A/N; About time, right? Anilee 10, thank you for your reviews. I wish I could respond to you in person, but you need to be logged in. Another thing, I shouldn't copy all the lyrics of any songs, but I'll make sure you get the idea. And I thank you my dear friends, for sticking by me and this fiction.
The tan drake felt a wave of relief wash over him, but felt bad that Danielle had a tough relationship. During his High School years, he had been interested in a few of the many girls that flocked to him but was concerned that they only like him because of his reputation. Because he didn't know what she'e been through, he chose not to bring this up again. Deciding to change the subject, Canard then said to her. "Want to get some breakfast before work?"
Just as he said that, Danielle's stomach let out a low but noticeable growl. Reminding it's owner how empty it was since yesterday's lunch. The dolly looked up at the captain sheepishly, while trying to avoid eye contact.
"Uhm..P-pardon me..." She whispered.
Canard just grinned amusingly. Then he held her hand again, as he pulled himself and her up. "Come on, let's get you something to eat ."
On their way to the mess hall, Danielle still had a sad look on her face. But Canard wasn't sure what to say next to help her feel better. Comforting was never really his strong suit. It was then they ran into Graybeak and Wally, who were on their way to the mess hall themselves.
"Hey guys."
"Captain."
"Hey, why the sad face Danielle?"
Said dolly looked up at the two drakes, then lowered her head in shame.
"Greybeak, Wally, I'm sorry I put you two in danger. If Lucretia hadn't trapped me, you guys wouldn't have risked your lives."
They looked at her with empathy. Then Wally replied, "Aw, don't worry about it."
"Look kid,' Greybeak piped in. 'Bad things happen in war, and you can't do anything about it right?"
"Uh…"
"What you gotta do now, is take life one day at a time. Purge your mind and blink it out."
"It's okay, Danielle.' said Wally. 'The four of us are still standing, right?"
"...I guess so."
Danielle still looked sad. Greybeak and Wally looked at each other, then back at her. "Hey, c'mon now. No worries."
"Things like that are bound to happen in war. So, no use in dwelling on it, right?"
Canard's communicator buzzed.
"We're ready to go Captain."
"Be right there.' The tan drake turned to his companions, 'Gotta run you guys. I'll see you tonight Danielle."
And he walked away while the other three ducks continued to the mess hall to have some breakfast. Today, they were serving Sweet Buns served with scrambled yolkum and spam strips and especially tea to drink.
Sweet Buns were a popular breakfast treat, and for good reason. Pastries with hints of vanilla and honey mixed into the concoction. Baked with a hint of salt on top to bring out the sweetness. They were popular in the base, anyone would try to get another helping. Which would lead to there not being enough to go around.
Thinking of her dear friend and how he went off without breakfast, Danielle decided to save her other two Sweet Buns, and give them to him later. 'He'll need them more than I do.' So as she finished up, she wrapped the buns in a napkin, taking them with her.
The cream-colored dolly felt better for the remainder of the day. After her shift, Danielle decided to catch up on some paperwork. She had been at it for 25 minutes, when Canard came back, looking very exhausted. "Hey, Danielle."
Said female turned around, wearing a pair of reading glasses. "Captain. Welcome back." she saluted with a smile. But it faded when she saw the fatigued look on his face.
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah, well. I led the scouting patrol this morning, and had to go back out for an urgent matter. All I got to eat was a light lunch."
"Oh, dear. I'm sorry to hear that." Said Danielle, taking off her glasses.
Canard smiled tiredly at the dolly before him. "S'okay, really." Then Danielle remembered something. "Wait." She reached into the medicine cabinet and pulled out a paper wrapping.
"I don't know if it'll help. But, I saved you some Sweet Buns from breakfast this morning."
Canard's eyes brightened "Oh. But, why'd you put them up in that cabinet?"
"Well, when you have three kids around, you gotta know where to hide the sweets." Danielle giggled.
"Er, thanks," he said gratefully, even with a quirk in his brow from her comment regarding kids. Danielle seemed to catch on, however, and quickly added, "My niece and nephews, I mean."
"Oh. Right, of course," he answered back with a sheepish grin. He took a bite of one of the sweet pastries. "These are great, thanks Danielle."
"You're very welcome." She replied sweetly.
Thom and Marcel then, came into the medical bay. "-keep telling you to keep your medicine in our room, Marc! Oh! Captain!"
"Hey, Captain."
The McMallard twins saluted the tan drake. Swallowing, he replied, "At ease, McMallards."
Thom looked at what Canard was holding. "Oh, Sweet Buns." Danielle nodded to him. "I thought I'd save them for him." Thom smiled at the dolly's consideration, but Marcel gave a naughty smirk.
"Well Sir, you can't have too many Sweet Buns." He said pointing to his chest.
"Hmm?" Danielle reddened beneath the feathers, but couldn't hide the small smirk of surprise from her face. Canard was already taking another bite and nearly choked at the comment. Quickly chewing and swallowing, he griped, "Get your head out of the sewers, McMallard!"
Thom quickly hid his own wide grin at the innuendo and cleared his throat. "Marc, grab your meds so we can leave these two alone."Marcel, like a teenager that had gotten merely a slap on the wrist, kept his wicked smile and quickly grabbed what he needed from one of the drawers.
"Sorry about that, guys." Thom said while pushing his twin toward the door. Danielle cleared her throat, acknowledging him. "Hmm."
Marcel wasn't done yet. "Hey Thom, maybe Amy saved you some-"
"Out!" An embarrassed Thom shoved Marcel out the door. Marcel let out a startled yelp when his twin shoved him, making him stumble.
"I was gonna say 'Tea'"!
"Right!"
Danielle looked up at Canard. "Does Marcel often do that?"
"Once in a while, when he's in a bad mood."
Danielle walked back to the desk and sat down. She looked back at the captain.
"There's still some paperwork I need to finish up. I'll meet you in our room later."
"Alright, carry on.' Canard replied as he started to exit, not once looking away from her. He was entranced by her beautiful light blue eyes. '...And thanks again for the Sweet Buns."
"You're welcome."
Canard backed out, but bumped into the doorway. As he turned around and left, mumbling, Danielle smiled. She adjusted her glasses, and went back to work.