[Voice] Forward-dated to around 8am on the 13th

[mikangirl]

[Filtered from Hazama, Hazama, and Hazama]

Uh.

[...

...oh the most sheepish of tones.]

If someone is near the tunnels, I could--

[and then there's a heavy shifting sound and a sleepy voice can be heard.]

Huh...?  [Followed by a sharp gasp.]

--hold that thought.

[Journal slam.  We'll be right back after these messages. >_>]

Comments

[Action]

[mikangirl]

All right. Sounds like a good idea. [Because lord knows it's been a long three days. She'll yawn again, rocking back on her feet before she rights herself.]

[...it almost looks like that large, blue webbed hand reached out from the gloom by the doorway to steady her, settling down on Nami's shoulder in a proprietary sort of fashion. And there's someone grinning a very, very sharp-toothed grin just behind her.]

[Action]

[skulljokelol]

[He flinches when the hand comes out like that: like a monster, he fears at first, but it's not... quite right-] A fishman?!

[He'd be relieved that it's at least a species he can recognize if it hadn't come the hell out of nowhere.]

[Action]

[mikangirl]

[BROOK, FLINCHING AND SAYING SUCH THINGS WHEN NAMI IS EXTREMELY TIRED IS ILL-ADVISED. Jumping herself and spinning around with a squeak because looming fishmen are--

--not there. What. But benefit of doubt there, Brook. So she will ask nervously.]

Where?

[Arlong shifts his gaze to Brook with curiosity. Because being seen is such a rarity and all. And then the grin takes on a certain smugness and he lifts that hand in greeting. Yo.]

[Action]

[skulljokelol]

[Katie told him that it would be best to ignore these things. That would be so much easier to do if it didn't look like they were really there in the first place.

And he has to be, if Nami can't see him. Brook doesn't take his gaze off of Arlong, but he acts quick to dismiss him.]

F-Forgive me for startling you. I'm tired; it must have been a trick of the light.

[Action] Keywords 8|

[mikangirl]

[...uh.]

That's some trick of the light, Brook. [Double-checking now. Did she close the front door? Yes, she did. So no passing fishmen sighted that way.]

...tired, huh?

[Watchful fishman pirate is watchful. Staring right back at you.]

[Action] XD

[skulljokelol]

You would be surprised, really. One light can cast all sorts of interesting shadows if it is positioned just so. [Rambling, rambling. Stop doing that Arlong it's creepy. ;;]

...It's been a long night, is all.

[Action]

[mikangirl]

[She is not convinced. :| And is now a little worried. A 'long night' would be easier to swallow if he wasn't rambling beforehand. What is this, did everyone have breakdowns in her absence or something?]

...maybe you should have some tea. [That always relaxes you, right?]

[And leaning against the door, Arlong is just grinning at your nervousness. And sizing you up in a calculating sort of way. Charming sort, isn't he?]

[Action]

[skulljokelol]

Yohohoho... You know, I think that is a very good suggestion! I might pick some up in town.

[Town, where the fishman wouldn't be. Not that he's even here in the first place, actually. Brook stands a little straighter.]

[Action]

[mikangirl]

[Town?]

You're going out?

[She doesn't sound alarmed. Just general curiosity. (Yes, he's still watching you. But at least that's all he's doing. Thus far he seems intent on just eavesdropping.)]

[Action]

[skulljokelol]

[Good - he's easier to ignore that way. Brook's full attention is on Nami now.]

Yes, I have some urgent business to attend to.

[Action]

[mikangirl]

Okay. I guess I'll see you later on then. [Yawns.] Take care, Brook.

[Action]

[skulljokelol]

[Much later. He tips his hat.] Right... Have a good rest, Nami-san.

[Going for his bag now. And taking a last glance at Arlong from over his shoulder.]

[Action]

[mikangirl]

Will do. [She has totally earned it, okay. Small wave and heading on to her bedroom.]

[...with an Arlong following along. But he's still grinning at Brook.]

[Action] /finally made that B| icon

[skulljokelol]

[Stiffening. You wouldn't think that would be possible for a guy without muscles, would you?

If he goes any further, he'll find there's a cane suddenly in his path. Wipe that grin off your face, Arlong - if Brook can't go into Nami's room, like hell you're going to be allowed to.]

[Action] /applauds

[mikangirl]

[The door clicks shut behind Nami, at least.

Arlong will glance down at the cane and then back to Brook, grin getting wider. Look at all those sharp teeth. Look at that. Not so easy to ignore me now, is it?]

[Action]

[skulljokelol]

[Brook breathes out a sigh, happy knowing Nami is at least out of earshot if he keeps his voice low.]

On the contrary, I could ignore you as well as I see fit to. But I would no longer be able to call myself a gentleman, much less her nakama, if I did so now.