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It was getting to be the time of Yattaran’s birthday.
In fact, today was the day of Yattaran’s birthday.
How Harlock remembered, would have been a mystery to everyone. Considering how many people he has for his crew upon the Arcadia, it was impressive the man remembered anyones birthdays in the first place.
Just another benefit to being part of the Arcadia and her unofficial family.
So, what was a Captain like Harlock to do for a gift? As if he had time to scrounge around on any planet for gifts when they were fighting the Mazone, Gaia Sanction...
Well, surprisingly. He’d found a model kit.
Dusted as all hell, but in good condition.
He couldn’t make out the words on it but he’d checked the interior and it was for a spaceship.
If he’d guessed the parts were for weaponry and engines, at least.
He’d also made sure Yattaran was having down time today, away from the troubles of the bridge or questions from Tadashi.
Waiting as he knocked on the door to Yattaran’s quarters.
Why was he nervous?
Probably fear for having potentially gotten his crew member something he already had as a model.
“Enter!”
A soft smile played on his lips, mainly to force his own nerves down as he entered the threshold of the others model lair after the door opened, the gift behind his back.
“Ah! Captain! I wasn’t expecting you!”
How Yattaran worked in a mess like this amazed him. The amount of boxes within the room was stunning. Almost as stunning as the models strewn about in different areas of the room. Most in shelves, they were certainly laid out from the largest of battleships to the smallest of fighters.
With at least three were being worked on at the desk with a light beaming down on the fighter in Yattaran’s hands. “It’s fine, Yattaran don’t worry... What are you working on now?”
“Just a Space Wolf, Cap!” His attention drawn back to the fighter, tongue stuck out a little as he placed one wing into position and carefully sealed it. Then carefully set it down before looking at Harlock with a smile. “Anything I can do for you, Cap? Oh! I got it! Some brandy!”
“No, Yattaran-”
“I’ll get it! You need a gift for all you do for us! Time someone pays you back even a little bit!”
And there went Yattaran, to a cabinet somehow not cluttered with models of starships. Instead, cluttered with alcohol of various types.
So it was going to be like that, an exchange of gifts without much of Harlock’s input to stop Yattaran from going through with the idea.
A sigh, now painfully aware of the model kit hidden behind his back... Maybe he should take this brandy, just to forget the embarrassment he’s probably going to feel after handing the kit over. After all, the chances were high that the other already had it built.
Though a quick scan over the various areas didn’t suggest it was already built...
“Here you are, Cap! The finest I got!”
Oh he was quite familiar with this type of brandy. He had plenty stored in his own quarters in fact. He removed one hand from behind his back to take it, looking over it approvingly. Oh he was going to take his time drinking this one... “Thank you, Yattaran...” He almost forgot what he was here for! “Here, for your birthday I got you something too.”
“Eh?! Captain? For me?”
“Well... To be honest I more stumbled upon it... But here. Happy birthday, Yattaran.”
“Captain...” The words were stolen right from Yattaran’s mouth as he took the kit, gently as if the harshest touch would have destroyed it. “You didn’t have to Captain.”
“Well, you’re part of the Arcadia. I had to get you some-”
“WOAH! Captain this is the Space Battleship Yamato! This is such a rare model! And it’s all intact! Oh this is incredible...”
“The Yamato..?”
“Older than the Arcadia I believe! Saved Earth against the Gamilans, fought against the Gatlantians... The history on her is incredible!”
“You know, I served with her once.”
And now the eyes that sparkled over the model of the Yamato moved to sparkle at Harlock. “Eh?! Really? How are you so old yet look so young!?”
“I believe that’s a story for another time... Have a good birthday, Yattaran. Stay safe.”
“I will, Captain... Thank you, you’ve made my day- no! My year.”
“I’m glad to hear it, Yattaran.” With that, Harlock turned the cape fluttering and making his leave much more dramatic than necessary...
But seeing one of his crew so happy over a model kit like that? He’d do it all again.
It was probably one of the only things he enjoyed on this ship.