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[ Blackbeard huffs a breathy laugh. Yeah, the statues are weird, right? This whole place is like a play pretending to be reality. But he imagines Mizuki has enough on her plate without dragging in existential crises to the mix. So, he keeps that to himself but shrugs at what... sounds like an accusation? ]

Uh, yeah? Used to living on a ship before now, which is kind of like crashing with three dozen or so randos who can't wipe their own asses without being told to do it, so this is basically an upgrade for me, living with one person who has a job and shit to do elsewhere that doesn't involve my say-so.

...Huh.

[ It's an intrigued sort of "Huh," like maybe she'd never thought of it like that. Either way, someone like Mizuki unfortunately can't... just live with anyone. ]

Were you the ship's captain? That's cool.

[ In any other town, Blackbeard might be concerned he's leading this girl into danger, but here? It's like leading a one-eyed kitten into a den of mice. Probably better off with a stranger than the "chosen" of this place. They're the wolves amongst the sheep in Aldrip, not the other way 'round. ]

Mm. Cool for a while, yeah, when there was excitement about it and a name to be made. Started out a nobody under someone else's flag like all the rest. Raided and looted and outlived the lot 'til I was "Blackbeard, Terror of the Seas." From there, though, it was just a drag.

[ Fame is... a drag? From how Iris acts, it seems Mizuki never thought of it that way, but in hindsight, it's quite obvious that it would be exhausting. At least, for her. (Iris's energy seems endless.) ]

Maybe it'll be less of a drag in a whole new world you've never been. You ever think about putting together another crew? [ There sure is a lot of ocean out there. ]

[ You ever think about putting together another crew? Uh, only every fucking day. Still, he shrugs, noncommittal. ]

I guess. I don't know, maybe, if it seems worth my time.

[ But enough about that little sore spot— ]

Why? Feel like giving up one shared, overcrowded living space for another?

[ Mizuki tilts her head. He seems casual about it, but it seemed like there was something a little more to that. Her investigative senses are telling her she should pursue this line of questioning, but she remains equally noncommittal. ]

I might be interested in adventure, but you'd have to teach me the ropes.

[ There's certainly no one tying her down anymore. Maybe Vi, but... ]

No worries there. Sailing's an easy thing to teach. [ haha Teach ] It's a thirst for adventure that can't be learned.

[ That's not why he started, though. And not why she'd be interested either, he imagines. His voice quiets. ]

Anyway, most pirates learn to sail as they go. Some are chasing dreams of glory and gold, yeah, but most are just trying to get away from a bad life. Start over. Break the chains.

[ He's heard the sounds of tears and pain in a person's voice too many times not to recognize when he hears it. ]

[ There is silence on Mizuki's end as she stares at him through the feed. She is suddenly glad that she never turned on the hologram video from her end, because it sure does feel like he is reading her right now.

In her case, it's less trying to get away from this life and more getting back to the one she had. Because she doesn't talk about it much, but she still has something important to do back home. ]

...Yeah. I can see how that life would be attractive to someone like that.

[ It's not meant to be an accusation, or a baited hook. Would kind of defeat the point if it was. Just an offer. So when it's quietly redirected, Ed just nods in equally muted agreement. ]

Mmhm. You know anyone like that, you send them my way, hm? Maybe I'll get that crew yet.

[ Or just be a safe port if she changes her mind. ]

[ A hum that might just be a grin from the other side of the charm can be heard. Mizuki certainly welcomes the way he smoothly so steers the pressure off. She'd never imagine she'd have a life as a pirate, but she'd never imagined she'd have a life on a farm, either. ]

You bet.

Be sure to save a spot for me. Just in case... Captain Blackbeard.

[ Life never goes the way you plan, does it? But sometimes, when you're very lucky, it goes in a way you don't hate. Maybe even enjoy. Being that person again doesn't sound so bad when she says it. Blackbeard's eyes narrow and cheeks apple with a smile almost entirely hidden beneath the beard. ]

Be a damned fool if I didn't.

[ And because he's got his own shit to do and feels confident enough in leaving her to hers, he signs off— ]

Take care, Mizuki.

[ —and the video flickers off. ]

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sorry for the delay!

sorry for mine too! ;; this. this month is just kind of happening. yeah

i feel that

we can wind this down if you want, make room for a new thread in aug :)

yesss works for me!

awesome <3

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