A.N: Takes place sometime between Coby and Helmeppo coming to the Marine HQ and the War of the Best. No spoilers.
Hatch 19: Christmas of Marines
"What a great smell" Coby said as he and Helmeppo passed one of the kitchens in marine HQ "It smells like Christmas."
"Smells like Christmas?" the blond questioned "What does Christmas smell like?"
"Well you know freshly baked gingerbreads, ham and all other Christmas food..." Coby listed "And of course, the smell of a real Christmas tree."
"But a real tree leaves a lot to clean up after it dries" Helmeppo pointed out "So isn't a plastic one better?"
"No" Coby said "A real one will create the right atmosphere."
"Huh? Tasty food and presents are what create a good enough Christmas for me" Helmeppo said "A real tree's not necessary."
"Well I suppose it's different for everyone" Coby said with a shrug "For me I need the scent of a real tree to make it a good Christmas."
"I need lots of good food" came a voice from behind them "And someone to train."
The two young men gulped before turning around, coming face to face with vice admiral Garp.
"Well" the old man said "Do you two care to volunteer training with me?"
"...I think I'll pass on that..." Helmeppo said and Coby agreed: "Yeah, me too."
"So you two agree?" Garp said, purposely ignoring what they really said "Great!"
"Shouldn't people be peaceful and take it easy around Christmas time?" Coby asked, desperately trying to save them from the hellish training (beating) that was about to ensue.
"Well it's not Christmas yet" Garp said with a grin "Consider it as an early Christmas present."
One hell of a present they were gonna get.
A.N: Next we'll see a little mermaid dreaming about Christmas.