piratejournal | [Written] And now for something completely different from the last time

Marco here.

Sorry for my state in the last post, and thank you very much to those sweet enough to humor me, you're too kind.

Bepo, and Vyse, I have duplicates of my maps for you, assuming you both still want them.

For everyone else, I've made about twenty copies of various maps and directions to the Corsair Naval Masquerade Ball. Likewise, in the interest of furthering piracy rebelling against lawful order, I will teach the basics of ranks to anyone with enough brains to actually hold the knowledge. Remember, if you want to go, wear formal costume, and pretend to be part of the navy. Anyone in the Spades wishing to help infiltrate must be able to perform a correct salute and demonstrate ability to discern when it's appropriate. Those who cannot may help infiltrate as waiters.

Thank you.
- Marco

Edited Addendum: Dance lessons for Spades unfamiliar with waltz, samba, and tango will be held every night this week. Namur's breakdance competition comes with a reward, but this style of dance is not acceptable for naval officers, sorry Nam-chan.

[Locked to Nico Robin]

I am embarrassed to say I have about three favors to ask of you.

[Locked to Grell Sutcliff]

Hello Kitten. How do you feel about getting a little vengeance, eh?

[Locked to Sebastian]

My phoenix brother and I are in the mood to spread our wings. Think you can get a babysitter that night to come have fun?

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The price would depend on the nature of the request.

[DEEP BREATH.]

[OKAY.]

[HE CAN DO THIS.]

First, a nakama of mine is a quick student, but his skills used to lie almost entirely in book learning. If you have any books that might be of interest, I'll trade you and pay you back in spades. At the moment I don't have many practical texts and most of what I have are romance stories and fairy tales, but I'm always on the lookout, and I'll certainly do my best to get you more or any other kind of favor you want.

And before you answer that.... let me just... get through the next part. [Aw shit, he has to stop overthinking this or he'll never be able to talk.]

Secondly, I thought I needed to wait, but now it seems I might be a bit rushed for time since I would like to ask you to the Masquerade as my date, but before that, there's someone you must meet. So I'd like to ask you on a date for that. And then, if by the end of the evening you don't want to slap me and never see me again, then I'd like to ask you to the Masquerade, eh?

[There. Okay. He's good.]

Whether or not I have any books of interest depends greatly on the interest in question. Perhaps that'd be something better discussed between he and I directly. Except in specific circumstances, I do not generally feel the need to jealously hoard knowledge and keep it away from others, so I'm sure we can come to an understanding.

[And as for the rest... there are so many questions she would like to ask. But knowing Marco, he'll be as obtuse bordering on esoteric as possible. Robin imagines she'll learn the answers soon enough.]

So. When and where would you like to meet for the first date?

As soon as your Nav is available. If you wish, I'll stay over your ship a few extra days if you can promise not to let your captain try to eat me, or you can stay here until the Masquerade, wherever you'll be most comfortable. I can set you up my room, it's one of the few with locks from inside, and I can spend a couple of nights on the deck of the Moon if you'd like.

I will make no promises with regards to what or whom my captain may or may not attempt to eat. [And she giggles like it's funny rather than traumatizing.] However, it may be more beneficial if you were to come here. You might say we're currently on a mission of sorts.

[Ah well, he'll just have to deal with the D personally.]

Color me intrigued.

I'll speak with my Captain. Are there any specific offerings I should bring, especially from our chef to yours? [Since Zeff was Sanji's mentor and all, and Marco is a VERY oldschool pirate from the old days.]

No worries, any and all cases of Redbull have been confiscated and are banned from reaching your captain's hands.

Supposedly there's a shard within our reach. Of course, there's no guarantee that we'll find anything of value, but it's at least worth looking into. I don't know that we have any specific needs that we couldn't meet on our own, but you may want to bring a coat if you plan on staying awhile. We've become a bit of a beacon for winter weather.

Ironically, I was going to suggest you bring something warm if you came here.

I should be all right for flying, but thanks, yoi. [Which has him worried about his feet because NOPE, he doesn't want to wear real shoes.] I'll bring extra blankets. [And make himself a nest, shhhh.]

[~~He can roost with Celestia.~~]

I'll see you soon, then.

[~~Yaaaay.~~]

Aye...

[He's getting shy again. Or not shy, but nervous. Definitely nervous.] Robin?

Hm?

[Words....]

[How does he do this?]

When I get there, can you remind me to tell you something? Don't let me chicken out, please.

[Robin can't help but chuckle a little. She never would have thought the First Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates would be such a chicken. People are always so different from their reputations.]

I will remind you, but I cannot make guarantees as to the state of your courage at the time.

Courage I have.

It's a conversation I really wish to have in person, but I realized a few things from my younger brother.

[His tone shifts again, quiet and then intensely serious.] I don't want to misstep. [He doesn't know how to say he's trusting her without putting pressure there he doesn't mean to. It's so confusing, but for now, that will just have to.]

Very well. But you may only call something a misstep if I deem it so.

[He just grins ear to ear at that.]

Yes, ma'am. [That's exactly what he wanted.]

[Especially since otherwise he'll panic out over nothing....]

[LIKE YOU KNOW.]

[Now and such.]

[Well, not this second, NOW NOW he's calming down at least.] When would you like me to hop on over, eh?

We ought to be making landfall in a few days. Feel free to drop in at your convenience.

I'll let my captain know.

[Written] And now for something completely different from the last time

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