At the mess hall that night, everyone appeared to be in a convivial mood. Personally, I'd have declined dinner here in favor of just having it at my own private room, but since the Captain was home, I just had to attend.
"Come join us Maki!"
It always felt surreal to be included in this Circle of importance. For once in my life, ever since becoming part of the Gunnery, I have truly obtained significance, to not be a random face in the crowd that I'd doomed myself to remain the first time.
And as I wined, dined and talked with my comrades, I began to swim in a dream.
I imagined myself telling Captain Chalice of my affections, that all the hard work I'd put forth so far was because of him and for his sake.
I imagined him returning my confession favorably, that by the end of it, we might be more than just a Head and his subordinate, beyond friends.
