toujoursfluer | Log 007 [video/Action]

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Log 007 [video/Action]

[The video appears on Robin, looking up at her as she is sitting on her windowsill, despite the chill in the air. The wind stirs in her hair before she speaks]

Living here is hard on everyone it seems. People are changed. People flow in, go home, die and are restored. The Malnosso have us forget one another, betray one another, even forget ourselves and yet we live on broken in our own way.

[She glances down at the journal]

But we are all united here. Wether or not we wish to go home or we call this our home. Whether we love or hate it. We all exist for the same reason. For our friends. To find something better. But whether dark or light, living in silence or in grief only divides us. [She remembers broken nakama too much. It is almost too hard to bear sometimes because there is no reason to be]

There should be a place to talk about this. The fears, the joys, the grief...who we miss. Who we are glad have gone. A place without judgement or worrying whether or not you will cause concern. In order to live. In order to survive we must understand one another and we must not be afraid of the truth--whatever that might be.

[She will stare at the journal more as if contemplating what to say, then kills the feed. Then she leaves the window to make her rounds about town and will ultimately end up in the library. She may seem a bit preoccupied but feel free to approach her, and never mind the cat tail, that will be gone soon enough]

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Highly.

[He's too happy. His hot cat girlfriend is now a hot catgirl girlfriend and really, any amount of affection tends to make him a bit giddy.]

But not because of a sudden skeleton fetish.

Remember when I said Ace had to put up with me when you were gone? Brook wants to hear all about our relationship. In detail. [Sparkles. He's seriously trolling her here, because as she already knows, Marco himself has limits on what he can bring himself to tell Brook. BUT STILL! It's reason for a little alarm at least.]

And now I'm in good with at least one of your nakama, eh?

One of them. [And probably most of them though she wonders how he will manage to get past Sanji and survive. Speaking of Brook though makes her wonder other things]

What do you tell people about me?

[Though her tone is serious she can't resist reaching behind and pushing her fingers through his hair.]

Hm. [Lightly plays fingers under her chin.]

To Ace I've told him... the most. [Wry grin.] Seriously, take pity on the kid. He's done well about putting up with me.

But Norma I told her you're the most brilliant woman I've ever known and that you have cracking old dead languages in common. Really, I hope you two get along because I can't imagine you wouldn't.

Chun-Li I told that her that you're brilliant, the last archaeologist of your kind and used to be allied with an enemy so I never expected us to get along so well.

Brook asked if you ever used your devil fruit on me and I said of course. [That is missing context, but whatever.]

Is all that okay? I know Ace was getting frustrated that he seems to keep letting it slip to everyone else, but if you want me to keep it all secret, let me know, eh?

[Ace she doesn't mind. Nor Norma since she is Marco's family. Though that Chun-li knows that much-- and the last archaeologist of her kind...while Robin knows so little about her.]

Enemy? You mean Crocodile? [She had heard there was some kind of connection between Crocodile and Whitebeard, though she'd never been able to confirm anything. Crocodile had always been notoriously close about his secrets and it would have been unwise to look too closely for them.

Still, it's been a long time since she thought of him. The constant tension of staying a few steps ahead, making sure everything went just well enough. They had been challenging days but lonely ones]

Crocodile was only an ally in the sense that he was useful at the time. I would have done my best to kill him by the end of it. [And she had--and had been stupidly unprepared. Or perhaps in a sense she'd always wanted to die. Stubborn Luffy not letting her. She smiles a little at this though and anbsently rests her forehead against Marco's temple, letting a third hand trail absently down his neck and slide over his chest-

I don't mind what nakama know. I don't mind if anyone knows what we are but I don't want them to know me.

[She wonders if he'll understand. If she's even being clear enough. Back at home that was inevitable but here she has a clear advantage and she'd like to keep it]

Aye. He and I have an old history. Your captain stopped him from making yet another attempt on Pops' head at Marineford -- for which I'm still grateful.

[He actually wishes she had killed Crocodile and saved him a lot of future headaches, but c'est la vie. He keeps his thoughts on that to himself, and just nods at the last part and kisses her cheek.]

Understood Robin love. [And he does get it, a little, he thinks. He keeps his devil fruit pretty secret, and always keeps Robin's secret, but he's used to wanting the whole world to know that he's Marco the First Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. Robin, on the other hand has been on the run from the government since she was eight and had to hide things like that.] Chun-Li I'd trust like one of my own nakama though, eh? Cop or not. But you can meet her for yourself and decide how much to reveal. In her world, the truth isn't illegal and you might find yourself having more in common with her than you'd expect.

[He thinks about it for a moment and holds her close, mumbling softly in her ear.] Would you feel better if you knew more? Even footing and all that?

[A chill goes down her back at that whisper and she shifts just a little closer, tilting her head toward the sound of his voice. He would tell her? She wants to know. She wants to know everything.]

The truth is always illegal, Marcchan. There is always something any government will do anything to hide.

[She strokes a hand down your neck, feeling the strength of it. She can't seem to stop touching you for some reason. Perhaps it is because being a cat is just not enough]

I've met Chun-Li and I don't like her. [Since it's only fair that he knows before he tells her anything about someone he considers nakama]

But I'll listen to whatever you have to say.

She fights those in power, Robin. And the government in her world is not so powerful. It's all broken up. Interpol is nothing like the marines. So don't think it is, eh? It's a pet peeve of hers, for good reason. [And you wouldn't want to be like Lupin now would you?]

[He leans into the hand and gives Robin a small squeeze. He's glad Robin told him the truth, because he is indeed trying to take care in his words, but sifting through memories just reminds him why he trusts Chun Li as strongly as he does. He's a little hesitant. He's put a lot of trust in Chun-Li and she's done the same back to him so he really doesn't want to abuse it. Especially if Robin might be an enemy of her. Still, he has to try to explain some of it at least.]

In her world, her father was a cop who got murdered by a gang called the "Shadaloo," run by Bison, who wants to enslave everyone and take over the world. [OF COURSE!] And he's already been killed more than once and come back to life, so arresting him and putting him behind bars is the only way she even could get revenge, or stop him once and for all, eh?

[Gently tickles under Robin's chin.] She might not believe in killing the way I do, but... [He drifts off momentarily, thinking of Chameleone and why he let him go.] even I have occasions I won't kill, Robin. And her teacher was an assassin. She doesn't have a problem with me being a pirate. Especially here. As she put it, why should she arrest pirates from different worlds in a place with no laws?

And I trusted her enough to tell her about seastone, even the first day we met all those months ago, so if you're going to pick a fight, [Playfully taps Robin's nose] I suggest you don't. [And not just because he loves you Robin.]

All right, tell me why you don't like her. If you don't mind. Maybe at least then I can settle your fears. Or narrow down what to hide from either of you. [Women. You're all going to be the death of him.]

[She could have done without the chin tickle and nose tap. She's not a cat any more, nor does she like being advised not to fight someone because they know about seastone. If she is driven to fight Chun-Li she will do so regardless. Though she knows that is not what Marco meant it annoys her regardless and she stands and moves away from him, moving to look at the books again.]

I refuse. I can resolve my own conflicts, thank you.

[But since she knows he is trying to help and he did offer. She sighs and turns to look at him]

But I will say I have to give it some thought. [Her tail bristles as she speaks] I appreciate you trusting her but--

[She shakes her head]

I won't go against her unless she goes against you. She is your nakama and not my enemy. But I can't--

[She shakes her head again and looks away. She can't trust her. She can't like her. Not yet. Anyone else but-- and even if it isn't the marines--]

And I'm not a cat any more so don't treat me like one.

[Even if she still can't say what she means]

[He drops the grin, for a small frown, quickly back to the same deadpan as ever.]

I wasn't trying to treat you like a cat, love. I've done this when you're human before. And I'm always teasing.

[His frown deepens.]

Chun Li...

[Grits his teeth.] I do not trust easily Robin. I'd like to say Blackbeard hasn't changed me, that I won't let him, but rest assured: I do not trust easily.

Chun Li's earned my trust, but that doesn't mean she's earned yours. Nor that you have to like her. I just want to know why.

[He rubs the back of his neck and goes back down to the floor, leans his back against a bookshelf, and grabs a book. Was it the way he worded it? Was he being condescending without meaning to? Even Chun-Li thought he was underestimating her, but at least Chun-Li gave him the credit that he was playing around. Then again, Robin was always quick to go cold. What could he say when he wasn't even completely sure what the problem was? She wanted more information but the information just made her mad? Or was it the way he said it?]

I trust you too, Robin. Or I wouldn't have said what I did. [Sighs.] I trust you to handle dealing with her however you want, and I don't think she even would use seastone. She said she wouldn't on me, and she knows me enough not to use it on someone I care about. [Waves a hand.]

Trust me enough to tell me what it is you dislike? [Glances up at her coyly.]

[She takes his points. And she knows what he was trying to do. She knows what he is saying. Intellectually she understands but she's still so irritated. Especially when he says he trusts her. She knows he does. She doesn't need to be told things like she doesn't understand. But maybe he doesn't understand. And maybe she doesn't either.]

I don't know. [It's probably an unsatisfying answer but it's the truth] It's not instinct. I just don't know.

[She's not looking at him at all while she speaks because she feels embarrassed somehow. Weak. To be this worked up over--something so insignificant]

Perhaps it was surprise. Perhaps because who she works for. [Those are paltry excuses and there is more too it than that. It isn't just that woman but it's everything it seems. Digging at her until she just wants to say something she'll regret to release the tension. But she won't. She has more control then that. She shakes her head and takes a deep breath]

Forget it, ne? It's not important.

[He closes his eyes. He's spoiled isn't he? Getting along so easily with those she likes, but she's more particular than him. More guarded. And even those she works with, she's not used to trusting, not used to liking. Just like how she was ready to kill Crocodile. Trust... is there a harder word for someone like her? He doubts it.]

It's important.

You don't have to like someone just because I do. That would be... impossible. I didn't always like everyone my Pops loved. [He suppresses a small surge of emotion at just remembering how he felt about Squardo. He wasn't trying to be distrustful when Squardo was out of place, but it was also his job to notice things like that.]

You protect your nakama by knowing about dangers. With a captain like Luffy or my Pops, it's our job to be careful, or how else can we protect our crews, eh? I get that.

But she works for herself. Not for justice, just to bring down an enemy organization that wants to do to her world what the world government does to ours. I don't trust cops either, but she's Chun Li first, and she doesn't follow any laws. You don't have to trust her, you don't have to like her, and I won't tell her anything else about you, but you should know that she's not a threat to us for being pirates, and she doesn't have any bosses to answer to for it. Any marine here would have to deal with bosses if they came, she wouldn't have to care. Understood? [Bird-like head tilt.]

[Understood. She smiles faintly and feels like she's being lectured somehow by a superior officer. She's never really felt his position as a Whitbeard Commander until now. Ultimately, though, he is defending his friend. Explaining her. How she is. Why she is. Defending her honor as his nakama.]

Understood, sir. [She's mocking him but gently and still doesn't face him, instead running her fingertips along the shelf]

She seems a very honorable woman...and she likes you very much.

[This conversation is getting to her, though. Everything feels as if it's pressing down and she wants to go home... Home where they are still missing Nami while she can't. She closes her eyes briefly]

I need time, Marco. [Always time. To process. To reorganize. She can't know how she feels about anything like this]

[He freezes. And by the time he moves, it's just to tuck his legs a little closer to his chest.]

Time from me?

[The words are out before he wants them to be. After their last fight he was scared, terrified of doing it all over again. Fuck, just once he wishes he could say the right thing with the right timing.]

What?

[She turns and raises her eyebrows to see him sitting in the chair like a child who is afraid the ax is going to fall.

That wasn't what she'd meant but now that he said it she wondered if it would be a good idea. Time to think. To process.

But that isn't fair because she is already committed, isn't she? And it is not him who is giving her the problem.]

Don't worry, Marcchan. [she moves over to him and leans down to plant a kiss on the top of his head, resting there a moment in those bizarre yellow fronds.]

Not from you but...I'm afraid... I'm going to be ...strange. It's hard to be open. It will be hard for you if I am because I don't... I don't always know how to deal with things without pulling away.

[Her face is red and she's glad he can't see her. The truth is hard. Ahh, she knows it better than anyone. Some secrets are easier to keep. But he has given her so much so she will do her best to give something back. As little enough as that is]

[He relaxes instantly at that, moves his legs back down and tugs her a little closer with a hug around her waist. He leans his head against her stomach, and just holds her close, for the reassurance she was physically there. After so long apart from the Malnosso he wasn't sure he could take trying not to talk to her or see her for a few days again.]

No, that's all right, eh? You're dealing with a lot more than just trying to figure out how to handle new people and whether they're threats or new worlds and...

[He laughs softly and grins up at her.] Have I ever told you that you're the most brilliant woman I've ever met? [Because he's certainly told just about everyone else. He grabs her hand and lightly kisses the top before she can stop him.] I really admire that, eh. [A deep breath to calm himself down and he nods.] Take your time. And if I can help you, I will.

[She likes the feel of his arms creeping up around her and the warmth of his head. It feels nice there. Like it belongs somehow. She blushes again at the compliment and wishes she could stop because it's unusual and it's making her feel off center. How can she respond to that kind of compliment?

She strokes his hair as he takes a deep breath. He must have been really worried. Poor Marcchan. To be so attached.

He is so foolish. She lightly curls her fingers over the ridge of his ear.]

Thank you.

Honestly I think part of the reason why I didn't like her was...because I was a cat.

[And suddenly it seems funny. Too funny. Though in that sharp relieving way]

And cats...don't like anyone. [her words are broken up with hints of laughter and then she can't hold it back and buries her face in a hand, laughing weakly at that stupid little joke. It hurts but it feels good, too]

[Marco laughs at that too. It's so adorable, that all he feels is another surge of affection and the ever present desire to protect her a little.]

You liked me and Sabo~

[Teasing, but he'll accept that as a valid reason. He rises and moves her hands away into his own and gently kisses her lips.]

And as you reminded me, you're not a cat anymore, eh~? [He smirks evilly and very lightly moves to pet her tail.] Well, not mostly.

[She has nothing to say to that. It's all just a joke. A tease. Even if he doesn't know or understand he can accept it for now and that's all that matters. Still she can't quite meet his eyes. But when he pets her tail it sends another little jolt through her and surprises a small laugh out of her before she wraps her arms around him and buries her face against his neck.

It's warm.

He's warm.

And she just wants to stand there for a minute and lean on him. To know that he's still there despite everything. Still she admits softly]

Sabo is cute, and you're like a virus.

[Easily caught, hard to get rid of. Hard to even want to]

[That just elicits more amused happy chuckles from the pirate.]

Hopefully infectious with... [He pauses. He can't come up with a good one for himself. Enthusiasm isn't really his style. Laughter and cheer weren't even his fortes. Laid-back-ness? What's even a word for that?] witticisms. [Hah. Just try and argue that one.]

Sabo is adorable. You're lucky I'm so in love you or I wouldn't share. He's my baby treasure. [Sadly, he's kind of serious about that. Luffy doesn't want to be a hero because he'd have to share/sacrifice his meat, Zoro doesn't want to share/sacrifice his booze, and Marco? Marco wants to be selfish about his brothers.]

Definitely not your witticisms.

[She leans back and smirks at him, rubbing their noses together briefly]

And if you didn't share Sabo I would steal him anyway. After all you can't expect treasure like that to remain unchallenged.

[He smirks right back and returns the nuzzle lightly. ~~God they must just sicken anyone observing/spying on them.~~]

Infectious with love of nakama? Since it seems to be spreading.

Don't you know, if you love something, set it free. If it returns, it's yours forever.

And it's no good trying to steal him with books, I already thought of that and took countermeasures. [Countermeasures of preemptively stealing him with books, okay.]

If you love someone they must be free. [Otherwise it's possession. But nevermind. It is in a good place now and she doesn't want to clutter things up with philosophy or letting things go. ~~she's had to do that often enough already~~]

Nothing so complicated as that, Marcchan. I would just pick him up and take him. But don't worry. [She tugs at a strand of his hair] I'd let you come visit.

Oh believe me, my family is very big on that. [Ahahahahahaha Ace. :|]

You might find yourself dealing with an angry wildfire in addition to a jealous phoenix in that case. Sabo was Ace's first friend. For a long time his only friend. [Small wry grin. He always worries how Sabo handles it. Ace is twice as old, and while Marco wouldn't bat an eyelash at one of his brothers suddenly being twice as old, even Marco knows he's not normal in that regard.] That's what the S in his name tattoo stands for.

[He switches back to a devious smirk though.] Guess you'll just have to accept the added excuse to come visit more often. At least if you get along well with him I'll have more excuse to make you stay for breakfast. [That and he's banking on a hope that he can either lie to Ace and claim Robin just stopped by early, or that Ace will sleep in, being narcoleptic and all that.]

[Oh, yes. Ace. Someone else to think about. It's been strange ever since she arrived again...and that bonfire night... She trusts Marco to know how to look after his nakama but out of anyone Ace will be the one to change things.

Still she can't help but be envious at how much pull they have over each other... Then again...maybe it's because she herself is not enough...]

Perhaps. We'll have to see. [She tries to answer his smirk with a small smile. Though it would probably be better to avoid his house for the moment. It will make things less complicated and...

...she needs less complicated]

I'm tired, Bird-chan. [She isn't but she is, so tired.]

Walk me home?

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