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[dilettante]

[ OPEN POST: TEXTS / STARTERS / PSLS ]

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— closed

[dilettante]

( it was rare that reira became truly angry and enraged to the point where she was willing to destroy everything before her. however the events of the last few months had driven her to place of pure darkness and isolation with the head of her suffering being takumi ichinose.

takumi who held her as a caged songbird, who told her who she could or couldn't date, who had slept with her and made it painfully clear it was out of pity. his life was coming together to benefit him and only him, and reira couldn't just abide by it. while he slept around, was getting married, starting a family, reira was stuck in her role. she wasn't allowed to be anything but a singing machine and it finally made her angry.

she was out for blood and it was time to shatter his illusions. )

nana, this is reira. are you busy by any chance?

( still, she was a bit of a coward. she wasn't going to confront this woman directly or at least not yet. )

[berryglass]

[ she's happy. if she says it, that makes it real, and nana has woven entire identities out of thinner threads. and so, she's happy, and she means it. the future mrs. ichinose, and the penthouse apartment and ring on her finger are tangible even if the date isn't yet.

she eats her nutritionally-balanced lunches alone, and she's happy.

her palm always itches for her phone these days, though, ears tilted as she listens for that one little message, so when her email notification jingles, she's quick to jump and read it.

she's just. you know. not expecting reira. ]

hi!!! no, i'm not busy at all.

[ nana paused, then furiously typed a follow-up. what if reira thought she was being negligent?!?!? ]

i'm just putting things away in the nursery!! ☆⌒(ゝ。∂)
why??? what's going on???

[dilettante]

( the words on the screen before her made her nearly throw her phone onto the ground. this woman was...

infuriating. reira had tried to be kind to her, inviting her to her birthday party only for the other to not properly greet her. she let that slide, not thinking much of it, even blaming herself. now though, here she was rubbing it in her face the happiness she had. really, she should think how stella would feel about this too. after all, reira wasn't the only one takumi was sleeping with.

still, she had to work her way into the revelation. the more she loomed over this, the more painful the blow would be. )

is takumi there with you by any chance?

random textie.

[sanji]

that man [ aka that asshole takumi ] texted me that you'll be busy all day
that i won't have to pick you up

is that true, layla-san?

[ because he'd rather hear it from her than take orders from that guy. ]

[dilettante]

( a therapist could write an entire essay on how she loved how sanji hated takumi and how she loved takumi all the same. )

I’m sorry Sanji, it’s true. we have two photoshoots back to back.

mostly with ren though, but I have to be there.

[sanji]

[ it never takes much for sanji to determine when a certain kind of man is a problem, and he had picked up on it almost instantly with takumi. the only reason for his tolerance is in knowing that he's reira's bandmate. ren being there is a relief at least. even with his dislike of men, ren had given him the reassurance that reira would be looked after while he's around. ]

alright, i understand, layla-san~
but i will miss you!!!! ♥

― closed

[dilettante]

( with the cool ocean breeze drifting past reira's face, she stood with a parasol above her with her heels becoming wet from the tide that came and went. she looked straight ahead as the sun began to set, and tears that threatened to pour from her eyes remained seated at the edge of her eyelids. her mind and heart were a mess, the fear of being forever alone deep within her. as she remained lost in her own wave of emotion, she hadn't realized someone was coming in towards her.

when they finally walked up to reira, she simply glanced to the side to see who it was and returned her eyes to the view before her. this wasn't someone she knew, but they seemed kind-

kind enough for her to start speaking with. )

Do you think the moon gets lonely hanging up there in the sky, so far away from the sun? I'd like to imagine they're star-crossed lovers, never being able to be together in the same place, at the same time.

[revengeisalie]

[ No matter how old you get, nature always remains fascinating. The tide and the ocean are things that seldom change, and Rin often goes to the beach when she wants to feel centered and connected to the world.

Of course, she can hardly miss the beautiful woman carrying a parasol, right at the edge of where the waves gently wash up on the shore. It's enough to pique her curiosity, so she walks up to the stranger. She can only register that the woman seems incredibly sad before she notices Rin and speaks.

Rin has to comtemplate that for a moment. ]

But the sun and the moon both still have the stars, don't they?

baratie au textie ♡

[mouton]

there's a fresh cup of warm honey tea in your dressing room.
it can help soothe your throat while you're getting ready to sing later tonight ♡

[dilettante]

how sweet, I'll get to it in a minute ♡

although....if I have any trouble singing tonight, we only have you to blame~

( considering the things they were up to last night. )

[dilettante]

( from here )

well in that case I better get on it. I’ll have to record the cutest video for you ♡

but you don’t have to carry me for very long, unless you enjoy that? hmm?

[efflations]

It will be cute no matter what because it has you in it.

I do. I like holding you. And I like being able to carry you. Is that alright?

[dilettante]

( moved from here )

( while she hadn't been expecting his sweet and loving confession to lead to this, there was always something in the air between the two— almost like a magnetizing energy that drew her into him. when he wrapped his arm around her and grabbed her rear, she gasped softly as her face was pushed up against his chest. the touches and hard manner in which he gripped her wasn't anything new but it still made her flustered all the same. thankfully no one was quite watching them, but much like before she was sure they'd make an unwitting audience out of someone.

so with a soft blush filling her face, she peaked up at ferdinand from his embrace and bit down on her lower lip as she contemplated his question. it was hard for her to admit that his confession of actually wanting to make her his left her burning with desire for him. to show everyone she was loved and belonged to him in so many ways—

could she truly just be satisfied with teasing him with her words? )

There are so many things you like and enjoy with me....but so much we have yet to explore.

( although still blushing from the excitement of everything, her voice was soft and seductive, clearly trying to get a rise out of him. )

You could tie me up, cut off my clothes and have your way with me....or we could see how far we could go here without being discovered like before.

[nobiliteatime]

[ She presented such delectable ideas to him, making it hard for him to just pick one. He was ambitious in all things, yes, but with her, that ambition threatened to overwhelm him. It made him want to experience everything that he could, and as his hand caressed her rear, he couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration that he would even need to choose in the meantime.

There was no need to choose in the end, of course. There would be plenty of opportunities to tie her up, tear her clothing away, and do exactly as she had suggested. Her other suggestion was more immediate, and it promised faster relief for the stiffening erection that already pressed against her hip. ]

Perhaps I should finger you right here, then... to see how much we can truly get away with.

[ His hand slid downward, surreptitiously seeking the edge of fabric so that his fingers could slide beneath her skirt. There had always been a curiosity to him, an interest in risky, forbidden trysts with the risk of discovery being all too real. Reira, though, had a way of making those lines between what was best left to fantasy and what could be reality a bit less well-defined for him.

He leaned in to brush his lips against her jaw, and his voice dropped into a dark, breathy whisper, meant for her ears alone. ]

Perhaps we should have a plan... in case we really are discovered.

[dilettante]

( from here )

tying me up?

faye you're such a bad girl. here I thought you were so cute and innocent. I suppose I can't argue too hard, it does sound very tempting ♡ would you be kind enough to at least use a toy or two on me too?

[bountyhead]

You're so sweet to think of me that way. You seem more fitting of the cute and innocent role though I know better now than to fall for it. You're a little minx. And I plan to tease you relentlessly with a toy or two.

Maybe a nice, thick strap I can fill you with to start.

day after.

[sharpcut]

(it wasn't a surprise, the night had ended, and she found herself doing something unusual even for her lately. she was quiet, she was focused, she even paid special attention to reira throughout the night in her own way. the way back after time spent in that club wasn't difficult to do, despite carrying her away from prying eyes and ears. despite the way that they seem to have trouble behaving with a pause every once in a while to steal kisses while out of sight from others. it wasn't perfect as a means of stopping themselves from being impatient, but it had been something.

the rest of the night had been as promised. bodies exposed, the sensation of nails in quanxi's back while her lips had taken time to reacquaint themselves slowly with her body. a bit of roughness in the places she marked with her teeth, but that wasn't so much a problem now. when they had finally chosen to rest, she didn't know. quanxi doesn't normally sleep throughout the night when she does these things. tonight had been different in that regard, there wasn't a need to leave or to sneak away from someone else's bed.

when late morning comes, she notices the way that her bed felt empty. the sound faintly of running water as a single eye opens. her other one stays closed for obvious reasons, letting the arrow be seen would be a horror in itself. giving up an eye for what she is now, some might even find her to be insane. insane enough that they'd wonder how she still functions as a person. though she wouldn't answer that, quanxi has her own set of problems, and none of them are remotely worth getting into once she sits up. the marks on her neck had turned into shades of blue and purple along her skin, a hand traces over them in thought before climbing out of bed. a near stumble. it must have been a good rest if she was reminded briefly of how she'd do this when the girls were here.

stumbling out of bed from a better rest, surprising one of them in some manner that had gotten up first for something different from their usual during the evenings. quanxi doesn't bother with her eye patch (not this time) it'd only get wet in the water. a shower. she did offer it last night, only for it to be forgotten the moment that they were completely alone.

that was time better spent on one another than worrying about mundane things when quanxi notes her closet door had been opened, likely to borrow something in the meantime. she has a more....interesting style. a man's sort of look to her wardrobe, with the occasional sight of something feminine. it wasn't that often she'd wear those, unless she felt like wearing a skirt, a dress of her own from time to time. simple clothes, but comfortable and fitting for her. quanxi wasn't that flashy whenever she quietly nudges the bathroom door open. her footsteps are silent until the shower door slides open, although that was to not catch reira completely off guard from the sight of a groggy and slowly awakening quanxi coming to join her.

it's a rare sight, but it's something else she can commit to memory.)

[dilettante]

( rules were a fundamental thing that had been long established even before the two woman had decided to play the game. there were expectations placed on reira, things she wanted and things that could only be given to her if she behaved. being a singer wasn't something she particularly enjoyed, mostly doing it to be close to someone she had once loved but did not love her, and to secure her own future. yet the more she behaved and obeyed diligently, the more she sought more and more unique ways to quench the never ending loneliness that seemed to follow her wherever she went. whoever started this little back and forth was unknown— flirting came naturally to reira and if others were compelled to indulge her, she always sought to take it as far as she could.

she just never imagined it could get this far. not with a woman like quanxi.

she was sheltered from the harsh realities of life, but despite that she was far from being naive. reira could easily tell and see what kind of woman quanxi was, how many lovers must have folded through the simple touch of her fingers and a graze of her lips. how many bodies were marked up in a similar way that she was? yet as she was carried home and brought to that apartment that quanxi viewed as far too boring for a celebrity like her, she truly felt like a princess in that moment. there were no negative emotions and sentiments brewing beneath, and as her body hit the other's bed, all she could think about was how she didn't want this to end.

the more she touched quanxi, explored her body in turn and left her own mark on her, the more she wanted her. she was still so nervous to say those words— fear of rejection consuming every fiber in her being and yet she couldn't stay away. was it possible she had room in her heart to care for another? these were the thoughts that came rushing after that final orgasm, when their bodies laid nearly on top of each other, beads of sweat trailing down over their marks and forming bruises. it wasn't enough to keep her from sleeping but it did make her wake up early.

it was strange really, because when she woke up she felt a wave of affection towards the other, wanting to curl up and hold her but instead reira got out of bed and began to wander about the small apartment, taking in what little she could in between the haze of her drowsiness. there wasn't much to discern or pickup from what was in the plain home, so her own wanderings eventually led her to the closet. there it was, a place that held all the clothes reira loved to see on the other woman, the numerous ties she adored gripping and tugging on, a leash to keep the other bounded to her during their scandalous moments. yet as she opened it, she was filled with a much more soft and endearing feeling—

desire. she reached for one of the dress shirts, grabbing it and holding it close because she couldn't bring herself to embrace the other when she woke up. instead she would hold this shirt close and bask in a familiar scent. a scent that filled her head with an intoxicating wave, leaving her wistful for something more. the day was all hers for once, some interview or endless photoshoot cancelled. yet she couldn't bring herself to ask the other to spend the day with her. another broken rule and she felt [unrightly so] that she was already pushing it by being so bold. so she decided to place the shirt back and head into the shower, preparing to say her goodbyes after she was ready. no stopping her then.

yet as she got into the shower and began to embrace the warmth of the water as both her mind and senses woke up, she immediately heard those familiar footsteps, bringing the other woman into the shower with her. it was a surprising sight, enough to leave her with a curious expression before it relaxed into something more seductive.

it was easier to handle these big emotions by covering them up with sex and seduction. at least it was for someone as sensitive as reira. )

Why hello there, didn't expect to see you up this bright and early.

( and without hesitation, like a good girl, she turned to embrace the other, threads of water pouring down her face as she hovered her lips up towards the other. she was much taller than reira, much stronger so she'd have to bend down to truly connect them— but the offer was there. )

I guess someone couldn't resist....it'd be our first time being intimate in the shower. Exciting way to start the day isn't it?

— closed

[dilettante]

( self-control was a difficult thing and reira had never truly been granted such an important gift. it could have been because of the way she was raised, daddy's girl spoiled with trips to coney island and not much expected of her from a young age. it could have been from simply being a famous celebrity, being waited on hand and foot, not much expected of her beyond being a simple singing machine. whatever the answer was for the way she was [a combination of all her life experiences], what it cumulated to was her relationship with a mysterious, possibly dangerous woman turning from something casual and frivolous to something downright full of passion and intensity. what went from simple casual texts, and a bit of flirting turned into a daily ritual— morning texts, little photos here and there of whatever occurred in their day [food, animal sightings, selfies], and a constant drive to see each other as often and as quickly as possible. the night before had been no different of course; in a fancy black car, she was driven to quanxi's apartment and discreetly she used the spare key she had been given to come inside. this type of hiding and discreet behavior had become so common for reira that when she stepped inside, there was a spot for her to toss her hat, sunglasses, and coat— with it happening enough, it seemed the rug they landed on felt lonely when they were taken away and gone.

once inside of the other's apartment, she had immediately gone into the arms of the other, settling the bill of her fancy lingerie somewhere between their first kiss and them falling in each other's arms, covered in sweat from their passionate endeavors.

by now it was morning and much like the previous times she had stayed, she had brushed her teeth and brushed her hair, lingering around the apartment in a simply silk teddy. unlike her disguise she wore, this item had become a permanent resident of quanxi's apartment— who insisted on such a thing? who knew at this point, all reira knew that her heart raced every time she woke up in her arms, and when the other woman called her by her new favorite moniker, 'sweetheart'.

somewhere in between the clothes that rested on their favorite spot on the rug, was a small box; the surprise reira had promised. yet she wondered when the best time to bring it up would be. so she decided to gauge things and as she walked out of the bathroom and saw quanxi seated, she sauntered her way over and slinked down onto her lap playfully, wrapping one arm around the other's neck and shoulders for support. with a purring voice full of seduction, she arched her back and guided the other's free hand towards her stomach. this had truly become her favorite spot to be in— with how small she was and how much taller and stronger the other, it seemed only fitting. )

Well Good Morning, looks like I have this morning free until one. Mind if I spend this time with you? I was....

( she turned her face a bit to gaze into the other's eye, her eyes hazily closing a bit as she stared at her seductively. )

Hoping I could show you my surprise.

[sharpcut]

(dangerous desires are one thing quanxi knows too well, she's indulged in those a little too often. risk has an appeal to it, even for someone like her. the appeal of being granted something that would one day tear her apart. this unusual woman, a mystery who on a good day might only come off as having unique quirks to her. on other days? odder than usual from her more unique mannerisms, she already did get attention for not being particularly chatty. it was almost like she stared right through anyone for trying. restraint was something she had to learn, though restraint in itself is a fickle thing for quanxi about her more self-indulgent whims. she wouldn't have begun responding back to those texts if she didn't want to do such a thing, even sending photos of her own were it possible for the day. not everything could be seen.

public safety has its own rules and quanxi by no means is foolish enough to break them by involving a civilian past what they should (or in this case, shouldn't) see. a small part of her prefers it that way, to keep reira from wandering deeper into the more dangerous side that remains unseen. she is a thorough worker, diligent, and insane enough for this line of work from her recollection of remarks kishibe once made. devil hunters die fast, quanxi? no. she doesn't stay dead, she's the worst nightmare of any manner of fiend or devils wandering the streets. other hybrids, too, if they were on the wrong side of her swords. but that's so easy, falling into a pattern and the two of them barely making it to her bedroom while in the throes of passion. she almost had the rest of reira's clothes join her disguise from how long they were both waiting. patience can be another struggle for her when she finds herself wanting something, someone.

who knew, indeed, about the matter of insisting that she saved some closet space for her lover. in case if she wanted to bring more than a simple silk teddy, something that could have stayed permanently in between certain articles of clothing that had been disappearing for quanxi. she didn't mind. not even the way that she had her in her arms during the morning, calling her by something as tender as that precious moniker. sweetheart.

she could have used other words, but it felt all the more fitting. quanxi was seated on her sofa, a cigarette could be seen lit and hanging off her lips. this time she had taken the chance to wear another of her button-ups, half of the buttons were undone, but she didn't seem to care. it was only another thing that looked good on her, aside from that lace eye patch that she almost would always put on without fail. her biggest secret rests behind that. a secret that she forgets about when the deep black of her eye settles on reira, her favorite place, the taller woman can feel that purr. that look in her eyes.

again, it stirs something in her. quanxi's arm is comfortable around reira, holding on to her like something she treasures. her hand that the other woman guided to her stomach, it only causes her fingertips to brush along the soft skin there. there was something that could always get her attention, to take her mind away from everything that she would have thought about when it came to her. this is no different in how quanxi looks at her, that dark eye of hers almost showing a hint of curiosity.)

I don't mind, sweetheart....

(the words come off her tongue so naturally, maybe she did find a way into the heart of someone like her. without quanxi admitting it out loud, she must have. she wants to know what surprise her lover had in mind, how they might be spending this time together until they'd part again. all with an unspoken desire, an unspoken word any time they unite again of "i missed you" hanging about the air.)

psl, some time after their fight at the denny's —

[adultery]

[ The flashbulbs die out, the stylists pack their kits, and the remaining crew shuffles off. What lingers when they're gone isn't the scent of hairspray or perfume so much as a certain absence. Reira had been radiant under the lights, of course she had been, but between her rehearsed smile and the way that she keeps her distance from him, something sits weighted in Takumi's chest.

Takumi stays behind in the dressing room long after he should've left; with his elbows resting on his knees and running a hand through his hair like it might steady him. The glossy preview shots replay in his mind: Reira poised as though she belongs to another world entirely, and then him, watching her from whatever hell he belongs to.

She's hardly said anything to him. She isn't cold, isn't unkind, just scarce. Scarce, like she's slipping from him. Something bitter tugs at the corner of his mouth, but it doesn't hold. Pathetic, he thinks, sliding a cigarette from its box only to keep it between his fingers. What was he expecting, really? That she'd break composure mid-shoot just to tether herself back to him? That she'd let him have some small claim in the orbit of her perfect pictures?

The cigarette rests between his lips, unlit, as his gaze drifts to the other dressing room door she left through hours ago. He knows she's still in there. ]

Reira.

[ Her name leaves his throat, not for anyone but her. ]

in which i had the thought after their gen texting

[wrappings]

(it hadn't been long, not this time, when blade had found himself staying the night again. another night spent wondering to himself how anyone could long to have a monster in their bed, much less even touch and be touched by one. the night itself wasn't long, not this time, it was simply time spent without thinking about anything aside from this momentary pleasure. but he's never been someone to have peaceful slumber half the time, throughout the night he realized he was fortunate. he hadn't tossed and turned, simply held still again as vague memories of voices and faces he could not make out haunted his dreams. whispers about his work, utterances of how his pride was a beast of its own. the glimpses of what felt like happier times that seemed to be insignificant to what he is now. but he doesn't speak when his eyes open, he didn't bother to move away. it's the only time that he looks peaceful. sleeping, wondering when the agony of living will stop dragging him down further as he never once desired this. his vision blurs as sleep is blinked away from his eyes.

a full eight hours, shockingly. for someone so neglectful of himself, he displays care in other means even if it were something basic. if only because he had been told he should try and be presentable more for their sake rather than his own. blade doesn't move much when he reaches to run his fingers, as stiff and trembling as they are, along his cheeks. stubble. he'd have to shave again, as that is another surprise. he maintains something of grooming, too, as part of his routine. which leaves another problem, blade naturally needs to hold something to sleep....and from what he's checked, he still has one arm wrapped firmly around reira. keeping her close, like his anchor and like some manner of safety can be given to them both for trying.

he can feel her arms around him as well, normally he might have not felt bad if he were made to share a bed with a stranger, but as she had managed to edge into unknown territory for blade? he was more respectful, expressing something that wasn't just his usual tiredness and the fact he'd often help her when asked. the same way he did for the others. he's careful about getting up, almost feeling bad for needing to, but blade did like to maintain his habits a little. even if it made no difference when he does this, it's simply a preference before he quietly enters the bathroom to get a good look at his face.

she'll be awake soon, he knows, but he wasn't so terrible to leave like others would have. despite also thinking reira deserves better than an ugly monster like him, and his body which carries so many scars. each now in view, from a rather nasty one along the column of his throat to his arms, hands, everywhere and anywhere. what the hell did he go through, one might wonder, he'd never say. with that aside, blade glances at his stubble, the five'o clock shadow. it didn't look that bad, something easily taken care of unlike that beard he once had. better to be careful, when he reaches to fill the sink to wash his face first at the sound of familiar footsteps. like he expected, then. but he doesn't say anything, blade only glances at the door which he left open and at her once she's there.)

[dilettante]

( soft and tender was the attitude reira had taken with blade, and while she wasn't the most emotionally intelligent person around, there was enough there to see the two had some issues with their faltering esteem. the lead singer of a band created to keep her close to the bassist of the band; a childhood friend, such a role felt more like a gold cage to her. she had been in love with him since childhood, but instead of returning that love, he simply kept her close like a precious pet forcing her to watch as he moved on with his own life, a wife and child. it was difficult for her to be in such a position which is why when she met blade, she did all she could to rope him into her life.

at first it was a fleeting fancy; sex and intimacy were easy to give for her, easy enough to justify why she'd cling around to such a man who viewed himself so monstrously. now however? she'd fallen hard for him, seeking to comfort him when he seemed so down about himself, and to nurse all of his aches and ailments. he was cold, even downright impossible to read and get him to say what was on his mind but there she was— trying as hard as she could, almost begging for him to let her in.

eventually, right?

tonight was special, another night he'd stay over and she was held in his embrace. she felt so safe sleeping next to him and once more the loneliness that threatened to consume her was at bay. she felt so comfortable she'd barely noticed when the night ended and the day began, only stirring up from her place on her bed when the florescent lighting of the bathroom shined into her bedroom. at that moment when she woke up alone in bed, she'd assumed he had left her. a soft sigh and toss of a pillow on the ground and she was already getting ready to give up on him. that was until she heard water running and soon she was up and at the bathroom door.

there she stood by its frame, a white cotton top barely covering her upper torso, and matching panties for her bottom. her long pink curls were a mess, flopped over with her baby bangs swept to the side. she remained silent for a moment as she looked at him before yawning softly and moving slowly towards him. )

You're still here....

( in any other tone of voice it might have sounded like she didn't want him there, but the way her soft lips spoke those words indicated a sense of relief that he was. as soon as she closed in on him, she began to wrap her arms around his waist. there were no defining words to establish what kind of relationship they had, leaving a slight stinging feeling to the songstress but this was better than having nothing. )

You can take a bath if you need to? Or do you want something to eat?

— baratie au

[dilettante]

The world was a cruel and difficult place, especially for two orphans whose parents had been killed by pirates. It was never Layla's intention for things to end up like this, but the only person she had in her life was Takumi and he knew very well that his own salvation laid within her talents. They'd discovered at a young age that she was gifted with the ability to sing, stopping a shop keep from attacking them when she began to sing a song he had been whistling earlier― and he knew she'd be a success when she landed a job at the Baratie as its restaurant singer, providing them both a place to work and sleep.

Her own feelings began to develop during this time, bonding and becoming fixated on being close to him. However any time he spent that wasn't with her, was in the arms of another woman. Countless lovers over the years, countless lays and before she knew it, she was a bird in a cage of gold. He fawned over her, was protective but strict, not allowing her to date anyone or to even be intimate for fear it would ruin her voice. He said this restaurant wasn't their final stop, she'd become a world famous singer and every leader of each the World Government would pay to see her perform live.

Yet as they went on like this, her heart began to break more and she truly began to feel like a prisoner of her situation. At a boiling point she'd confronted Takumi, declaring her love for him only to be rejected and told 'no'. It finally dawned on her that there was no point in staying by his side, propelling his dreams by allowing herself to be used. It was time for her to escape― only she wasn't very good at it.

"You know, the courteous thing to do would be to get me down from here!", she said, her long curls now hanging over her head and her eyes shifting from side to side as she tried to make sure no one was watching her besides the man who had caught her. It was the middle of the night and she'd slipped out of the boat she'd been given, tripping and being tied up by ropes as she was hanging off the side of it. She had big dreams to escape and seek her own path, but if she could barely make it out of the area the Baratie was in well....

she was in trouble.

[shanksyourfeels]

Their world was, in fact, extra cruel to orphans, so it was natural for them to band together. Shanks knows that fact rather well. There's only so much he can do, though.

In fact, he never planned to return to the East Blue in the first place. He's been on the Grand Line for so long, with good reason, but circumstances called for him and the Red Hair Pirate crew to return, so he did what he had. It was his first time in Baratie, so he enjoyed himself, food and drink, spoiling the crew. They had earned it, after all.

And then a stunning voice caught his attention. She nearly brought tears to his eyes causing him to recall happier times in his life, when he had a musician on board that sang like that. He was generous in clapping when her performance ended.

When leaving, it was reflex that prompted Shanks to catch the person who almost fell, and only realized who it was he caught when she spoke and he looks down.

"Of course. More courteous might be teaching you about boats, though," Shanks offers, gently teasing with a chuckle. "You have a wonderful voice, by the way."

He lets her down, carefully with his arm, cloak keeping the left side of his body closed off from view.