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It was rare to catch the Brigadier General at a moment like this.
When Isurugi opened the door to Mcgillis’s office, he was not expecting to see the man eyes closed, quietly dozing off on his chair. His head is slightly leaning to the side, a few strands of his golden locks falling softly over his forehead. With the last bit of sunlight before the arrival of sunset gently pouring over his figure, McGillis Fareed looked unbelievably serene at this second.
Without even fully registering what he was witnessing, Isurugi stood frozen by the door, afraid that even his breathing may disrupt the general’s nap. It must be the constant travel between Earth and Mars, he could see it on the man’s face that he was not immune to fatigue just like anyone else.
Of course, under normal circumstances he would have knocked the door before entering the Brigadier General’s office, but due to the increased amount of workload fell over their shoulders since the past week, his visits in here became rather frequent. Finally, McGillis told him it was fine for him to come in without knocking. Isurugi couldn’t help but to be glad that had happened, or else he would have wakened up McGillis by now.
Closing the door behind him as quietly as possible, Isurugi felt an odd sense of satisfaction that shouldn’t exist in the first place. He knew better than to possess that kind of feeling for his superior. Logically, it was obvious that as McGillis’s assistant, he should simply return later in the hour, by that time the man would most likely to be awake. Instead, he found himself quietly approaching the blond until he was at his desk.
His gloved hand is still wrapped around the ink pen. Isurugi was both dismay and impressed by how hard he worked. Even since he began working for him, Isurugi had never seen McGillis displaying the slightest hint of doubt. It astonished him day and night how McGillis’s confidence never falters; he never stopped reaching. His gaze was always set on the horizon, a goal that may be too far away for Isurugi to see or experience for himself. Nevertheless, Isurugi had no complaints being merely the foundation of McGillis’s dreams.
At times, he wondered what those beautiful emerald eyes had seen in the past for McGillis to become the man he was today. A good servant knew better than to pry into his superior’s personal affairs, and he had no desire to intrude his privacy. He wondered only because of how rare it was to find someone like him within Gjallarhorn. Before being selected as McGillis’s assistant, Isurugi had seen how men crumbled in front of the sweet temptation of corruption. For many years of his year, he thought that it was impossible to rid the world of such injustices. However, the man had convinced him to believe in him. To have this kind of self-discipline and determination, McGillis was different from anyone he had met.
He thought of the day where the general’s ideals will become reality. It is both exhilarating and to a certain degree, worrying. He was well aware that there will be bloodshed to come and he did not fear his death. He already made up his mind to devote everything he had to McGillis’s cause. The root of his sentiment revolves the same man who invited him to join his fight.
He did not mind not being able to live in the world built by him. His only concern was the future of McGillis Fareed after that goal is achieved. A man who spent his entire life chasing after a dream that seemed unattainable to most, a man who spent his every waking minute planning his next step, what would he do when everything he ever wanted was within his grip?
Would he be happy?
He couldn’t recall seeing McGillis showing genuine happiness, despite being his direct subordinate and the constant exchange they had due to their job. The general had always kept his emotions suppressed, distancing himself away from others. Right now was not the time to fear for such trivial matter, he supposed, but he must admit, the thought had always resided at the back of his mind.
When everything was over, where would he go? He wanted to see McGillis’s expression when this war was finally over. His eyes would shine brighter than he had ever seen. He wanted to remember McGillis’s most victorious smile when he finally gets what he wanted all along.
As gently as possible, Isurugi removed the pen from McGillis’s hand, relieved that he did not wake up the general in the process. He wasn’t sure if it was out of line for him to think this way, but he wished times like this could last a little longer. With a man like McGillis Fareed, he was constantly more worried about him overworking rather than not working enough. Obviously, they were at a crucial point in their reform of Gjallarhorn and they couldn’t afford any missteps against Rustal Elion. But some relaxation once in a while, he believed, could only benefit the health of McGillis.
McGillis Fareed. Isurugi muttered his name inaudibly, savoring the way the syllables danced against his tongue. He was accustomed to address him by the title of Brigadier General, calling his name aloud felt out of place and inappropriate. He did not mind the formalities between him and McGillis. There were clearly boundaries set in place. Rather, he preferred it that way. Sentimental bonds had never been part of what McGillis wanted, at least not for now. Therefore, there was no reason for him to desire such things either.
What he sought was something more concrete. Something that was tangible. In this fleeting moment, Isurugi yearned for the ability to block out all the dissonance in the world for McGillis Fareed. In an era where voices of doubt constantly surrounded them, he would crush them before they could even reach the man’s ears.
The general would not hesitate. He only needed to look forward.
Delicately, he placed the pen on the desk before turning his heels and walking towards the door. He would return again, after the general had gotten his rest……
“......Isurugi?” The voice behind him nearly startled him. He turned around to a set of emerald eyes settling on him, and for a second he had forgotten to breathe. McGillis blinked a few times before sitting up straight again, and within a fraction of a second the remaining tiredness slipped away like a shadow; his usual composure was quickly returning to his face. “It seems like I have fallen asleep. You should have wakened me.”
“I beg your pardon, general.” Isurugi bowed, quietly wishing that he had made his exit sooner so this awkward situation could have been avoided all together. Thankfully, McGillis didn’t seem to mind. He took a quick glance at the documents on his desk before gathering them up into a pile. “We have accomplished a lot today, Isurugi. I don’t think it would be unwise to continue our work tomorrow.” Before Isurugi had time to respond, McGillis threw him another surprise.
“I am happy with the progress we have made so far, much thanks to your efforts and hard work. Could I entertain you with the idea of having dinner at my residence?”
Isurugi couldn’t speak. McGillis rested his chin against the back of his hand, waiting for his answer patiently. His lips were curving into a smile that was almost teasing in nature. Beneath the sunlight, he could see the way his eyelashes flutter.
He really couldn’t tell what this man was thinking after all. Isurugi was thankful for his ability to maintain a blank face in most situations. He lowered his gaze and placed his palm over his chest faithfully.
“The honor would be mine, Brigadier General.”