Lost in the Smoke:
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Lost in the Smoke:
Chapter 4: Night
Night came and most everyone was sleeping save for one subordinate keeping watch above deck and Smoker. He had been sitting in his room staring at maps when he got a snail call.
"Smoker you there?" it was Hina.
Smoker picked up, "Yeah, I'm here," exaction filling his voice.
"How are you guys holding up?"
"We're doing alright. How's it coming?" Smoker rubbed his brow; he was beginning to get a headache. This was one of the few times Smoker didn't have a cigar in his mouth. It was also the first time he didn't want one.
"Not to good, their covering their tracks well. This might take a while. You might want to get prepared for a long ride, I don't think this is going to be over anytime soon," sorrow filled her voice.
"What's wrong?"
"If we can't clear Tashigi I'll have to hunt you both down and bring you in. I don't think I can do it," Hina sobbed. Hina doesn't cry easily, she acts more like a man in thing like emotions, but she was obviously distraught now.
"Pull yourself together Hina."
"Sorry," she took a deep breath and calmed down. Her voice now clear of all those bothersome tears, "They don't know you're missing yet, Garp had made shore of that, but it's only a mater of time."
"I know. Look, Hina, it's been a ruff day."
"I understand, get some sleep," she hung up. Smoker ran his hand through his hair, eyes shut, thinking of what he would do next. He took a deep breath and stood up leaving his room. He walked to Tashigi's room, he hesitated at the door. After waiting a moment he opened it and went inside leaving the door open. He pulled a chair up to her bed and sat down. Elbows resting on his knees he watched her sleep. The light of the moon covered everything in a soft blue light.
"Tashigi, if only you knew," Smoker whispered to himself. He picked his words carefully; always fearful she might wake up. He sat there for a moment just watching her till finally he put the chair back and shut the door. He went above deck and sighed in exhaustion, his hot breath misting the night air.
"Sir is something wrong?" the subordinate on watch asked.
"Only everything," Smoker replied.
"Is there anything I can do sir?"
"No, I just came up to get some fresh air; I'll be going back down soon."
"Yes sir," the solder replied returning to the helm. Smoker went back to his room and sat down on his bed, placing his face in the palms of his hands.
"Smoker," called Tashigi just outside his door. She was in a powder blue silk night gown with white lace around the rim. Smoker had to bite his tongue to keep himself in check. Smoker's Mind: Damn it why don't you just walk in here stock naked and flaunt yourself in front of me.
"Tashigi, what are you doing up?"
"I don't really know. I was asleep when I just woke up for no reason. Then I heard your footsteps. Is something wrong?" She asked stepping into the room.
"No, go back to bed," he replied coldly. He hadn't meant to sound so cold, but that was the only town he could manage right now. The sight of her in such little clothing was too much, cold was the only tone he could manage.
"If nothing's wrong then why are you still up at this hour?" she asked. He didn't have an answer. He broke in that instant giving into his desires, just a little.
"You know, sometimes you're just to damn perceptive," Smoker laughed, his head flung back and a hand covering half his face.
"Sir?" Tashigi was confused.
"Come here," he beckoned her to sit down beside him on the bed. Tashigi sat down desire him completely oblivious to his desire for her. Smoker's Mind: Just this once let me be selfish. "Tashigi," Smoker called his voice sleepy. He laid his head down on her shoulder, "Can I sleep like this?"
"Of course sir."
"I'm asking as Smoker, not your commander Tashigi."
"The answer is still the same, Smoker, though I think you might get a kink in your neck if you try to sleep like this," she replied quickly. She gently took his head in her hands and laid it in her lap, "I think this would be more comfortable," she smiled stroking his hair.
"Thank you Tashigi," Smoker closed his eyes.
"Good night sir."
His voice full of sleep, "Call me Smoker."
"Good night Smoker," She whispered still stroking his hair.
KURRYdaJIGGAmonkey thinks I should have longer chapters, I think KURRYdaJIGGAmonkey is right, I do need longer chapters. So next chapter will be much longer :) Thank you KURRYdaJIGGAmonkey.