Observing their expressions, Lancelot thought to himself, 'Yesss, they totally bought it. I've got 'em hook, line, and sinker.'
Man, the Oscars really owed him a trophy for that performance.
...
The mission was a huge success.
When they got back to Loguetown, Lancelot was a full-blown hero.
No more dirty looks from the other marines.
Now, everyone just stared at him with total respect.
Including... Johnson.
Standing in the crowd, Johnson watched Lancelot (who was standing next to Smoker!) soak up all the praise.
Honestly, Johnson looked even more excited than Lancelot.
He'd only gotten his Marine job because of Lancelot.
The more famous Lancelot got, the better it was for him.
But, they weren't really... friends.
Johnson knew he needed to lock this connection down.
His mind flashed back to seeing his mom, Lise, sneaking out of Lancelot's room.
He wasn't an idiot.
He knew exactly what happened.
And you know what? He was totally cool with it.
His dad was long gone.
What was wrong with his mom finding a new, super-strong, super-connected guy to rely on? Especially if that guy could help him get promoted?
This was a win-win!
But he had to be smart.
A guy like Lancelot would get bored fast.
He couldn't just rely on his mom's... services.
He had to turn this from a booty-call into a real, "you-scratch-my-back-I'll-scratch-yours" partnership.
But how? The gap between them was huge.
Then, Johnson's eyes landed on the new sword at Lancelot's hip.
A huge grin spread across his face.
He had a perfect plan.
...
"Phew..."
Lancelot, Smoker, and Tashigi walked into Smoker's office.
Lancelot let out a huge sigh.
Man, being a hero was tiring.
"Hahaha..." Smoker actually laughed. "You'll get used to it."
Tashigi, who was standing nearby, suddenly piped up.
"Um... Lieutenant Lancelot? I was wondering... c-could you teach me some swordsmanship?"
This whole thing had made her realize Lancelot was way better with a sword than she was.
Lancelot looked at Tashigi.
She was that cute, clumsy girl, but she was definitely going to be a knockout in a few years.
A hot girl asking him for private lessons?
He nodded immediately. "Of course!"
Smoker grunted, satisfied. "Good. I'm not really a sword guy anyway. Having Lancelot teach you will be better."
He waved his hand. "Alright, you two are probably tired. Get out. I have to write this stupid report."
Lancelot and Tashigi nodded and left.
Outside the office, Tashigi turned to Lancelot. "So... I'll see you tomorrow for our lesson?"
Lancelot gave her his best, million-dollar hero smile.
"Sure. I'll be waiting."
Tashigi just... froze.
Her face went bright red, her heart started beating so fast.
This was the first time she'd ever felt like this!
"O-okay! See you then!" she stammered, before practically running down the hall.
Lancelot just smirked.
'Yep. She's definitely into me. This is too easy.'
With that, he headed to his room... only to find Johnson waiting for him.
That was weird.
The second Johnson saw him, he ran up, grinning like a fool.
"Lieutenant Lancelot! Congrats on the big win!"
Lancelot nodded. "What's up, Johnson?"
"Well," Johnson said, "my aunt... she heard you like cool swords. And... she wants to give you her sword... the Flame Dragon!"
"Huh?"
Lancelot was stunned.
That was the first thing he wanted to do when he got back! And now it was just... being handed to him?
He looked around, but Johnson was alone.
Seeing him hesitate, Johnson quickly added, "Oh! And my mother and my aunt... they want to invite you to dinner tonight. To, you know... say 'thank you.'"
"Oh?"
At the mention of dinner, Lancelot's mind immediately went back to Lise.
And her... ahem... "impressive skills."
A surge of heat went trough his body.
"Dinner? Oh, yeah. I'm in. Definitely in."
Johnson beamed. "Great! I'll pick you up tonight!"
"Tonight, huh?" Lancelot smirked. 'Looks like Lise missed me, too.' Tsk tsk.
...
Time passed.
Lancelot took a nap, and when he woke up and stretched, it was already dark.
"Creak..."
He opened his door, and—yep, you guessed it—Johnson was already waiting there.
"Been waiting long?" Lancelot asked.
Johnson just smiled. "Nope! Not at all, Lieutenant. So... ready to go?"
Lancelot nodded. "Let's go."
He followed Johnson out of the base and into the regular part of town.
Soon, they were standing in front of a small house.
Johnson pushed the door open.
"After you..."
Lancelot stepped inside... and the door clicked shut right behind him.
Johnson's voice came from outside.
"Lieutenant! I left a little surprise for you inside. Do enjoy it!"
"???"
Lancelot was confused, but not scared.
What was this kid gonna do, bite him? He was just curious now.
He walked further in, pushed open the door to the main room...
...and froze.