milliways_bar | (no subject)

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A pirate walks into a bar.

Sounds like a funny joke, right? It's even funnier if you were paying attention and noticed that right before this pirate walked into the bar, it was wearing a Hawaiian shirt and brown jumpsuit.

Wash doesn't realise anything's amiss until he absently scratches his forehead. He stops. Then both hands are frantically groping at the bandanna tied around his head, and he looks down at himself and gapes at the outfit: boots, sword, vest, frilly shirt and all -- not to mention that his hair's suddenly grown at least a foot and a half. When he gives it a cautious tug, it's affirmed that no, this is not a wig.

"Oh, come on, how is this fair?" he complains to no one in particular. "I can't pull pranks on the ship anymore, but you can pull 'em on me?"

The Bar helpfully adds some earrings and a necklace.

"Gorrammit all to...."

And grumbling in both English and Mandarin, he shuffles toward his booth, costume clinking merrily with each step.

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Oh!

*She looks down at her hand, and then flushes, grinning.*

Yeah. Last Friday.

"Wŏ de mā. Never even seen Inara wear something like that." He's smiling, but more in response to the shiny. The significance of it as that kind of ring is completely lost on him.

*She's still rather pink.*

It's so lovely, isn't it? He had Aziraphael and Crowley pick it out, since he can't leave. I guess he hadn't meant to ask me for a while, yet, but then I sort of found the ring by accident, and...yeah.

The metaphorical lightbulb clicks on. Wash's jaw drops. "Wait. Bernard got you that? As...you mean as a proposing-marriage-thing?"

He really can't stop staring now. This is the kind of extravagence you only hear about on the Core: useless trinkets for rich folks with nothing better to spend their money on. But she's talking about it with a casualness that's almost disturbing; it strikes Wash that this might be like the fresh produce -- not so much of a rarity for these people -- and he reigns in some of the envy that's bubbled up. "Wow."

Then, a geniune grin as it really hits him. "Congratulations, Tonks! That's great."

*Her grin is so wide, the top of her head looks to be in danger of falling off.*

Thanks, Wash. We're really, really happy.

*She twists the ring idly; she's still getting used to its presence on her finger.*

Fondly, "'Course you are. And you will be for a lot longer." He leans in a little closer. "If Bernard ever needs husband tips, you know where to send him. Can't guarantee they'll actually work, but...."

*She nods seriously.*

I'll be sure to send him your way.

How long have you and Zoe been married, anyway?

"Coming up on five years now. Nearly as long as I've been on the ship -- hard to say which one's been the better ride." A soft smile.

*Tonks knows that smile. She feels it on her own face a hundred times a day.*

Did you know her before you joined the crew?

Wash shakes his head. "Nope. Hadn't so much as laid eyes on her until I got hired."

A sudden laugh at the memory. "In fact, she wouldn't even let Mal bring me on board 'til she'd frisked me that first time.

*She snickers.*

Why do I get the feeling you rather enjoyed that?

"I refuse to say anything that could incriminate me in any way."

Besides, that devious eyebrow waggle he's got going on is doing a fine job of incriminating him all on its own.

*Tonks grins slyly, still chuckling*

Uh-huh. I know your type. You're like Bernard -- both like take-charge sorts of women, don't you.

He laughs. "What can I say? It's reassuring. Hell of a lot more fun, too."

Well. We like to think so.

I'd like to meet her sometime.

"I'll try to drag her in soon," Wash says with a nod. "She's...." He bobs one hand. "Can't get away with disappearing like I can. Not that I can get away with it either, but I've got the wacky time quirks on my side."

See, now I'm jealous -- I don't get the wacky time quirks. It's just the same time here as it is at the Ministry.

"You poor, deprived people and your silly 'linear' time. What's the use of it, I ask?"

I know, it's a sodding drag, isn't it?

*she grins, pushing herself into a standing position again*

Well, I should be off. Bernard's sick -- gotta make sure he's not wasted away to nothing.

*Tonks holds out her hand.*

Good seeing you again, mate.

"Same here." He gives her hand a firm shake. "Tell him I hope he feels better soon. And lots of congratulations again on the engagement."

I will, Wash. Thanks!

*she grins, waving as she heads home*

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