[voice]

[fierybluebird]

[Marco's voice starts off cheerfully enough.]

Hey everyone, I think I found the place where the cave-in for the train-thing is. The currents here are pretty weird so if we can get ... some ... strong swimmers then...

[He starts trailing off, obviously seeing something.] Pops...? [His voice is quiet, barely audible. It's not possible, he knows it's not, he watched the man die. So it's just like Luffy's food and an illusion. Has to be. But then it gets stronger.] POPS!! [He starts running, sandals hitting the wood of the deck.] Pops... [This time he just sounds anguished. And then suddenly there's a splash. Uh where did Marco go?]

Comments

[action]

[straw_hat]

[He nods slowly, and gives Marco one last squeeze before standing up.

Sorry, but he's not really in the mood for talking.] .....right.

[action]

[fierybluebird]

[That's okay. Neither is Marco. So he gives a light squeeze to Luffy's shoulder.]

[action]

[straw_hat]

[He pats Marco's shoulder, and faces him.]

....you.....gonna be okay?

[action]

[fierybluebird]

Mn... [Just sort of grunts and nods vaguely.]

He went the way he wanted to, but it doesn't make it any easier.

[action]

[straw_hat]

.....we'll be here for you.

[action]

[fierybluebird]

Th-thanks kiddo. [Puts Luffy's hat over the big eyes and ruffles black hair. More for Marco's sake than not since it's soothing.]

[action]

[straw_hat]

Anytime. [The ruffle took him a little by surprise. But a slightly happier expression came on when he looked back up at him.]

[action]

[fierybluebird]

[Grins back softly at Luffy's grin.]

Hah... You know if you ever want another big brother... [Lightly shoves and starts walking off.] Thanks for looking after me Captain.

[action]

[straw_hat]

....aren't you already? [A soft smile.] I don't let nakama stay down.

[action]

[fierybluebird]

Hah... fair enough matey.

[action]

[straw_hat]

[He grins, and puts his arm around your shoulders.

Yes, you're a hell of a lot taller, but who cares.

And no, he won't leave you alone right now.]

[action]

[fierybluebird]

[Just grins and shakes his head. It's just as well, Marco doesn't want to be alone right now.]

[action]

[straw_hat]

[Jumps up to ruffle his pineapple hair.]

[action]

[fierybluebird]

[Laughs at the jumping and ducks down to make it easier. ENJOY THIS LUFFY, he wouldn't do it for anyone else in the world.]

[action]

[straw_hat]

[RUFFLE RUFFLE RUFFLE his hair is hilarious.]

Your hair is so funny!

[action]

[fierybluebird]

You think so? But I like it like this.

[action]

[straw_hat]

I like it, too! It's funny, so keep it that way!

[action] --> keyword

[fierybluebird]

Can do Captain.

[action] ffffff niiiiice

[straw_hat]

Good. [He'd ask if you're feeling better.

But that would just kill the happiness you have now.]

[action]

[fierybluebird]

[Yeah that's probably for the best. He's going to go find Ace and his Pops' jacket and hide under it anyway.

[action]

[straw_hat]

[And Luffy will sit by you two the entire time. He refuse to leave you alone.]

[action]

[fierybluebird]

[He appreciates it and bundles Luffy up in the jacket with him with a wing around Luffy's shoulders.]

So what's been your favorite island so far on the Grand Line?

[action]

[straw_hat]

[He huddles next to him. Damn, this jacket is huge...]

Alabasta. Vivi's there, and they throw great parties.

[action]

[fierybluebird]

[Like a small circus tent yup.]</small. Yeah? One of the other bird zoan users is there, ne?

[action]

[straw_hat]

[Only better colors.] Yeah, Pell. He was one of the guards.