Author's Notes: Greetings all! So, I have some good news and some bad news. Good news is we got a small group of people interested in Death of the Flame Fist for me to revisit this and plan out a fully realized, political drama project in the future. The parameters I had before will remain, so I get to keep the Saturday Morning Fever theme going, but I don't know how "sexy" to make this yet if I'll even commit to some sexiness. I might not. That's probably pushing it. That and a few other things will have to be examined a bit more closely to see how deep I'm going with this. Bad news is we got no reviews on this yet, so I can't make this into an official thing until someone says "Hey, do that thing." So... yeah, we're stuck in the middle of the teeter-totter still. :/ Honestly, we've got plenty of time to figure it all out, so it's really no pressure.

Regardless of the news, I wanted to post this next chapter as a bonus. It's a conversation between Ace and Primrose Sedzig, an original character. She's the older woman that Nesi spoke to in the earlier chapters before all of the flashbacks came in. For context, Nesi had asked Seraphim Sedzig, whose name I'm changing to Sera Lynn (wasn't aware there was a robot named Seraphim :/), what Ace had told Primrose to make her love him so much. I'm just revealing that bit. It's also related to the final chapter of this when Luffy reveals that Nesi and Ace had married by accident. It's a funny and dramatic chapter.

~ ... Heat of the Moment ... ~

Nesi was organizing things in her personal library for the night. She had much to do with her privateering duties now. Her new, rented lodging was still a bit empty and lacked any personal touches, but she was working on things one step at a time. She had more study materials than anything else within her luggage, so she needed a proper office and study. It was coming along nicely, and she designed the bookshelves to her liking while keeping things sort of fun and charming. Ace was sulking in the kitchen before he sighed and finally made himself go into Nesi's guest bathroom to wash up. Problem was... he was hoping to shower with Nesi like before on the Bloody Doubloon, but he visited her home too late and she had practically finished her dinner. Of course, he was able to partake in her cooking while she had her dessert and tea. Once she was done with that, she smiled sweetly at him like usual and scuttled to her library. His eyes were taking in her pajama set a lot more lately. It wasn't anything out of the ordinary. It was just... well, he never saw... her before. She usually wore men's linens for underwear because it was comfortable out on the sea. On land, she wore more feminine attire like chemises and frilly pieces with a long robe. He remembered saying something about it being part of a tea gown. It was kind of... cute.

Ace always figured that the reason Nesi might've been uncomfortable with showering with the boys before was because she was just shy about her body. He knew she was a singular female around a bunch of guys, obviously, but no one was attracted to her in that way so all seemed fine. Everyone pretty much agreed to liking her scales. She wouldn't have any of that, though. So, she hid away in that barrel tub thing. The night when Pieter van der Does reserved a section of barracks for the Spades while Nesi was training under his tutelage was when he really got to see Nesi. She was tired from her lessons for the day, so she didn't even notice Ace watching her coming out of the tub and drying off to put on clothes. He didn't see everything since a rack blocked the sensitive bits, but he saw enough to recognize that, while he cherished Nesi as a friend, she was still a young woman. That country girl who used to cook meals for the unfortunate was now a hardened, confident fighter. He asked to shower with her like the marines would do just so she'd get used to the idea, but she refused and said that the point of her training with Pieter wasn't to groom her into the life of a marine. She was being developed into something else. She just needed to learn etiquette, politics, and some other random crap that the marines had to know. Ace tried to ask again a different time with the plain reason of simply wanting to for old time's sake, and Nesi didn't oppose to it, but she did bring up the fact that there were no extra spigots for him to use since the bathroom she was using at the barracks was for her specifically. It had the tub and vanity in one place. The shower room was made for the men.

In truth, Ace was frustrated at the separation for the bathing situation. He had simply grown used to the joint showering and didn't want it taken away so drastically. The other more embarrassing truth was that they hadn't acted like a married couple yet. Sure, it was by accident since Moga and Schooner tricked them into saying vows in the middle of a battle, but it was a union of two people according to pirate rules. Nesi was clever in how she handled it. Ace would give her that. Rather than share a kiss or wedding night together, she simply showered with him on the Spades' ship with the tub lid half open as a show of trust. The kiss represented the same thing and revealing her body was similar to sharing it. For Ace, he didn't really want representation of the matter anymore. He was curious. Nesi admitted to having a crush on a boy before. She never gave her first kiss away, but the boy did kiss her cheek once. Was kissing him such a bad thing?

Dumping water on his head to wash his hair, Ace raked his hair back and leaned back in the tub to just settle down. Should he be frustrated at the lack of marital contact or no? Probably not. He was grateful that Nesi was clever enough to replace certain traditions with more harmless, familiar behavior, but he kind of liked the setup they had minus the bathing situtation. Pieter had enough mercy in his heart to let Nesi return to the Spades and live with them again when she had to practice or study something major. As a privateer, she still had to act as a pirate or keep some relationship with a crew. It worked out in the end. He guessed that gave Moga and Schooner the excuse to marry them.

Blushing at the thought of a kiss, Ace sunk into the water with a frown almost akin to a pout. Damn swingers giving him ideas! Letting out a sneeze, Ace finished up in the bathroom and glared at the extra linens Nesi bought for him. It wasn't a wedding gift or special occasion gift. It was just something she saved up the money for and stitched up in her spare time. Usual thing but... unusual response to the thing on his part. What does a husband even do in this situation? Well, whatever he does, he doesn't complain about it while staring at clothes. Dressing himself accordingly, Ace walked to Nesi's library as she was alphabetizing some articles. Feeling just frisky and dorky enough, Ace pinched her leg and startled her to make her turn to him with a funny look.

"What?" Ace questioned.

"Whaddaya mean what? What are you doing?" Nesi asked.

"Complaining," Ace replied, folding his arms.

"About what? Food's bad?" Nesi questioned, holding some books in her arms.

"Your cooking is usually on point. Wasn't bad this time either," Ace said, raising a left brow but not smiling.

"Uhh..." Nesi said, looking down to guess at the issue Ace was having. "The bath water wasn't warm enough? I thought I heard you running some not long ago."

"The water was fine."

"Clothes are itchy? Those were good fabrics, I thought. You're not allergic to linen, are you?" Nesi asked, inspecting him carefully to check for hives or any redness for persistent itching. Nothing caught her eye.

"No."

"Clothes don't fit?" she guessed, backing away to check. He looked alright to her. Nothing clung to him for dear life. He looked comfortable.

"No."

"Man, you're stingy with clues!" Nesi replied, putting a finger on her chin. "Did I forget to put the stuff on them? I ran out of cinnamon oil. Sorry. I might have vanilla mist leftover, though. It's in the laundry room."

Ace let out a huff before he admitted, "... We haven't kissed yet."

"What?" Nesi questioned, slightly angered.

"Don't you get mad at me!" Ace argued, teeth getting sharp. "What kind of response is that anyway?"

"Why are you trying to get a kiss from me?" Nesi questioned.

"YOU'RE MY WIFE, LIZARD WOMAN!" Ace argued. "That's what couples do! I've been pulling my hair out over this crap!"

"We both agreed that we'd only act cute around Moga and Schooner. Everyone else knows we're not a thing. To them, it's enough. That's all that matters," Nesi reminded, smiling before returning to her original task. "They're fleet is all couples. Some married at sea, some didn't. I'd be more surprised if they didn't marry you off to some mermaid, sea goddess, typhoon warrior princess, ocean queen conglomerate next week. We'll figure out how pirate divorces work in the morning. Your dessert and tea are in the kitchen if you want any."

Ace pinched her again before looking away to ask, "What're you gonna do with half my stuff? Pawn it?"

"I'm not taking half of anything! The marriage wasn't legal. Relax!" Nesi answered, leaning forward to stress out that last word. "We'll just go back to being normal. You keep striving to be the Pirate King; I'll keep striving to be a privateer. Oh! I forgot I won't be in in the morning. We'll have to talk closer to lunch."

"Why?" Ace questioned, folding his arms.

Nesi shook up a bit, turned to Ace shyly, and said in her timid voice, "It's... well, uh, I... I'm meeting with a noble tomorrow morning. She wants... um..."

"Wants what?" Ace probed, taking a step closer to read her face.

When Nesi looked up with this elated expression on her face, he was almost breath taken by her smile and blushing cheeks. She then said, "She's coming down here to meet me! It's not as... far down as I had hoped, but... she'll be at a place of Pieter's choosing that's lower than Mary Geoisie. I got the one!"

With that, Nesi started crying and smiling. Her dream was coming true! She was... genuinely happy. She was trying everything to stay calm and professional, but the little country girl was having her prayer answered. Ace whispered something to her so softly that she didn't even hear it and stopped her tears immediately... through giving her a small kiss on her lips. He grew alarmed when she froze up in his hands and backed away to show he was just congratulating her. While she didn't return the kiss, she did nod, smile softly, and hug him gently. Her excitement sort of cut in half and was replaced by confusion and shock. Wasn't the reaction he was going for, but she seemed to return to her original excitement when she thought about her morning appointment. He helped her put the books away so she could sleep and concentrate on her manners. As Ace walked into the guest bedroom, he leaned against the door and started to blush. He got his kiss, and... it felt... kind of... good. He was proud of Nesi for being able to convince a noble to meet her. He really was, but... why that reaction? She wasn't ashamed of him or anything, right?

Morning came fast for the both of them. Wanting to send Nesi off, the boys watched her board Pieter's ship. She was hyperventilating a little. Nerves were getting to her. Ace took her hands in his and said, "You'll be fine. You made it too far to crumble now."

Nesi took some deep breaths, made some of the boys laugh proudly, and said, "Man, how do people just do this? I wanna throw up."

"Not on my boots, you're not!" Ace remarked, making everyone chuckle a bit.

"Oh, you're not coming, little captain?" Pieter asked.

"Huh?"

Ace started hyperventilating. He and Nesi were practically sharing a breathing bag in case puke decided to come up. Pieter was genuinely amused by this before turning to his business partner and comrade, Ulogon Hawkins. They set sail to a vineyard that was honestly too manicured to be real. Even the air felt different! That just made Ace and Nesi hyperventilate again. At least on course they were more at ease, but docking at this... was it a wine-tasting event? This early in the morning? Pieter and Ulogon led them to a seating area outside where the excitable Primrose was located. It was a nice pergola arrangement with jasmine vines growing throughout to give the illusion of a natural garden. Nesi was quite familiar with natural foliage. This was not natural. Pieter introduced Nesi and Ace to her ladyship while Hawkins introduced the woman to them. Sera Lynn, the girl that Nesi danced with at the ball Nesi had to go to, picked up her skirts to run over to Nesi. Ace watched his crewmate transform into this regal, charming, elegant noble right before his eyes. She didn't touch Sera Lynn, as that would've been an insult, but kept all greetings an inch away from the girl's person at all times. It was captivating!

Pieter smirked at Ace's reaction before saying, "Apprentice Llandala and her captain are unfamiliar with this meeting place. The chefs are still preparing breakfast. This would be a fine time to give them a tour. Would you prefer one of us to be your escort, Lady Primrose?"

"Oh, let me take that boy there!" Primrose cheered, putting a hand on her face with a blush.

Ace flinched at this and turned to Nesi for assistance. Nesi simply smiled and said, "She's harmless, captain. It's just a tour of the vineyard, after all. Just be your natural self. We're not nobles, so we stay a certain distance apart from them out of respect."

"Yeah, but that's not your natural self. You usually cook in the mornings and do your other stuff," Ace replied, brow twitching. "Cuss one of the boys out or something for stealing meats. That's the Nesi I know. What's with this frou-frou thing?"

Nesi silently laughed but nodded, "I used to work at a restaurant, remember? I had to be professional then, too. I haven't changed. I'll still cuss you out for stealing bacon."

"Let us begin," Pieter said, smirking with genuine amusement as he led his group with the tour while Ulogon led Ace and Primrose.

As his group was passing some benches, Ulogon walked over to a spot to retrieve some water while Primrose sat down to rest. Ace just kind of stood there awkwardly before Primrose asked, "You mentioned that Lovely Nesi used to cuss, young man. What was she like as your crewmember? Just a snippy housewife?"

"Not really. She could fight and guarded the ship really well. I trust her with a lot of things. She started off as the maintenance guy and bookkeeper. I had hoped she would run the second ship in my fleet one day, but she wanted to do something else. I just supported her because she was good to us," Ace answered politely.

"Are all of your boys as strapping and handsome as you?" Primrose asked, blushing and putting a hand on her cheek.

"I... guess so?" Ace answered, not really sure if it sufficed as one.

"Oh, goody, goody! Nesi doesn't talk much about her days as a pirate. Too inappropriate for a woman of our stature to hear. The more respectable of us would faint at a heathen pirate stepping foot on our territory, you see. Your girl captured the attention of quite a few with her dancing skills. She certainly knew how to show a leg! Sera Lynn adores her, though. As do I, of course! She made those heavenly lemon squares for the ball as a gift of gratitude for her invite. I know her cooking had to be excellent on your ship. You did a wonderful job of watching over her, captain!" Primrose complimented, making Ace blush.

"Thank you," Ace said, smiling at the old woman. She may have been a weirdo, but she was sweet.

"I've heard rumors that pirates are quite a free lot. Was Nesi free as a pirate woman?" Primrose asked, implying something else with her word choice.

"Free as in sailing a lot? Or something else?" Ace questioned. Primrose gave Ace a knowing look as a response. Different kind of free. He then said, "No, she wasn't like that. If anything, she ran from certain... influences. I think I've only ever seen two or three guys chasing after her."

"Because you wouldn't allow it or because she was already taken by you?" Primrose asked.

"It's not like th - "

"It isn't? You were quite taken with her performance earlier. No man gives a woman that kind of look for no reason. If she's not smitten with you, you are with her," the older woman said, eyes narrowing at Ace's response. "How do you really feel about your crewmate, young captain Ace?"

For whatever reason, Primrose didn't give Ace the chance to come up with a lie. She was prying into Nesi's private life on purpose, but she was doing this by targeting him. He didn't like it, but he wondered if it had something to do with Nesi's safety. The nobles would try to take Nesi's head any chance they could get. Primrose could even call the shots on that. He really shouldn't say anything. When he heard his crewmate's laughter and saw her following Sera Lynn over to a place, he ruminated on the question. What would make a good alibi? Is there one?

Hating himself for having to admit anything to anyone, Ace was slow to respond until it just flowed out, "I... don't know... exactly. I... I've known Nesi a lot longer than any of you. I know when she's angry, happy, sad. I know that she loves dancing. I know that she's determined. I know that she loves gardening. I... don't know how she feels about me. I just... miss her sometimes. I like being around her. I like her perfume. I... like talking to her. Some nights... I don't know. I... Some nights, I want to be alone with her. I'll get these urges that won't go away until I try something. Nothing bad, just something that'll bring us closer. Nights when I start getting those urges make me wonder how things are supposed to be. We're supposed to be... by each other's side no matter what, right?"

Aren't we supposed to kiss? Embrace each other? Call each other some stupid name or some crap? Supposed to...? Ace thought.

Primrose let out a chuckle before she said darkly, "She'll die sooner than I thought then. I don't think you realize the kind of woman you trained, young captain. Have you heard of the Revolutionary Army? Public Enemy Number One? She and the leader of that group share a similar mindset. They both want to do away with the World Government as the ruling body of the seas. One wants peace and fair treatment, and the other wants efficiency. Efficiency is what will cause the Five Elders' downfall far more quickly than even I will be able to manage or understand. Once lovely Nesi understands the key to achieving her dream, the best methods and plans to rejuvenate the lower world, there will be no such thing as a 'New World'. You, young pirates, are called the Worst Generation by the 'media'? I'd say we owe your generation for giving us the leaders of the renaissance. I must thank you, young captain Ace, for raising a trailblazer in the revival movement. Pity you don't know more about politics. You would've made quite the king."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Ace snapped.

"I'll give you some advice, young captain Ace," Primrose said with a mischievous grin. "On your next voyage, ask around about the Warlords of the Sea. Certainly, you've heard of them."

"What about 'em?" Ace questioned, clenching his fists.

"That's the closest you'll get to understanding what Nesi is going to be. A warlord of the sea isn't nearly the 'government dog' your kind claim them to be. Their wealth and status come from piracy, and, though the government calls them to control some of your lot, they don't necessarily have to do everything the government says. Your experience with them can help you understand politics better than a book can tell you. You'll need a taste of that if you want to satisfy those new cravings you're experiencing. As much as I like your fervor, you aren't revolutionary. That's why lovely Nesi surpassed you already," Primrose said, making Ace grunt angrily. She grinned at his response and continued, "Oh, but you knew that, didn't you? This will be a most educational experience for you then! You can do nice things for the girl and play around if you wish, but it's quite clear that you want more than that. For her to see you as a man, you're going to have to be the kind of man she has the craving for."

"Grandma!" Sera Lynn called, waving her arm. "Breakfast is ready! Miss Nesi is making a special snack for us!"