These Happy Moments

Meru and Zale strolled hand-in-hand around the fence blocking in the practice range. Meru wore a radiant smile, occasionally looking up at Zale with her gleaming coffee-colored eyes. The wind in the late-summer afternoon was pleasant but did only a little to cut the heat. Zale's palm sweat in her hand.

He didn't care.

"I feel bad for them," Zale said, turning his attention to the teams in the distance running drills in full hunter regalia.

"Been there, done that. So glad it's only once per quarter. We did ours before the heat came in, remember? One of the hunters tried to pick a fight, saying I hit him with my sword on purpose."

"Well, you did after he tried to use fireball on you," Zale reminded.

"She knows better than to turn her blessings on someone else in anger. That's just stupid. At least she could have the courtesy to demand a sparring session," Meru fumed.

Zale shrugged lightly. "You've got a point. She knew you'd smash her anyway, I'm sure. What mage-type would challenge a berserker-type in a one on one."

"You would," she replied with a grimace.

Zale chuckled, knowing she was right. She nudged him lightly. "So, what's the deal with work?"

"Effie has me doing busy work pretty much. Wanted to get me back on the job to earn a full salary."

"I see. So training?"

"This time, at least. Some newbies are going on a patrol with Daren, but I'm on as a second. Just an extra, really. Daren should be enough on his own to handle monsters near the border."

Meru nodded in agreement. "But you'll still be in full gear? Are you able to? I mean, I'd feel better knowing you at least have your enchanted gear on," she said, her eyes fixed on his eyes, rather than looking at his withered body.

"Not all of it, just my robe, staff, and some accessories. I didn't bother trying my sword. I'll probably just hang back by the van, anyway. Worst case, my robe is made with Frost-Vemon Spider silk, remember? Its like wearing two Kevlar vests all over my body."

Meru rolled her eyes. "You're the only person who's happy wearing a robe into combat."

"What? It makes my fire blessings stronger! Besides, it looks awesome too. Go find me a Kevlar vest that does that, and we'll talk."

"Yes, yes. I know. Anyway, will you be going home tonight?"

"Should be, yeah. I can't imagine a reason I'd be late from the patrol."

Meru smiled. "Can I come over?"

"Sure."

"Fuck yes!" she said with a fist pump.

Their stroll only lasted for a little while before the heat became too annoying. While the squads in the distance slaved away, throwing offensive and defensive blessings around in mock combat and drills, Zale and Meru retreated to the cafeteria. "You really don't have to spend your lunch break with me, you know. If yesterday bothered you, you can take your time," Zale said, feeling guilty.

Meru gave him a quizzical look as if he'd spoken another language. "Huh? Isn't this normal? We always have lunch together," she said, yet tears continued to stream down her cheeks.

"Why am I crying, though…"

She set her fork down, clenching her jaw as she started sniffling. "I guess I just didn't realize how much I missed this. I took all these small moments for granted like they were obviously going to continue forever," she said, smiling at Zale before wiping the tears.

Zale felt his own happiness and relief mix with his fear and doubts. He kept them in check. "I know how you feel. I won't take these moments for granted ever again," he said, resting a hand on her knee.

They relished each other's company in silent love for the remainder of lunch. When lunch ended, and Meru returned to work, Zale still had two hours before he was expected at the garage for gearing up and briefing.

He abused the admin building's lounge for its comfy couches and chose a quiet spot. Confident that no one else could see his work, he pulled out 'Mana' and began his research again.