Soldiers Don't Cry 7

-Past and Present-

The team had been back for several weeks. Private had slowly gotten used to life with the team again, much to Skipper's relief. On this particular day, the penguins were helping the lemurs tidy up after a party. It was an unusual mission, mostly because of Skipper's obvious annoyance with King Julien, and partly because said party kept him awake all night. In fact, they almost didn't help the lemurs at all; but with a bit of pleading from Private, Skipper easily caved. "But Skippa! We have to help anyone in need, even if the person is Julien!" were his words. Skipper cursed his weakness towards the younger one as he helped clean up day-old mango pits. And by 'help', he meant the penguins helped, while Julien reclined on his throne. Skipper stood up, giving his back a quick break from the hunching over. He quickly surveyed the habitat, making mental note of each penguin's location and job. Kowalski was on the tower fixing the boom box, Rico was punching the lumps out of the bouncy, and Private was cleaning glasses near the smoothie bar. Skipper also made note of the lemurs. Maurice was with Kowalski, and Mort was helping Private. King Julien was on his throne, obviously not helping one bit. He was drinking a smoothie with his legs up in pure comfort. Skipper fought the urge to groan aloud at Julien's laziness, when he caught the lemur's eye. He quickly averted his gaze, but it was too late, King Julien already spotted him. He was about to resume picking up mango pits when King Julien approached, sipping the smoothie in his usual obnoxious way.

"SLUUURRRPPP." Skipper groaned but ignored the lemur. Julien stepped closer. "SLUUURRRPPP." The sound was getting to him, but he didn't say a word. "SLLLLLLLUUUUURRRRRRPPPPP." Julien took an extra long sip, smirking at Skipper's annoyed features.

"DO YOU HAVE TO DRINK IT LIKE THAT, RINGTAIL?" Skipper snapped, face red with fury. Julien just chuckled lightly, proud that he finally got under the bossy penguin's skin.

"Of course I do, silly penguin! Drinking it like dis is da only way to savour da flavour of da fruits!" he smiled. Skipper threw a few more mango pits into the garbage pail he set up.

"Well savour the flavour somewhere else! I don't want to be bothered while I'm cleaning up after YOU!" Skipper snapped, turning his back to the furry lemur. Julien sipped his smoothie quieter now, but decided to continue watching Skipper work. He looked down casually at his flightless neighbour, a cheeky grin spreading across his face.

"Geeze, you're still as cranky as ever." Julien noticed. "I thought you'd be happierest now dat da odder penguins are back." Skipper flinched a little, Julien really hit a nerve.

"That's none of your business, Ringtail." Skipper tried to hide the sadness in his voice. Skipper quickly put the rest of the mango pits in the garbage pail and dumped them into the zoo trash can. "Now if you'll excuse me." Skipper walked up to the tower, where Kowalski was putting his tools away. "You done here?" Skipper asked. Kowalski wiped some sweat from his brow and stood up.

"Yes Skipper." Kowalski faced Maurice. "Thanks for all your help, Maurice." The shorter lemur smiled at Kowalski.

"No problem, glad I could help." he smiled kindly. Helping out Kowalski was a real change from doing menial, and usually stupid tasks for Julien. Rico quickly joined them atop the tower, beaming proudly.

"Aw dun!" His beak curved with a smile. Skipper smiled at his men's hard work and looked down to the smoothie bar where Private was. Said penguin had just finished wiping down the last cup, and had Mort put it back on the shelf. Private noticed the others watching him and smiled up at them.

"Oh, are we all done then Skippa?" he asked, unintentionally adorable. Skipper hid the flush in his cheeks.

"Yeah. Back to HQ everyone." Skipper and the others jumped from the tower, and then jumped over the lemur habitat's brick wall. The four penguins hadn't been walking long before they saw Marlene, excitedly running up to them. "Oh, good afternoon Marlene." Skipper smiled kindly. Marlene's face was lit up with the biggest and brightest smile they had ever seen.

"Omigosh you guys, guess what?" She squealed happily for a few seconds, bouncing up and down on her mis-matched feet.

"At ease, Marlene! What's the problem?" Skipper asked.

"Antonio proposed!" Marlene finally squealed out. She thrust her finger in Skipper's direction, showing off her handmade ring. The other three penguins gasped in wonder. It was a bit of copper wire twisted around a beautiful shiny pearl. "He made it himself! Isn't that the greatest?" Marlene could barely hold in her excitement. "He found the pearl inside an oyster he cooked for me!" Marlene continued to bounce.

"Why that's excellent news, Marlene! Congratulations!" Kowalski smiled, patting her back with his flipper. Private seemed the most excited. He gave the ecstatic otter a big hug, and smiled brightly.

"Congratulations Marlene! I wish you and Antonio both the best!" Private cheered. Even Rico was smiling with excitement for his friend, even though the mushiness caused a tiny rumble in his gut. Skipper smiled at his seemingly only female friend.

"Congrats Marlene. It's about time you two tied the knot." Skipper patted her back supportively. The otter's brown eyes lit up from the support of her most uptight friend.

"Thanks guys!" Marlene scooped them up into a group hug. "Oh! I've got to tell the lemurs next! Bye guys!" Marlene merrily vaulted the lemur's fence and landed in their habitat.

"Wow! What great news, huh Skipper?" Kowalski smiled at his commander. Skipper looked longingly over at Private, but quickly snapped out of it.

"Uh, yeah.I was afraid she'd never get hitched." he said quickly. Private looked nervously from side to side.

"So, you never expected her to get married then?" Private asked questioningly.

"I guess you could say that. I didn't really think she was the marrying type. She's awfully independent, right?"

"Yeah..." Private said quietly. "Um, could we hurry back to HQ? I have a spot of news for you lot as well, and I'd prefer a bit of privacy." he said. Skipper felt a deep rumble of anxiety in his gut. He knew something was up, and he most likely wasn't going to like it. The four penguins descended into their HQ, Private quickly standing near the table. The other three took a seat and looked at their British friend.

"So, what's up Private?" Kowalski asked. It wasn't often that Private had anything important to say. The young penguin cleared his throat.

"Um... well in light of Marlene's news, I figured I'd come clean with you all too..." Kowalski and Rico looked at him with anticipation, Skipper with anxiety. Private took a deep breath, "I'm engaged as well; to ...Lucy." You could have heard a pin drop.


Author's Note: Whew! This one was a long time coming! I'm sorry it took so long, I've been distracted as hell for a long time. (You can thank BBC Sherlock for that) So, here is the latest installment of SDC. I hope this is worth the wait, I'll have chapter 8 up from within a few days or weeks at worst. Enjoy! Fave and review as always!- TimeWellWasted