fierybluebird | [voice]

[voice]

[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?]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I can't think of anything you could do I'd find weird. But you're always welcome to try to surprise me, eh?

I would not do so on purpose! In this case...

Oh? That's even sneakier.

Hah... Do you think so?

Absolutely. You'd get double points for that.

Hwah--! Now I want to!

You'll have to accidentally give it your best.

That will not be hard. As a true Japanese man, I am always doing my best. [THIS SOMEHOW MAKES SENSE IN HIS MIND]

I knew I could on you. [Serious and deadpan, but still sticking out his tongue and lightly mocking him.]

...Is Marco teasing me? [He's only just picking up on this]

Am I ever not? [Still deadpan.]

I am hoping there are times when not. [But he'll give him a kiss on the cheek.]

I think you can tell the difference. [Shivers and leans against him.]

[He actually slides his arm around Marco's so he can slip into holding his hand, and leans in a little more, as well. Silent, but... Of course he can tell.]

[Holds his hand happily.]

Hey Bushido?

Hm?

Love you. [Kisses him.]

[oh.....gldfkgjdfkgjkdsfg]

[Blush desu after that kiss]

...

Ah... l-love you too. [one day he'll do it without stutters. one day.]

[Grins happily like a little kid and gently nuzzles.]

Hah... I'm glad.

[For a moment, he's quiet, looking down at their hands. And then after a while, he raises his own, still holding Marco's.]

I wonder... If this is a red string. [He pulls Marco's hand closer and kisses it, still looking very thoughtful.] And I had thought I had cut all ties...

Red string? [Watches the kisses and then leans in to steal a kiss away from his hand with his lips.]

You can't cut everyone out of your life, people, countries, fishmen, they don't want it and won't let it stick. I'll always come get you, eh.

The red string of fate. [He smiles into that kiss and pulls his hand away to show his pinky.]

Has Marco heard of it? Ah... but I know, now.

[Shakes his head.] Is it a good thing? Or a story that goes with it?

It is said that each person has a red string tied to their pinky. It cannot be seen, but each string connects two people, and those people are destined lovers, regardless of time, place or circumstances. It may stretch and tangle, but the string will never break.

There are various stories involving the string, as well.

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