IC Contact
Ah, hello. This is Japan. Forgive me for being unable to answer the phone at this moment. Please leave a message and I will respond in a timely fashion.
[beep!]
(ooc: Anyone needing to contact Japan in his games can assume this post acts like a call to his communicator/whatever! Just add the date at the top. ♥)
[beep!]
(ooc: Anyone needing to contact Japan in his games can assume this post acts like a call to his communicator/whatever! Just add the date at the top. ♥)
For so many years living on the idea that he would stand alone, maybe it would seem strange to know how much he relied on others for this kind of thing. Comfort. Support...? But it wasn't so different from normal. In the end, even if his comrades were to fall, it would just make him stand taller. He had gotten lost in this thought when the train settled in, and a brief glance over to spot Marco revealed that much. Blinking, he lowered his arms to his side for a short bow. "Ah, Marco... Greetings." Formal, despite everything on his mind. ...He could pass this off as a nightly walk and hearing the subway from where he was. Sure.
The pirate smirked a little deviously. Even as accustomed as he was to having his crew wait for him to get back from somewhere, he would never tire of it. "Bushido~" he called in a teasing voice and helped make sure Rinoa got off fine. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting long, eh?"
He had to work to not react to that tone of voice. Did he really have to point it out like that? He just sideglanced. "Eh-- ah, no... It happened that the train was arriving as I passed by this area on a walk." Okay, so he sounded a little nervous with that excuse, but whatever. Time to change the subject. Japan turned to glance back at Marco again. "The trip went well, then?"
"Really?" the smirk deepened. "Aye, a little less exciting than I would have liked, but eh, so long as Rinoa is safe right?" Marco wavered slightly. He could be kind (for once) and try to keep things serious, polite, tactful even, but fuck that. He shifted into a small phoenix form and rushed over to tackle Japan. "Kree," he mumbled and tried to bury a small flaming blue head into Japan's neck. When Japan explained that he and Seifer were going to separate from him and Ace, Marco had known it'd drive him crazy over time, but the last week had really been getting to him. As fun it was taking it out on Japan with teasing and occasionally flirting, it couldn't replace being there in person to really make sure the man was safe.
"...Ah, right." He had ignored that first part on purpose, of course, and was about to change the subject yet again when the other changed forms suddenly to tackle him. "Uwah!" Japan would never stop getting shocked by that... Blunt affection was strange enough in a normal way, but this was...different. He managed to just stumble a little before raising his hands to sort of cradle Marco there, one eye closing at the nuzzle. "Ah..." He paused. There were plenty of complicated thoughts in his own mind. Things he knew and things he was unsure about, but they all went back to the fact that yes, he had missed Marco. And this was comforting. How embarrassing...
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Reluctant to switch back, Marco vaguely wished Japan spoke phoenix or that he could answer better. He shook his head lightly and nuzzled Japan more. Truth was, he was a bit tired, and leaving tomorrow was probably for the best, but Marco didn't know Dissimulo and he wasn't sure he could adjust to a new city well enough to sleep in it without flying around to check it out a couple of times first. Still, if Japan didn't want to immediately leave, Marco could probably resist dragging him off. Not that Marco had anyplace to stay the night though. He nudged him with a blue phoenix head and tilted it like a bird to query Japan's desires.
True, he couldn't speak phoenix, but at least he was more observant with 'reading the atmosphere' than certain other countries in the world. Of course, that didn't help too much with this situation. Did that head shake mean that Marco wanted to leave sooner or wait longer to leave? Well, it was hard to say with just that. Pausing at that look from him, Japan gave Marco's head another pet and moved to start walking. It was really hard to resist cute animals, okay... "If Marco can recall, I have wanted to head there since the first day. I would like to leave as soon as possible, but only if it wouldn't be a bother." He sighed lightly. "Ah, I have my things and your gift at the house I have been staying at... Perhaps we can decide there." ...As for the surprise thing... Well, that could wait for a braver day.
A quick beam and Marco nodded. That would work. The sooner they left the better, and at least if they stopped in Discedo for the night instead, Marco could take Japan up on the offer he'd once given him in case talking to Ace fell through and stay with Japan instead. He settled blue wings around Japan's shoulders and perched cautiously on the smaller man while he rested his head on top of the black hair. As a human, he'd have been embarrassed to even try to convey half of what was on his mind, but as a bird, he was just content to enjoy the brief ride and soothing feel of knowing he was with his nakama again.
Japan was actually a little envious that Marco could hide in that way. Changing into a phoenix like that... It was a lot easier than rolling up in a blanket and shutting yourself in your room for hundreds of years. But for now, Marco being a phoenix meant that Japan could keep silent, as well. So he did. There was way too much going through his head. He was worried that if he tried to keep talking for the sake of killing the silence, weird things would slip out or something. Yeah just. Better to avoid that.
So if Marco had nothing else to say for the walk to the house, they'd arrive quietly and he'd open the door and take off his shoes. The jacket was quite visible from the doorway, folded neatly on a table. There were some papers stacked nearby but aside from that nothing special. Shiki and Anya were probably asleep in other rooms though, so Japan just made a quick 'be quiet' gesture with one finger to his mouth and moved inside to pick up the jacket. "...So, what are Marco's thoughts?" he asked quietly.
Being a phoenix also made holing up in literal caves seem somehow appropriate, but Marco had nakama to look after now -- ones who wouldn't let him slip back to that, or so they reminded him. He hopped off Japan's shoulders and slipped back into human form as easily as if he hadn't been anything else. He wandered over to the jacket and lightly fingered the blue material. It was even more breathtaking in person so he used the excuse to get lost in it a little and bide his time. "A hundred things actually," he admitted earnestly. He almost felt like he should lie, just on principle. He kept his voice quiet though and blue eyes glanced over to Japan.
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He watched calmly as Marco got acquainted with the jacket. It was a nice sort of feeling to make something that would be appreciated by someone else, so Japan had no trouble waiting with a distantly fond look for Marco to speak. But the half-hug combined with whispering in his ears, and those words of all things... Of course he flushed. "Eh--? Ah--..." If he was thinking a lot before, that moment, teasing or not, just sent a ten times that through his mind. Should he say... him too? No... Not quite right. That he'd want to listen? No, this was definitely teasing, he shouldn't answer that part at all! He blinked a few times in an attempt to straighten himself as Marco moved away. "...I have not forgotten anything either. And I would prefer to leave tonight as well, so that works out... perfectly." He blinks again at Marco, and then moves suddenly to turn away and fix some of the papers on the table up. Notes for that program... He'd need those. Aside from that, though, and his clothes and essentials (and properly hidden salt), there wasn't too much to deal with at least.
Marco nearly thought his words had no effect for a moment the way Japan was reacting. At least until he finished saying perfectly, then Marco couldn't help smirking like a pirate again. "Good," he beamed. "Glad to hear it. Think you can operate the train? Rinoa drove. These contraptions," he waved his hands vaguely like an old man. Technology was weird. Hard enough using the comms, never mind driving really fast land-ships. "Is there anyone you need to say goodbye to?" despite Marco's claims to Kresnik about Japan and Seifer having a separation from their marriage, it seemed a good idea to ask.
It was strange, actually, the way Japan reacted to things. He'll be extremely calm if it doesn't bother him, freak out when it does, and then go back to a sort of calm-feeling reaction that actually means he's completely affected and just sort of frozen on it. The latter applies to now more than the others, probably. "Of course. It's quite simple, and I adapt to technology rather quickly..." Not that this was anything too different from what he'd seen. How hard could it be? Seifer started it last time, but he had no issue doing it. He brought the papers over to his other things by Marco and sorted it out before standing. Right, that should be good. But at that last question, he frowned just slightly. "...There is not." ...There really was no one to say goodbye to. He supposed it was a lonely yet familiar sort of feeling.
"In any case... Are you certain you are not too tired to leave?" A subject change, but there's some subtle teasing there.
Blue eyes glinted with a mischievous fire. "Are you?" he asked and picked Japan up over his shoulders to carry him out. He gave Japan back the signal to be quiet for his roommates' sake and waltzed out like he owned the place -- and now Japan. He had promised he was going to steal him after all. "I can rest on the train," he answered and scooped up the remaining belongings. "Besides, I might be old," it was weird for him to say. Another truth he somehow never said, "But I am far more resilient. Though I still say you could do with some lessons about flexibility, eh?"
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Marco chuckled quietly and led the way back to the train. It was only fair since Japan had carried him from there the first way. "Bold's my style, eh," he smirked and adjusted Japan on his shoulders. "Clothes, jokes, and all the rest I suppose." He liked it though. The phoenix hardly considered himself as brave as his father or Ace, but being bold made it sound close. Certainly complementary at least. "Besides," the smirk was evident in his tone, "I don't hear a complaint in any of that. Dare I even say, it sounds like admiration~?"
Somehow it was getting too much to even stay calm in the freaking-out-and-hiding-it sort of way! He was sure his face was red, not that it mattered in this sort of position. But out of ideas for calm responses, he stuttered, "D-do not point something like that out so bluntly!" A beat. "...It is not necessary to carry me in this way, either..."
Quickly ruffling Japan's head, Marco laughed softly and mentally captured the smaller man's expressions. "Only fair," he insisted. "You carried me here. Besides, you better get used to it. It'll be a long trip and we'll be flying for a decent portion I suspect." Still, the whole thing left Marco elated. That definitely wasn't a complaint then.
"Ah..." Japan blinked at that, suddenly thoughtful as he attempted to straighten his hair. "I am not too heavy?" As strong as Marco might be, or as light compard to others as he was-- wasn't that tiring? He wasn't sure... Honestly though, as embarrassing as all of this was, Japan knew this had to be the happiest he's been in a while. Thinking along that line brought a whole train of thoughts with it, though, so he focused on thinking ahead for this trip. Maybe the night in Discedo...
"Am I?" Marco snorted quietly and learned his head against Japan affectionately. "How do you think Rinoa and I got here so quickly anyway? Besides you're way lighter than Ace. More like Luffy. Only I can count on you not to fidget I think." Marco hummed softly. It'd been awhile since he'd stolen a whole country. Especially since he knew the minute he got back home to his world he'd be facing loing islands and territory one by one, or even all at once with the way some pirate had hated his Pops. "If I get too tired I'll sleep and use you as my pillow," he promised in pure deadpan.
Japan was quiet for a moment at that. He wasn't upset or anything along those lines. He was... honestly enjoying company. And though he had been on this end of affectionate behavior before, this was fifferent, and nice. He frowned a little though. Just a slight one-- spacey and almost guilty. That last part snapped him out of that expression completely though. "What sort of thing to say is that?! Hwahhh, I am not..." A good pillow? ...Understanding? He lets himself trail off into thought.
Sticking to the deadpan, Marco returned a quiet frown and protested. "What, you won't even be my pillow? How cruel Bushido. Is it part of the shy code?" He ruffled the man's head once more, ever affectionately. "Not even I promise my wings to keep you warm?" If this struck Marco as the least bit strange, he certainly didn't show it.
"Marco..." He says it softly, like he's about to scold him for being too cruel. But he trails off instead. Even over Marco's shoulders, he tries to cover his face with his hands. "I would not mind such a thing." A pause. "B-but if you continue this sort of cruel teasing, my heart will stop for sure!"
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As he was set down, he moved to straighten his hair yet again. Bold as ever... Marco had been right when he guessed that his tone was admiring. Japan still wasn't sure how to react. Mostly, he wanted to hide his face and say nothing and continue to be teased anyway... Wait, that last part-- he just shook that away with a look at Marco. "...Hah, Marco certainly makes a lot of threats," he speaks, clearly amused beneath his quiet look. "...Or promises, I suppose." He doesn't wait any longer, moving to step onto the train just as a soft smile sets on his face.
"Promises," Marco nodded and glanced back behind him with this own smile. "I'm going to carry through on all of them and it's best that you don't forget that, eh?" He went inside to get comfy and waited expectantly for Japan to get them going. When the smaller man came in he added, "Especially since I have more time with you to take you by surprise with them." And there it was, the hint of something deeper underneath all the banter again.
He set his things by Marco, obviously flustered and trying to hide it. Gosh... "Is that so?" Japan looks to him, hesitating for longer than normal before standing up straight again and moving for the front of the train to start it. "I still have surprises, as well."
"Aye," Marco watched with a fond grin, making sure to take in Japan's more subtle clues about his state of mind. "So I remember." It was a little teasing, as though asking whether Japan truly thought he'd be up to the task after all and daring him to try nonetheless. It helped that Marco was curious about it as well.
Japan kept silent at that, though he could hear the challenge. Marco would find out later just how up to the task he was, after all. For now, he pressed the button or whatever it is that starts the thing, and moved back to sit next to Marco. ...Yes, an entire empty train and he sits next to Marco, this isn't weird at all. "Hopefully there will be no monster on the track to delay travel... Ah, but this is much better than riding on a motorcycle with any others." He leans back a bit with a sigh. Seriously, kids these days, do they even have licenses. He turns to look at the pirate, but stays quiet.
Marco sneakily slipped a wing around Japan to tug him closer. He would never get tired of showing off that he had the most control over a devil fruit of possibly anyone in the world. Certainly the most of any zoan. Being one of the few who could switch just one arm into a wing, or just exude the blue flames if he wanted, it was a skill Marco had honed for years to acquire. "If there's a monster, I'll deal with it," he answered and held the country close. "Was the motorcycle really that bad?"
"Are you certain? I would not mind helping. Ah, but I suppose we can deal with that if it happens." There was a bit of surprise on his face at that tug, but it was gone just as quickly. For now, he just sat stiffly with his hands on his knees. "Kresnik-taichou seems to have an extreme fondness for such things... While his driving was controlled, it was extremely fast," he huffs, exaggerating with a sigh. "...Seifer was angry when he drove, so I believe that says enough." He moves his eyes to his lap, now, as well. "I would not mind it if it were me driving."
"Together then," the phoenix shrugged and leaned against Japan slightly, as affectionate as ever. "Ah, right, I remember you mentioning something like that. Well, you're the driver now, eh?" He just hoped it wouldn't be a problem flying. Oh well, they could walk if nothing else. "What was Seifer angry about?" Personally Marco was about ready to take "everything" as the answer to that, but Japan usually had better insights with the man.
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Marco noticed the shift in Japan's posture, and though he forced himself not to react, he frowned about Heiji. "Well, we did leave rather quickly," he argued. "And I didn't exactly broadcast when and where I was going. I just hope he doesn't try to follow once we've already left Discedo, eh? Maybe I can get Kaitou to talk to him." He casually slipped the wing around Japan back into an arm and vaguely pet his hair to soothe him down.
"I mentioned it to Kaito-san already, so hopefully that will be enough," he sighs, trying not to react to that petting. It would be fine. Just, such a reckless citizen... Caring about life that much, too. It was nice to see. He sort of felt bad that Heiji wouldn't believe him though. But there was no need to worry about it, and so he relaxed a bit, tilting his head against Marco just barely. There were plenty of things he could say from there, but instead, he stays silent.
Just like that, Marco felt his own tension ebbing away. Some of the many things that he'd wanted to tell Japan and share with him came crashing back, but not unpleasantly. For a little longer he was content to just rest like that and enjoy Kiku's company. He strengthened the hug a little and slid downwards so that he could be more on the level with Japan. "Still so sure your citizens aren't usually so reckless?" he asked in amusement and leaned more around Japan. He could bring up the matters slowly. One at a time really. That would be for the best.
That got a small chuckle from Japan, and he brought a closed hand to his chin. "Ah, that is a bit different. Hattori-san is from Osaka." It was a joking tone, passing off recklessness on his prefecture like that. He was sure he'd be getting looks from the other if he were here. "Perhaps if you met Osaka-san you would understand." He brought his hand away from his face to give a fake punch or two at the air, imitating. "The Osaka-san who, when America-san so suddenly arrived to force open my borders, continued to cheer 'Punch 'em Japan! It's okay! Just punch 'em! Give him the ol' one two!' ...Ah, yes, I believe he is more reckless than I am."
He returned his hand to his lap. There was something nice about this. No, there were a lot of things nice about this...
Marco chuckled quietly himself as Japan explained. "One in every family, eh?" He ruffled the black hair a little more and sighed happily, "Although I suppose in my family, it's more like most of them are like that." True enough, some of his brothers had purposely stayed back around Shanks, and not just because of the man's haki. "Do you think Osaka had a point about doing that now?" Given everything that had happened with America it seemed a good idea to ask.
"I suppose there is," Japan replies thoughtfully, not even bothering to fix his hair this time. "I believed that Osaka-san had a point back then, as well. But there was nothing I could do." He had been backed into a wall, really. Punching wouldn't have helped him against America, who was so strong. Holland had warned him, too. All of this talking of the past was bringing up a different line of worries, now. What was happening with America now-- he wasn't sure that it was over.
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Japan's eyes widened a bit at that, face flushing a bit. Putting his face so close and saying things like that on top of it?! He really wasn't sure if he could keep up with this. But for now he was fine aside from being flustered. He slowly rose a hand to his own face, where Marco had placed his just moments before, and smiled. "...I would not be defeated so easily, either. With Marco, it is that much better. ...Ah, thank you." Letting the hand slide off, his smile fades back to a straight face. China. That was actually amusing to hear. "...He is twice my age, and complains two hundred times as much." Spoken like a fact.
"Two hundred times as much?" Marco smirked, blue eyes twinkling in mirth. "That's hard to believe," he teased affectionately and ruffled Japan's hair. He really was looking forward to seeing China's face when he told him about Japan's phoenix protector. Marco leaned back around Japan and affectionately rested his hands around him, determined to get more flushes. "Is that common with most countries? France doesn't seem too bad about that."
He makes a face at that, almost like a pout, only to have it ruined with his cheeks reddening. "If Marco is speaking of complaining... Everyone complains, do they not?" He's trying to avoid looking at him. "But as for age, most countries are younger than me..." So they have nothing to complain about age-wise, as far as he's concerned.
"What's age got to do with it?" Marco smirked and lightly captured Japan's chin to hold his attention, "Don't go deciding to feel old when you still have so much to do and experience, eh?" Blue eyes burned brightly, almost determined to set Japan ablaze with them as he'd teasingly suggested before.
Well if he wasn't red before, he certainly is now. Feeling the heat even from his ears, Japan stammers for a moment. "T-that-- a-ah..." And, unable to keep looking at those eyes, he'll lightly brush Marco's hand away and face sideways. He couldn't even respond out of embarrassment to that.
Not easing up for a second, Marco followed along, trying to keep within Japan's line of vision. "That's not an answer," he teased evilly, just barely keeping the restraint not to up the ante and push his luck even further.
Japan held his breathe without realizing it. He couldn't recall the last time he felt this type of nervous. And Marco was just playing, wasn't he? What frustrating thoughts. He hesitated, tried to stare down to avoid eye contact, and then gave in and looked searchingly at Marco. "T-that is... difficult to reply to," he mumbles, still watching him. "Especially while Marco is being so cruel... hahhh, this is not good for my health, surely." Making light of it like that... He thought it would help. But his heart was still beating like crazy. He wasn't supposed to be thinking like this...!
"Cruel is it?" Marco's hand inched back up to resting under Japan's chin, very lightly tickling it with a finger. "What would you have me say then?" He leaned in a little closer, almost just to prove that he could and would, "I am a pirate after all, and it seems all too much like you just want to be proved wrong."
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The answer came evenly enough, "Some more than others." The blue eyes glanced through the questioningly look, so that he could figure out the answer he wanted to give. "But I've told you before," Marco continued simply, "You bring out the best in me." Technically he said he was nicer to Japan than the others, but that didn't seem to apply for this situation.
Honestly, he was a tiny bit tempted to be forward himself. So many things on his mind, that he could say, that he wanted to say and yet felt he shouldn't. There were too many factors. Too many reasons not to. And so, unable to keep staring at those eyes again, he moved a hand to take Marco's away from his chin. But he gripped it and lowered it, not letting go as he lowered his gaze as well. Embarrassed, so embarrassed... He spoke softly, "H-hah... I cannot keep up with... this sort of thing." Not when he couldn't stop thinking about how his imagination was just getting carried away, or even if there was truth, there were other factors, or... this world was not a permanent place... So many things.
"Oh?" Marco tilted his head and kept his voice and face steady and as deadpan as ever. "Is that because of a choice or a fear?" He moved the fingers to gently hold Japan's hand in his, tender and yet still somehow teasing.
He half wondered if he should warn Marco that if he fainted from embarrassment, no one would be there to help with the train if they ran into monsters. But he kept that joking to himself, feeling far too nervous to even distract himself with this. Instead, he stares at their hands, and slowly squeezes Marco's hand. He refuses to look up, though. "I wonder..."
"Wonder what?" Marco kept his tone quiet, voice alluring, as though dealing with a tenative wild animal. The squeeze to his hand reassured him that he wasn't pushing Japan too far yet, but still, his instincts said to take it easy on the man. "If it's a choice, I'll back off, no regrets." Of course it was a fear, there was no way Marco would leave it at that.
It was definitely fear. Japan even realized this. Every single excuse for sitting here frozen and speaking so hesitantly was out of fear for something. But saying that out loud was another story. How could he admit something like that? He brought his free hand to his face. How long could he keep blushing like this, anyway? "...What does Marco think?"
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"E-exciting..." he repeated nervously, eyes sliding sideways instead of his whole head this time. This had to be bad for his heart. Japan, being the wimp he is, is probably even shaking a bit. That's how nervous he is. SO NERVOUS AHHH. Anyway he hesitates for a very long moment and then sighs slowly to try and calm himself, looking back at Marco. "...I do not recall saying you should be dismissed." That was about as blunt as he was getting.
It was far more blunt than Marco expected. The evil glint softened up into more amused joy, and Marco ruffled Japan's hair affectionately. "Aye, exciting," he grinned. "I believe I have warned you of my intent to steal you, yes? Though Ace says I have to share~" in deadpan he affected a slightly pouty tone, though Marco couldn't hold it very long, he was obviously too full of mirth about it. "This is just the beginning."
And with that Marco finally decided to give Japan a small break to think it all over. He eased up and relaxed again, simply resting nearby, though he still held Japan's hand in his. "You mentioned you have many things to tell me that can't be done over the comms though, eh? Is this a good time for it?" he gently traced small patterns into the top of Japan's hand with his thumb. Even easing up, he couldn't completely stop all the teasing, after all.
"...Share..."
He probably slid down in his seat a little after Marco eased up. Though the fact that they were holding hands was extremely embarrassing, it was nearly enough to add up to all of that just now. So he regained a bit of composure. That question though... "...Ah, that's right. There is simply much on my mind..." He slid his feet forward a little, staring down at them. "I am not sure how to bring them up. ...But Marco is easy to talk to, for the most part, so I am sure they will surface." The 'for the most part' was added because of your teasing Marco. So cruel.
"Well, he did kidnap you first, eh?" Marco stroked his scruffy chin thinking it over. "And it's not as though I'd want to interfere with the two of you being nakama." He shrugged his shoulders lightly and tucked his feet under him. "Ah? I'm flattered," he affectionately squeezed Japan's hand. "In that case I'll be patient, though it seems I have hundres more questions than even before." He reached out and stretched his kinked up muscles and then relaxed once more. "Ah what do you think of Kaito?" Other than that he thought Marco was practically having an affair with the kid, that is.
"...That's different," he said simply on the subject of Ace. In a lot of ways, it was similar, but there were far more differences, both obvious and not. He wondered if Marco could note them all... It wasn't like Ace would stop being nakama. He's just... not Marco. Japan quietly squeezed that hand in return, but moved on as if he wasn't even paying attention to it. "Kaito-san... is quite kind." Flattering, actually. He just continued shooting compliments at Japan and got on his good side. Well, he was a citizen, so this was okay... "...And Marco seems to enjoy his company?"
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"Yeah, Kaito's pretty cool," Marco nodded. "If Seifer wasn't so hung up on Rinoa I'd have liked to see how Kaito handled it." He tapped a finger to his chin. "I suppose I'm still curious. Ah, and Eridan got a little bit eaten," he frowned. "Ace is going to be pretty mad at me over that," a small sigh.
Captain of Spero, huh? Japan was more amused about that, completely oblivious to anything else there. He chuckled a bit when Marco mentioned Kaito and Rinoa, though. "Ah, Marco has a good eye," he praised, before losing that smile at mention of Eridan. "Ah, yes, I saw that. ...Going to Spero after Accido may be a good idea." For him. He wasn't sure what plans Marco had with this 'kidnapping' thing, but he was totally playing it off as mostly joking. For now he figured, maybe he should go to Spero... "Eridan is good at causing trouble. Surely Ace-kun could realize that much... I recall him as a child."
"You see it too, right?" Marco grinned about Rinoa and Kaito. He inched closer and nodded about going to Spero afterwards. It was closest and however much Marco intended to make sure Japan wasn't hurt, he suspected he'd need to get him to a doctor as soon as he could then. "Aye, after Accido." Marco turned and beamed at Japan. "You see it too, right? I don't know how Ace doesn't. Lightning is so much like how Ace used to be you'd think he could be his son or something. And yet, he completely misses it."
"I do, I do," Japan replied calmly with just a hint of amusement. "Though perhaps the tensions stem from their similarities." He could certainly understand that sort of thing, at least.
Marco nodded. "Ah, yeah that's my thought too, eh? I actually thought you and I would be that way. That we'd be so much alike it would cause conflict and we'd get bored, or practically hate each other." His grin gave away that it wasn't a well-placed fear. "I still wish they'd get along better, but maybe with some time."
Japan gave a calm look to Marco. Conflict... When he thought back on it, Marco had always been someone easy to like for Japan. He smiled. "And yet we match quite well... Ah, I think." That was a little forward for him, so he glances away, still thoughtful. "I believe they could with time. Seifer and Marco seem to get along a bit better now than they used to. ...Ah, and I am not sure if you knew... My first impression of Seifer was..." He paused. How to put this... "He was irritating."
A soft smile. They did match well, or else Marco probably wouldn't have bothered being there now. The things that only he and Japan could understand about each other; they were definitely a help, not a hindrance. "I think anyone who did instantly get along with Seifer, he would end up hating very quickly. Or perhaps he'd do something on purpose to make them hate him." He undid the crossed legs to hook one around Japan's, as casually deadpan as everything else he did. "Besides, Seifer can still be irritating, you just learned better ways to deal with him, I think. Perhaps that;s all Ace needs to learn too." Although the idea of Ace learning patience like that seemed pretty impossible. It was hard enough just getting the kid to mellow out enough not to burn down entire fleets and such.
"Eh--" The leg thing caught him off guard, and he looked a bit surprised before trying to ignore it. "Seifer gets along instantly with violent girls, it seems," he sighs. "But, I would no longer call him irritating. ...He seems bothered by that sort of thing, though." That he wasn't angry. There's a sad look on Japan's face after that, but he ducks his head a bit. "I believe Ace-kun and Eridan may get along to a point. However, you must realize that for trolls this sort of thing is different."
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"That sort of role is to prevent two others from becoming kismesis," Japan stated confidentally. He was an expert on this stuff now. "Ah, a romance that involves three trolls... Their entire view on 'romance' seems interesting to me. It seems they count friendship of a sort..." That's what the non-mating roles were, right? Moirail and Auspistice. Friends. At least that's how Japan related it.
"And moirails are to keep each other from going on murderous rampages," Marco nodded sagely. "At least according to Lightning." Which is why and Ace had to be moirails... even if they had a tendency to egg each other on now and again. "Like you and Seifer, eh?" Maybe all four of them were like trolls in that they needed help in that area. Trolls with bad track records -- although Marco wasn't sure the trolls themselves had the best records for it either.
"...Yes..." Like him and Seifer. He was sure they were just like that, which was a little strange since it was a troll form of romance, but as long as he didn't think about it it was fine. But mentioning Seifer so much, he just couldn't stop himself from picturing his expression at the prison camp. He leaned against Marco just slightly and attempted to end that subject. "I suppose they both have much to learn about one another. Ace-kun and Eridan, that is. After that, thing should be fine."
"Mm-hm," Marco nodded and wrapped an arm around Japan's shoulders again. "Does this mean if I steal you, you're my matesprit?" he grinned teasingly. Ah well, so much for easing up on the man. "So long as Eridan sees Cube and Ace doesn't kill him, all's well. Besides Cube owes me, he promised to treat anyone for free so long as they used my name."
"M-matesprit?!" He flushes, and waves a hand to try and shake the idea away. "Surely that role is taken..." He means Ace. He hadn't connected Marco and Ace as moirails, nope. Oh, but that next topic is a perfect tangent. He coughs a bit and looks amused through his embarrassment. "Ah, yes, that certainly makes sense. Marco must think that anything can be gained through wearing a dress, by now..." Now how did he know about that?
Marco's ears tinged a little red. Was it taken? Ace confused him even more now than before. What Ace wanted wasn't always what he said wanted, or in Ace's case, even thought he wanted. He had to give Ace space and hope the kid could decide more form there. Or that Marco himself could figure it out better. "Freckles is --" Marco blinked. Not that he had a problem with wearing a dress, but he wasn't Izou or one to do it regularly, despite what others seemed to think. "Eh? You heard about that? I didn't pick the clothes, not that it matters..."
"...Hm? What is Ace-kun?" There was a different sort of tone in that question, but it was a bit hard to decipher. As it was now, Japan was busy pulling out his communicator and looking for something. It might seem like he dropped the second half of the conversation, but he's working on that now.
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Japan paused from his communicator and looked up at that. How selfish was he getting, asking things like this. Guilt was clearer on his face than the previous expression, now, and he frowned a bit. "Ah, forgive me for asking so bluntly... ...Have you questioned Ace-kun bluntly, though?" About which reason it was. ...He wasn't sure if that was the best idea, though. What a difficult situation. Yeah he's over here feeling like a jerk because he was thinking selfishly.
"Open," Marco answered with a shrug. "He told me on the second day we were... whatever this is; that threesomes were fine and he just had to approve of others." A mild frown. At the time Marco had brushed it off mostly, figuring it was just nerves or Ace trying to maintain his independence. Two months later and Marco was even less sure where Ace stood. "Open. Like pirates." Of course. But whether that was just how Ace was, or if he was motivated by so many other things was another matter. "I asked Sweden once if maybe only one person in a pair could be allowed to get jealous, since he said Finland never does. Ah, isn't it cute that they're engaged to get married again?" Marco tried to shift the conversation away.
"I-I see..." Open. He wasn't sure what to think about this, but he burried his face back into his communicator. Really, Marco, was it necessary to mention the threesomes thing? Now Japan's thinking about things-- oh here was what he had been looking for. Japan gave him a look first. "It is cute, but I was caught helping him with the dress..." Translation, not a good topic to change into, Marco. He caught that getaway. But don't worry, he has another topic, as he holds up his communicator, revealing a picture of Marco in one of those outfits of Cube's.
"I was surprised to see how well they fit Marco." That sly look is a rare one...
"Oh, I'm sure the fact that you got caught with the dress is part of the reason Ace wants me to share you," Marco drawled in deadpan. Actually, Ace seemed to be less than drawn to men in dresses, but so far as Marco was concerned, anyone who saw Japan in a dress would have to find that a little sexy. Of course he was biased. He paused at the sight of the rooftop pictures. "You think so?" Marco carefully deadpanned. "Maybe I'll model for you sometime if you never show Ace." He tried to slide the picture over to see if Japan had the rest. "How did you get these anyway? Does everyone have them?" Not that he'd care, but that'd be annoying. He'd never be able to convince people he only cross-dressed for special occasions then.
That deadpan!!! Well, it was motivation to try France's extreme method later. For now, he frowned in embarrassment at the Ace comment and ignored it, waving it off and letting the communicator slide to the next picture. Yes, he has one of each of them. "...I am the only one who has them aside from Cube-san, as far as I know." Yes, he had avoided the 'how did he get them' part, but that's okay. He just sideglances. "Would you really model?" This is a valid question.
Would he really? Eh, that depended really, but probably. "Only for you," Marco moved the arm around Japan to link together with his free hand and make a burning blue heart. "Now how did you get these?" He wanted to ask why, but he went with the flattered route and decided it was probably for a similar reason Marco had asked Japan if he'd draw something of himself, only without the attempts to end a hard sell... or was it?
Cue the shadiest sideglance of all time. "Cube-san gave them to me." Well, it was true... But he's clearly leaving stuff out. It's silly that he even tries.
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Somehow, he was the one cornered in this conversation. Well he hadn't expected that. "...It came up in conversation, and all I had to do was sing," he said quietly, staring at an empty seat nearby. "...Is it strange to ask for them?" While even he realized it was a little embarrassing to ask for them, that was just his way of saying, yes I wanted them.
"Flattering a little," Marco admitted bluntly. "Ace would definitely not have...." The pirate leaned over and kissed Japan's cheek. Screw self-control and restraint. "I didn't know you sang. What'd you sing? Got a favorite picture of these?" Might as well know what to model at least.
"A-ah, I--..." Japan flushed red immediately, clapping a hand to his face in shock. Even looking so surprised, though, he didn't argue against it, just staring at Marco silently for a moment before lowering his hand. "W-well, it is just something to do, I suppose," he stuttered, blinking a few times and scanning his communicator until he located the maid-and-cat-ears outfit. He said nothing, but it could be taken as a subtle admittance of his favorite. "...I only sang a couple of simple songs... It was nothing special, I assure you." ...So he says. While bright red, still, mind you.
Marco filed away that information as well. Maid and cat-ears was it? Hm. "What songs?" Marco leaned in curiously and tilted Japan's chin towards him once again. "If you sing one for me I'll tell you a secret~"
"Y-you..." He frowned in embarrassment, moving a hand to shove Marco away by the face. How do you like the tsun Marco. "A secret, is it?" he questioned, sideglancing. "...I could sing one."
Laughing softly, Marco nodded and beamed, unperturbed by the shove. "Aye. A secret. Though it seems you're keeping all my secrets these days, eh?"
"Does it?" Japan straightens himself. Well there's no way he's singing the more extreme song that actually won him the pictures, but the first one should do for Marco. ...He thought. At least it seemed like he was just curious about his voice or something. So he waits a moment and then just sings calmly. (THIS SONG WORKS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZMzV6ji7rM ...his lyrics are always ridiculous)
Marco shook his head and laughed quietly at the lyrics. They really seemed to fit Japan all right. He waited for the song to finish and leaned into whisper into Japan's ears. "You really do have a gorgeous voice mate. Which goes well with the maid uniform, eh? First time I started crushing on you was when you were wearing that. Every high kick you did, it was so hard not to notice."
He blinked when Marco was suddenly closer, and then lost all composure at the information. "W-what?! Back then?!" Instinctively, he places his hands on his lap as if preventing a nonexistant skirt from going up. Crushing? So this was actually... Japan is really slow sometimes.
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It took a lot of restraint to avoid touching his mouth at the memory of that kiss. He looks embarrassed and confused, but certainly not upset. "Why would I ever assume such a thing...?" Japan watched Marco with a frown. So maybe he hadn't meant it when he said love wasn't meant for him. But he had meant to avoid it for the better. As beautiful as things existing for a short time were, that wasn't something he was sure he could handle. He would never assume someone else had any thoughts remotely resembling that involving him. Let alone Marco, who he was so sure was interested in Ace alone. At that time he had been sure, that is.
"Eh?" Marco reached out and ruffled Japan's hair. "Maybe still just a kid at heart then." He sighed thoughtfully and tried to figure out how to cheer Japan back up. "Not that I don't want you to find happiness with someone else, eh?" Although he got jealous, which was terribly confusing and even more shoved aside than over Ace who already told him he wasn't supposed to tie him down. "But you..." What was he supposed to say? He was making a mess of it, wasn't he? "Being alone for such a long time, I mean completely one-hundred percent alone; that isn't something Ace and Seifer can understand." Was that too blunt? But Marco didn't know any other way. "Even as a kid, Ace had Luffy. He was angry and he felt the whole world hated him, but he wasn't alone. You... when you say things like not believing someone else can love you, I know you're wrong, but I don't know how to prove it without showing you."
Marco can always cheer Japan up, but these thoughts are something he can get caught in so easily. As it is now, he stares in front of him with a distant look in his eyes. The feeling of being alone was something he understood, yes. Something he told himself he had grown used to-- but there was no such thing. He was alone. He had always been alone, just with temporary moments of company. Even Seifer, who he thought would change that way of thinking, was now pushing him aside. It didn't make any sense. And here he was thinking that Marco was the one chance to change that. Someone who understood this part of him, who wouldn't leave so easily through the passage of time. He gave a hollow chuckle, looking away from him. Though there were so many ways this could be something that wouldn't work out happily, if anyone had the chance to 'prove' something like that... It was Marco, wasn't it?
"Perhaps because it is the only way."
A small frown. "People are fragile. Even the strongest man in the world has to go sometime and someone like Ace just accepts death as part of life. But I'm a phoenix." He didn't know why he was saying this. Didn't Japan already know it all? He wasn't sure why, but it seemed important to say out loud. "China told me legends about phoenixes, and you mentioned it too. So I can be your phoenix." It seemed so ridiculous now that he was saying it out loud. The promise he'd made to Whitebeard once, to help protect his family. The promise to protect them even when Whitebeard was gone still echoed in Marco's ears. It was strange to think he could make a promise so similar to anyone else. "If I can't take you back to my world, then I'll take care of my family and then come find you. You might have to be patient, but I'll be there. And if anything, time is what we have in plenty, eh?" He wanted to explain further, about why it was different, why Marco's love for Japan wasn't the same as with Ace and why it didn't interfere, but he didn't know where to start. This would have to work.
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Marco's frown deepened. "That's the same sad smile Ace gives me when he tells me this place won't..." he didn't finish the thought, just took Japan's hand. "Neither of you are phoenixes. Phoenixes rebirth. Immortal. A thousand lives, a thousand years. Either or, my only death is ocean." He held an intent look on Japan, "If I can't do this, then it's only for the here and now and won't matter, correct? So either way, I want you to trust me about it. With your whole heart," he lightly poked Japan's chest. "Because if I have your trust then I know I will never let anything stand in the way of making sure I can keep you safe. For here, or forever. I swear it on my oath as a Whitebeard pirate."
His smile faded away to surprise as Marco took his hand. For a long time, he just watched him quietly, considering the words. The idea of it. Trust. Not just trust, but complete and total trust. It wasn't anything he was used to, even now. Four people he could trust in a world he's been in for over a year and a half? That he's known of for over 37 years... Somewhere. He brings his free hand to grip Marco's and his own. "...I trust you, then. Ah, that is a rare thing, so please keep that in mind."
The frown faded away to genuine pleasure and Marco leaned in to nuzzle against Japan's cheek. "I know. And I wouldn't ask it if I wasn't willing to put my everything on the line, eh? So I promise. You won't have to permanently alone, worlds apart or not, I'll come find you. Just remember and stay open, don't shut me out." He gave him a quick kiss and snuggled around him. "Although I'm still serious about the sharing thing. Just to warn you. I'll be your phoenix, but you're our Japan." He ruffled the dark hair affectionately.
He blushes, trying to slip away, but not too much. It's all for show really. "H-hahhh, Marco is so forward..." But what he means is that he's grateful. The affection is nice, too, even if that kiss was surprising. "I will keep that in mind, though."
"Good," Marco smirked to himself. "So now that I've successfully stolen you, what to do with it, I wonder?" He made an exaggerated show of a tapping a finger to his chin.
"D-do not joke in that sort of way!" he huffs, giving Marco a look. There was always a point where the embarrassment ran up to startled exclamations.
The pirate laughed happily. "Or you'll pin me?" he taunted mercilessly.
Japan just rose his hands defensively. He was just as amused, though his face seemed as serious as ever. "If Marco continues to be so forward, he may end up on the floor."
If anything, Marco's grin just grew. "Is that supposed to be a threat or a promise Bushido? What if I don't mind being topped by you, eh?"
"Hah-- Is Marco a masochist...?" Japan frowns in apparent confusion at that, as if he's not one himself. Really, he's just going along with it as innocently as possible...
There was a quick glint of something other than amusement in the blue fires of Marco's eyes, but he forced the nearly predatory smirk back down to something less suspicious. "I'm really more of a sadist," he said far too casually for the topic at hand. "But try me and you'll find out."
Japan caught that look and stared for quite some time, his expression a mixture between nervousness and confusion. Eventually, he faced forward, giving a little huff and saying aloud as if to himself, "Ah, how I envy such youth..." Yup he went there again.
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"Hwah--!" While there was the part of him that had expected a reaction, he hadn't been sure of what or how much it would be. So in a way, he had asked for this. But this was still startling. "T-that sort of--! There is no need!" Japan was just embarrassed again, bright red, but not doing too much in the way of trying to get away or anything. He just stared up at Marco in his embarrassment, pondering many things. Making mental notes.
"Admit it," Marco taunted evenly, refusing to get up. "Age has nothing to do it. For all you know I could be eight thousand years old. A sun in my own right. A phoenix star trapped in this form," he continued dramatically. "And yet I still have you stuck here and I'm stealing you so we that we can go on a grand adventure that young people couldn't survive."
For one reason or another, Japan wasn't going to give up on his age argument. "Hah... I will believe Marco when he says that he is old, but surely he must be younger than me to have such spirit..." He sideglances, adding, "I will have back pains from this pose, as well..."
"You're only as old as you let yourself feel," Marco drawled in deadpan, got up and slung the man over his shoulders again. "Besides, back pains are best solved with exercise. How's your heart again?" It seemed prudent to ask as he opened a door to the outside of the train and had every intentions of press Japan against the railing. Never mess with pirates.
"E-eh?!" His really shocked face came out at that, and he kicked once or twice in a flail before trying to just cling to Marco's shirt. "W-what are you doing?! My heart is-- uwahh, do not startle me too much!"
"What happened to wanting to get stronger?" Marco asked in almost singsong and leaned outside into the rushing air. "Live in the moment, and no regrets." And just because he wasn't sending Japan enough mixed signals already he impetously kissed the flailing country hard.
"Th--" He was interrupted by that kiss, eyes widening. All of this was happening so fast that the speed of the train was barely noticed now. Get stronger, live in the moment, no regrets; those were all things that he had been trying to understand and achieve. Always stuck in the past or the future, how was he supposed to improve? Japan was basically frozen, and very convinced that even the slightest reaction would cause him to faint or something extremely unflattering like that, but... Not knowing how much longer Marco would keep up something sudden like that, and wanting to say something without speaking before it was too late, he leaned into that kiss in a brief moment of courage.
Marco carefully held Japan close and had to keep from stumbling at his own surprise at Japan's reaction. He gulped and closed his eyes, kissing more for now, and let the whooshing rush of the train's wind and sounds rush over him. It was pure adrenaline, like falling from a great height with the safety of knowing he could switch into wings whenever he wanted as long as he didn't wait too long. For that moment Marco couldn't feel or care about anything else in the world.
For Japan, the feeling was almost entirely foreign. He had kissed people before, though he'd never admit it, but here in this moment with his defenses down, it was different. The air from the train and the conversations from earlier and the comfort combined with uncertainty had given him this moment of bliss, and perhaps a surge of bravery. ...But it was just a brief moment. It was new, and suddenly he wasn't sure if he should be allowed to enjoy something like this. Various doubts were here and there, but the real reason he finally pulled back was embarrassment. He had just... ... He paused, staring at Marco for a moment. "A-ah... forgive me..." Because it makes sense for him to be the one to say that, obviously.
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