Fic : Relativity, Too OMAKE
Title: Relativity, Too Omake
Pairing: Smoker/Ace
Rating: PG
Notes: Bwa P mini-omake to Relativity, Too quick betas by the lovely Snarks and Ira squish

Tashigi was, in a word, confused. Irritated, curious, or neglected would also suffice, but mostly she was just flat-out confused.

She was used to Ace flickering in on his little skiff at ungodly hours of the night. She was used to Smoker's grumpy fuming about how much of an imposition and impropriety the pirate's visits were. She was even - Tashigi blushed - used to the yelling and banging sounds from Smoker's cabin that inevitably ensued.

She was not, however, used to seeing her Captain, who frequently referred to Ace's skiff as the 'Death Trap on Speed' actually board said vessel after giving her temporary command of his ship.

"Mind the boat," she mimicked Ace's parting jibe, grumbling to herself. From her vantage point on the bow, she could see the two men shuffling about the skiff; apparently arguing over something or other. As usual.

As she watched, somewhat resentful at being left out of the loop, Ace seemed to sense her gaze and looked up at her suddenly. Her sometimes co-conspirator winked at her and waved... something violently purple at her. Tashigi squinted, adjusting her glasses.

It appeared to be a... knit hat? Ace's flailing of said hat and accompanying frantic gesturing at Smoker seemed to indicate that the unlikely garment belonged to her Captain. But... "What does the 'C' stand for?" she yelled, pointing to the electric green letter stitched on the front. Tashigi was sure it was some breach of Marine code to yell over the side of the ship, but she didn't care; it wasn't fair for Ace to keep snooped-out secrets to himself!

"The 'C' is for Con-!"

Tashigi winced at the loud clang the pirate's skull made as it connected solidly with the skiff's metal hull. At least Ace had a hard head...

"Carry on, Sergeant Major." Her Captain's tone brooked no argument. She saluted smartly.

"Yes, sir!"

Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Ace grinning cheekily up at her from Smoker's feet. 'Later' he mouthed as he scrambled back to his feet, shooting an unrepentant look at her frowning Captain. Great gouts of flame shot out as he propelled the skiff forward, laughter pealing out behind them.

Later. Right. She huffed, dropping her hand to her hip. Fine. She was a trained Marine. She could be patient.

But it better be worth the wait, or else!

-Tro