[it’s the sort of joy that koby knows is difficult to maintain at sea – the business of running a ship, keeping it afloat and pointing in the right direction and on course takes so much energy, so much effort, so much time that more trivial pursuits take a backseat to more important things. he’s been fortunate to find space, in this strange pocket world, to pursue his interests.
and koby finds he wants the same for goodsir. he wants him to be able to grin that widely, transforming the weary lines of his still-too-thin face into something bright and brilliant. smiling back, he descends the ladder, leaning over to look at the pictures, the whales and the crabs.]
I’m afraid I know more about how they taste – my crew and I work at a restaurant here, and our chef is the greatest in this world or any other. He’s especially good with seafood. [earnestly:] Tim works there as well. You’re more than welcome to come and visit and have a meal, if you’d like.
Oh, yes! Tim did mention. I will absolutely be by. Fresh food prepared by a chef? I'll be downright spoiled.
[He's careful not to joke about tinned rations, partly to avoid the awkwardness and partly not to spiral about it. It's a strange relationship to be have with food: to be so desperate for it and yet a little frightened.
His first day in the manor he'd eaten too much in spite of knowing better and been sick. But his stomach is slowly catching up to his appetite.]
Tim is a lovely man, isn't he? I've had little occasion to meet any Americans before. It's a charming sort of accent he's got.
[koby smiles even wider, looking immensely pleased.] I'll let him know about your, ah -- situation, if you'd like? When I first met him, I couldn't stomach a lot of very rich things either, and he did a wonderful job making things that were still delicious, but not too elaborate.
[the mention of tim gets a thoughtful, bemused sort of sideways look.] He's wonderful, yes. He's been a really good friend since we both arrived. I'm glad you met, I think you'll get along just famously.
[then, blinking owlishly upwards:] Accent? I have an accent?
[Goodsir smiles.] Your tact is appreciated. Yes, if he wouldn't be offended by something with, ah, smaller portions? That would be lovely.
[Oblivious, his smile widens.] As am I. He's been an incredible resource of information, and a great comfort. And he's very... gallant? Yes. I admire that.
[A soft laugh.] Yes. But everyone does. Yours is more familiar sounding to me than some. The long vowels and all. But you've got the most lovely rising intonation!
Not at all. I was on a ship where I didn't eat very often, and he was very sympathetic, in his way. Sanji's a little, ah. [koby falters a bit, trying to find a tactful word, before settling on:] Abrasive, sometimes. But he doesn't mean it cruelly.
Do you? I'll have to let him know. [with the very smug, satisfied expression of a bestie about to tease mercilessly.] But I quite agree.
Oh. Thank you. [koby's blushing again, ears red, head ducking.] I think yours is very nice too. Your voice, I mean.
no subject
and koby finds he wants the same for goodsir. he wants him to be able to grin that widely, transforming the weary lines of his still-too-thin face into something bright and brilliant. smiling back, he descends the ladder, leaning over to look at the pictures, the whales and the crabs.]
I’m afraid I know more about how they taste – my crew and I work at a restaurant here, and our chef is the greatest in this world or any other. He’s especially good with seafood. [earnestly:] Tim works there as well. You’re more than welcome to come and visit and have a meal, if you’d like.
cw: emeto reference
[He's careful not to joke about tinned rations, partly to avoid the awkwardness and partly not to spiral about it. It's a strange relationship to be have with food: to be so desperate for it and yet a little frightened.
His first day in the manor he'd eaten too much in spite of knowing better and been sick. But his stomach is slowly catching up to his appetite.]
Tim is a lovely man, isn't he? I've had little occasion to meet any Americans before. It's a charming sort of accent he's got.
As is yours, for that matter.
no subject
[the mention of tim gets a thoughtful, bemused sort of sideways look.] He's wonderful, yes. He's been a really good friend since we both arrived. I'm glad you met, I think you'll get along just famously.
[then, blinking owlishly upwards:] Accent? I have an accent?
no subject
[Oblivious, his smile widens.] As am I. He's been an incredible resource of information, and a great comfort. And he's very... gallant? Yes. I admire that.
[A soft laugh.] Yes. But everyone does. Yours is more familiar sounding to me than some. The long vowels and all. But you've got the most lovely rising intonation!
no subject
Do you? I'll have to let him know. [with the very smug, satisfied expression of a bestie about to tease mercilessly.] But I quite agree.
Oh. Thank you. [koby's blushing again, ears red, head ducking.] I think yours is very nice too. Your voice, I mean.
no subject
Still smiling, unaware.] He'd have made a lovely officer, in times past.
Oh, thank you. [A cheeky look.] That's good, since you'll be hearing so much of it.