As we all sat down, I looked over at Hornet, who was still very pleased with herself, and asked, "So what's on the menu tonight?"

"You'll see," she smirked in response as the manjuu waitstaff hurried out with everyone's orders, all hidden underneath silver cloches. We all patiently waited until all the dishes had been set in front of us, and then we looked to Hornet. "Alright, gang, let's see what you got!"

As one, we lifted our cloches off the plates and saw what Hornet had cooked up for us. Or at least, had someone cook up for us. Under mine was beautiful scallop risotto, and across from me, I saw Yorktown got her own favorite, beef wellington.

"New York strip steak!" Vestal excitedly gasped, beaming over at Hornet. "How'd you know?"

"Insider information," the youngest Yorktown grinned and tilted her head in Enterprise's direction, whose face suddenly turned an embarrassed shade of red. "She mentioned you two had the same favorite dish. Well, favorite dish that isn't ration bars."

"It's just…something we both enjoyed from our time in NYC," Enterprise said softly, "And…it was what she made us the night she made her feelings known."

"That's really sweet," Northampton said, looking down at her own dish of coconut shrimp before glancing over at Hornet's unconventional choice. "Gotta say, hon, I'm a little surprised. Cioppino?"

"Eh, felt like doing something different tonight," she shrugged as she looked down at the hearty seafood stew sitting in front of her. "Something a bit fancier than pineapple pizza."

"Also would've been a disaster to try and eat pizza with those gloves on," I grinned.

Hornet grinned right back as she picked up her spoon. "Yeah, I don't think satin and pizza grease would make a good match. Much better for a more casual date." She paused momentarily, then her eyes lit up as an idea came to her. "Hey, how about next time we just all hang out, have ourselves a barbecue, just the six of us."

"I think that's less of a date and more just spending time with family," Yorktown giggled. "But I wouldn't be opposed to it."

Family.

The last time I'd heard someone call us a family was when Enterprise took my hand and dragged me to see Vestal. In the anxiety and grief of the moment, I really didn't have time to let that soak in or even register what she'd said, and later on, I dismissed it as a convenient excuse that she used to get me in there. But here, now, sharing each other's grief, joy, and everything in between, I realized Enterprise had been right. The six of us had come together and become a family. A warmth suffused me, and I smiled, a smile that did not go unnoticed by the rest of the table.

Northampton's voice snapped me out of my reverie. "You alright, Max?" she asked, and I looked around to find everyone looking at me with some degree of bemusement.

"Y-yeah," I stammered sheepishly, feeling the blood rush to my cheeks.

"You had one hell of a goofy grin on your face there," Hornet chimed in, only to be quickly chided by Yorktown.

"Hornet!" she admonished. "You don't just call people out like that!"

"It's alright, it's alright," I chuckled. "I was, ah, I was just thinking about family. I know Enterprise called me family months ago, but honestly, I was just too stressed, too scared about the future for me to realize it. Now that everything's finally calmed down, it just kinda hit me. It hasn't always been easy, it hasn't always been fun, but we've leaned on each other, depended on each other, shared grief and joy together. We're a family, and that's something I haven't had in a long time now."

They all shared a smile for a moment before Northampton spoke up. "What about your parents? I don't think you've ever talked about them."

I sighed softly and shrugged. "My parents had me late in life, and they were both only children. They passed away just after I graduated from the Academy, leaving me on my own. Don't get me wrong, I don't begrudge them for having me when they did, and I love and miss them dearly. But I have missed the feeling of having a family for a long time now."

With a soft smile, Yorktown reached across the table, resting her gloved hand atop mine. I looked up at her, into her crystal-blue eyes as we shared a knowing look. I smiled back at her before blowing a kiss and withdrawing my hand. "As much as I'm enjoying baring my soul for everyone tonight, we'd better eat before this delicious food gets cold," I quipped, and together, we all dug into our food. While the small talk was the same as it ever was: life, the war, what crazy event would be next to surprise us, it felt different this time, like we were more connected than ever before. Like a family.

Once dinner was concluded, Hornet signaled for the Manjuu band to start playing and we all wandered onto the dance floor for the second part of the evening. I slipped my arms around Yorktown's waist and pulled her close to me as the band struck up a slow, mellow tune.

Together, we began moving in time with the music, slowly dancing around the floor and with the other couples. "Haven't done this in a while," I remarked. "Not since-"

"Our first date," Yorktown finished, smiling wistfully. "That was a very memorable evening." Her cheeks flushed before she added, "And night."

"The best," I smiled. "Although, if you want to recreate that tonight, just be careful. I'm wearing a clip-on tonight."

Her look became downright devious as she smirked. "I'm sure there are other things I can lead you to the bedroom with."

I let out a low chuckle at her implications and shook my head. "God, I love you."

"I love you, too," she replied with a quick kiss. We continued to dance around the hangar, enjoying our company, until she let out a soft, happy sigh. "I know this peace won't last, but I hope it will at least hold until our little vacation is over."

"Me, too," I softly agreed. "I think after all we've been through, a week of rest, relaxation, and sightseeing is certainly deserved at this point. Hell," I chuckled, "probably a whole month off."

Her soft giggle barely carried over the sound of the band. "True. Somehow, I doubt the Sirens would let things stay that quiet. Do you think they'll try something during the end of the World Expo?"

To be honest, I had some concerns, but nothing I could put my finger on. Instead, I went for something of a noncommittal answer. "I wouldn't rule it out. It's a tempting target, with a lot of faction leaders and representatives arriving for the closing ceremonies, not to mention having so many kansen in one spot. However, that also means whatever Siren force shows up is going to be facing off against one of the biggest combined fleets that's ever been assembled. I don't see that going well for your average Siren fleet or even any of the Arbiters we've seen so far."

"I'm sure whatever happens, you'll be able to handle it," she smiled.

My reply was immediate and heartfelt. "Of course I will," I smiled back. "I'll have you at my side."

Her cheeks flushed and she quickly buried her head against my shoulder to hide her face. "Flatterer," she whispered.

"And a damn good one," I grinned. "So, any places you're looking forward to seeing while we're in the Royal Isles?"

Yorktown lifted her head, a hint of a blush still on her cheeks as she answered. "Glastonbury Tor."

"I don't think I've ever heard of it."

"It's a site with some pretty rich history, including a connection to tales of Arthurian legend. Some have even said it's the basis for Avalon."

That got my attention. "That does sound like an interesting place. When would you want to go, at the beginning or the end of the trip?"

Yorktown's silvery-white eyebrows furrowed as she thought it over. "The beginning," she finally concluded. "I think it would be a nice way to cap off the vacation, but considering the Sirens have proven themselves to be very efficient when it comes to interrupting things, I would be a little heartbroken if I didn't get to see it."

I made a mental note and nodded. "Easy enough. We should probably start working on an itinerary with Enterprise and Hornet for shared activities."

"Oh, Enterprise already sent over a detailed plan," she smiled. "Hornet, on the other hand…"

"We'll work with Northampton on that front," I finished.

"Mhm."

I sighed and looked around the hangar at everything and felt…relaxed, happy. "I think this is going to be a memorable trip," I declared.

"Oh?" Yorktown arched a curious eyebrow. "How memorable?"

"You'll see."

The next day, I made a little detour on the way home from the office. I knew Yorktown was going to spend some time with Hornet and Northampton, so I used the opportunity to check in on my little vacation surprise. I headed out into town, towards a small, unassuming little Mom-and-Pop jewelry store.

As soon as the bell announced my presence, Mister Clark, a bald, middle-aged man with tan skin that spoke to a lifetime outdoors rather than cooped up in a shop, greeted me with a smile and a wave. "Good evening, Mister Buckmaster! I beginning to worry you weren't going to make it today."

"Good evening, Mister Clark," I smiled back. "So was I. Fortunately, things have been going smoothly for a change. Hoping that holds up?"

The older man simply smiled broadly as he produced a small box from under the desk. "It most certainly holds up, sir."

I lifted the lid and shared the old man's smile. "That it does," I agreed wholeheartedly. "You've outdone yourself, Mister Clark."

"That's what you paid me for," he grinned. "Nice to work with sapphire for a change, too."

"Glad I could help keep things interesting for you," I chuckled as I shut the lid on the box. "I owe anything extra?"

He shook his head. "Just what you've already paid. Now go on, and good luck, young man!"

"Thanks!" With a wave, I pocketed the box and headed towards home. With a little luck, the visit to Glastonbury Tor would be one of the happiest moments of our lives…

A/N-Oh what IS he planning? Only one chapter left! Until next time, fair winds and following seas!