl about sometimes!

[HUFF.] Next time you're not allowed to lift a finger, do you hear me?! Not one! And no complaints!

[It's like she's speaking words but they don't make sense by the time they reach Sanji's ears. Haha, not allowed to lift a finger?

The fuck does that even mean?

He nods swiftly only because it's clear this is important to her, and a lack of comprehension won't snuff out his inclination to keep Perona happy. Not lift a finger. Right. He can... do that. Sit still and let her do the work. That's not going against his nature if it's a request!]

...

So I shouldn't do the dishes either?

[8D;; Defensively holding a plate in front of his chest, just in case that question unleashes an unholy amount of rage]

[...Really?]

[Really?]

[Wordlessly, Perona snatches away the plate-shield combo Sanji was holding and glowers at him, unimpressed and unamused. Another second later and her arm is extended outwards, pointing to the chair he was sitting in previously.

No more dishes for you, chef, you're getting a time out.]

[if he had a tail, it would be drooped and caught between his legs in shame, but Sanji does a marvelous impression of a chastised dog anyway. He trudges over, defeated, to the chair.

;; Fine, he didn't want to do your shitty dishes anyway. Except he did. And now he can't. Weh.]

[Perona watches him go, her frown forming into a pout - because he looks awfully cute and sad like that d'aaaww...like a puppy, the poor thing - but huffs and turns right around to finish up her work. No! Not falling for it! Not this time is she going to be suckered in by your adorable sad faces and wibbly eyes and stuff!

SCRUB SCRUB.]

Insufferable man...you're as bad as that vegetable sometimes. [OH, BURN.]

[Perona, those are words liable to send a chef into a meltdown.]

As bad as the shithead?! [He visibly balks, then tucks his legs close to his body, pouting in an upright fetal position. Insult his pride, insult his cooking, but comparing him to Zoro?

That is below the belt. ;A; HE MISJUDGED YOU, LIGHT OF HIS LIFE.] Perona-chan, no one's as bad as him!

[Okay, yeah, it's taking a lot of effort not to laugh and tease him right now. That reaction was hilarious, and the more sadistic side of Perona - the side that just delights in bringing people down to their very lowest point - wants to continue on this route, but she just can't bring herself to. Sanji's too sweet, and too cute.]

Mmhhn...yes, you are right. No one could possibly be as bad at him. And you are much, much cuter. You're just troublesome sometimes, too. [Putting away the now clean and dry dishes, she leans against her countertop with her arms crossed, a smirk on her lips.] But it's fun having you around! So thank you for coming here, Mr. Cook, I enjoyed myself.

[She's just going to keep casually referring to him as cute, isn't she? Though Sanji is far from embarrassed in this case, when he's coming out on top of the idiot swordsman. His head perks up a bit, invisible tail giving a brisk waggle. He will take whatever victories he can.]

Awaaaaah, it's so good to hear that Perona-chwan's enjoyed me~! [Er, that's... not exactly what she said, chef]

Does this mean I have permission to come by again~?

[Shush, you love it. B| And it's like she can actually see that so-called invisible tail the chef sports, because Perona giggles when his emotions do a visible 360. She's half tempted to pet and ruffles his hair, much like she would her darling Cerberus. He really is rather cute, especially when he acts like a sweet, adorable, little puppy.]

Mmm... [She hums thoughtfully, pushing her hair behind her shoulders and taking her time to answer, just to make him sweat a little.] I suppose that would be nice. You can come over whenever you like, Mr. Cook.

[Hey now, he doesn't sweat at all! Not... too much. >> Though it does cross his mind Perona might prefer they resist spending too much time in each other's company, lest they drive straight into awkward town again. And that he would certainly respect.

Still, cue a moment of relief when he's granted permission. He sets his feet back on the floor, leans against the table his chin propped against one of his hands, and favors the woman with a wide, honest smile.]

Well then, I'll look forward to it.

[It's difficult for Perona to really let go of the things and people she care for deeply. It always has been, and Sanji's certainly become more than just a friend to her, no matter how hard she'll try to deny it. She wants him close by, even if he makes her so flustered and twitchy and nervous, Perona just can't help it. But she gave him the choice - he can come if he wants, when he wants. She won't turn him away.

...Especially not when he looks like that. UGH. Nearly choking, the poor woman turns around and covers her mouth with both her hands to quiet her giggles and...well, she's doing a wonderful impression of Sanji himself, wiggling like a jellyfish. That smile! That smile is adorable! He's so cuuute! Too cute! Ugh! She can't handle it!]

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