Dennis strode across the field with a certain grace despite his uncertain feelings. The noises of the party behind him became nothing more than background, quick to fade away into the surrounding calm. Such calm unlike what he was about to face. What they were about to face. Belle stared back at him, knowing of his presence. She heard him coming long ago no doubt. Her senses were far superior than his. Her amber eyes were luminous as she turned them to catch the moonlight but they were warm as she gazed upon her master.
Dennis ceased his walk next to her nose, removing his cap in a gentlemanly way. His father had taught him to be polite to a lady, whatever her species.
"Hey girl, been a while." Dennis fumbled over his words, his voice quiet as though he was unsure of what to say. Belle gave an encouraging grunt. She was listening. And that was one of the reasons why Dennis loved her so much. She always listened. It gave him enough courage to continue.
"You've never let me down. Never let the men down. 24 missions and still undefeated yeah?"
She gave an agreeable bark, her sharp teeth flashing in the moonlight as she grinned. And those teeth had taken out quite a few Messerschmidt's that dared get in her way. Dennis chuckled, for the first time gently putting a hand on her nose. Instead of cold aluminum, a warmth spread across his palm and beneath the skin, a throb of life. Belle pressed against him, mindful of her larger size and weight. Despite her fierce-some reputation, she was a gentle giant. At least to those who were on her side!
"It's gone by so fast. I'm not ready to go home yet." Dennis sighed. "Everything's going to change."
She nuzzled him reassuringly and Dennis smiled. She could always lift his spirits. He would miss her when his tour ended.
"One last mission, eh old girl?" His thumb waddled her chin affectionately and she barked. "You've never let us down, and I know you won't now. See us through Belle, everything else comes secondary. Just see us all through alive."
Neither man nor plane ever took their position for granted. It was luck and skill that allowed Belle to do all that she had done. No other aircraft in the entire Allied force could say they had flown 24 missions and returned with all their men alive! She gave a soft coo, eyes humble. She'd do her best like she always did and would pray to her ancestors that would be enough.