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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*Selphie hangs her head a little lower and nods slightly - she knows all about his Cosmos, he'd explained that all to her some time ago. Perhaps, though, the more comfortable she got with Ikki, the more comfortable she got with the idea of the Cosmos, and she just didn't think about it anymore. Now, though, it was clearly something to keep in mind. She flinches slightly when Marco talks about Ikki's love in the present tense, as though it was still there, still something that was true. It was something that Selphie was certain wasn't the case, certainly not any more*

I never wanted to tame Ikki. I know I got a little scared that day on the boat with him, when I saw what he was really capable of. But - he was so stubborn about it. He kept telling me that I wasn't his to tame, that I couldn't do that. Whenever I told him that I wasn't trying to, that I didn't want to, he never believed me. Sometimes... I think that Ikki really never wanted anything to do with me in the first place. So maybe it was better for him to insist that I didn't care, or that I wasn't trying, or that I was disgusted by him. None of that was true.

*Selphie sighs heavily, her shoulders rising and sinking as she lets go of the breath she was holding*

Terrible timing all round, and a shitty situation. Maybe the best thing I can do is just admit that that's what it is. If Ikki will ever talk to me again, then I can apologise. But for now, looks like I just have to accept that I need to stay out of his way and...that's that.

Aye... I think that might be for the best, eh? If nothing else, I don't want to see either of you hurt anymore.

I don't think he was worried about you taming him as other forces combined, but remember what I said before too? He is who he is, and that doesn't need fixing.

I'll talk to Ace and Thatch, but I won't tell them why, just that it'd be better for you and Ikki to have space right now, eh?

*Selphie cuddles up to Marco again, doing her best not to sigh, because she feels she might do this too often, lately*

I know he is who he is. I l - I like who he is. I guess he's just better when he's not around me. I never wanted to "fix" him, I just want that to be understood.

*She looks up at Marco suddenly at this suggestion and shakes her head*

Please don't. Like I said before... I'd rather no one else got dragged into this. I'll let you know, maybe, if things get a way where I think they should be told. Is that okay?

[He shakes his head.] I have to kiddo. But it'll be all right. We had to shuffle division members tons of times. That's why we had sixteen of us.

[He ruffles her head and leans back with a sigh of his own.] Aye. I wish he understood you better too, but at least you've got the rest of us.

Okay...if you're sure. But - they won't be mad at me, will they? They wouldn't think... I just don't want them to think badly of me, is all.

*She tries a smile at that ruffle, and does her best to seem more relaxed*

Yeah, I do. And I'm so grateful, especially of you.

[Wry grin.] They won't. Why would they? [Ruffles more.]

I don't know... It just means a lot to me that they don't think badly after all of this...

*She does look sheepish, embarrassed as she is of how stupid she's been, but seems to perk up at the ruffling*

It'll be fine kiddo, trust me.

*She gives a small smile and snuggles into Marco*

If you say so.

...Thanks, for looking after me so well.

My pleasure, Sunshine. If I can do anything else to help, let me know, eh?

And you, me. I might be kinda useless sometimes, but I'll try my best.

Eh, no one on this ship is useless. Otherwise I'd kick them off.

Then I best do my best to stay useful!

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

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